Vice President, Legal Affairs

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a leading creator and distributor of entertainment products, services and technology. Our global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television production, programming and syndication, home video acquisitions and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in over 70 countries.

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Legal group has an opening for an attorney at the Vice President level.  The attorney will provide legal support to various divisions including Columbia, TriStar, Screen Gems and 3000 Pictures. This attorney will draft and negotiate contracts in concert with and under the direction of business affairs executives for all phases of development, production, and post-production of theatrical motion pictures. Experience with distribution agreements, including co-financing and negative pick-ups is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Review chain of title documents and opine on rights issues
• Draft and negotiate rights acquisition and writing contracts
• Independently handle all legal issues relating to motion picture production, including drafting and negotiating contracts for directors, producers, actors, heads of department, production services agreements, NDAs and VFX agreements
• Interface with business affairs, creative executives, production department, labor, risk management, credits and other studio departments
• Work with production paralegal to review, provide comments and negotiate license agreements, leases, location agreements and other production contracts in connection with motion picture production
• Act as a resource to develop junior attorneys

Requirements:

• J.D. required
• Minimum 10 years of legal theatrical development & production experience
• Knowledge of contract law and legal issues specific to entertainment law (production and intellectual property issues)
• Superlative communication and drafting skills
• Ability to review agreements and to trouble-spot legal issues
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, learn and understand SPE policies and parameters and exercise judgment based on experience
• Member in good standing of the California Bar

The anticipated base salary for this position is $260,000-$300,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPE_Accommodation_Assistance@spe.sony.com.