Manager/counsel - Business & Legal Affairs, Original Series (us Studio Partnerships)

Netflix Netflix · Big Tech · Los Angeles, CA +1 · Legal

Manager/Counsel role in Business & Legal Affairs for Netflix's US original series with third-party studio partners. Focuses on drafting and negotiating licensing and co-production agreements, advising on deal terms, overseeing projects from development to exhibition, and collaborating with internal and external partners. Requires a JD, bar membership, and at least 7 years of relevant experience in scripted series production, licensing, or co-production.

What you'd actually do

  1. Drafting and negotiating licensing and co-production agreements for scripted original series handled by the team;
  2. Strategically advising studio partners and producers on Netflix’s preference and requirements around deal terms - including on above-the-line talent deals (e.g., writer, showrunner, actors), complex rights deals, etc. - while understanding and taking into consideration Netflix’s approach on its own studio projects;
  3. Overseeing projects throughout all stages from development through post-production and exhibition on Netflix’s global streaming service from a business and legal standpoint, with the ability to navigate complex matters that arise during the production lifecycle;
  4. Collaborating closely with internal business partners (e.g., the content team and other business affairs and legal affairs executives) and cross-functional partners (e.g., production, finance, intellectual property, employment, labor, tax, marketing, consumer products and brand partnerships); and
  5. Developing and maintaining strategic relationships with external parties (e.g., business and legal affairs execs at partner studios, talent representatives, etc.).

Skills

Required

  • BA/BS, JD, and bar membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
  • At least 7 years of on-point experience in the scripted series production and/or licensing/co-production space, in a legal-focused and/or combined business affairs/legal affairs role.
  • Prior direct experience drafting rights agreements, licensing and/or co-production agreements, and other similar agreements is required.
  • A firm grasp of all aspects of the development, production, and distribution of scripted television, including robust industry knowledge and relationships.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and drafting skills.
  • Clear and concise communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical capabilities and judgment, even when the rules are unclear and the issues are of first impression, and an ability to prioritize issues in terms of business impact.
  • Ability to distill important points and frame and present issues succinctly.
  • Ability to work proactively, independently and reliably under tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to pivot quickly and fluidly, think practically and be solution-oriented.
  • Curiosity and willingness to tackle matters outside their area of expertise.

Nice to have

  • Experience at another SVOD platform and/or at a studio dealing with SVOD network partners is strongly preferred.

What the JD emphasized

  • At least 7 years of on-point experience in the scripted series production and/or licensing/co-production space, in a legal-focused and/or combined business affairs/legal affairs role.
  • Prior direct experience drafting rights agreements, licensing and/or co-production agreements, and other similar agreements is required.