Manager/Counsel - Business & Legal Affairs, Original Series (US Studio Partnerships)

Netflix•Los Angeles, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what’s next. The Opportunity Netflix seeks a Manager/Counsel to join the US Studio Partnerships Business & Legal Affairs team in a legal affairs-focused role in Los Angeles, CA. The US Studio Partnerships Business & Legal Affairs team is a crucial part of the UCAN Original Series BLA team, handling all business & legal affairs aspects of Netflix’s US original series that have a third-party studio partner involved (primarily licensed and co-production arrangements). The executives on this team manage a significant portion of the original series programming on Netflix’s US programming slate, and are required to be fast, nimble, detail-oriented dealmakers, with a sophisticated understanding of complex rights deals and an emphasis on finding creative solutions and maintaining positive working relationships with both internal and external partners. This is a hybrid business affairs and legal affairs team, with each executive responsible for both the business and legal aspects of the job (with the balance being skewed more heavily towards legal affairs for the Manager/Counsel roles on the team). This Manager/Counsel role will take on a wide-range of responsibilities within the team, including: Drafting and negotiating licensing and co-production agreements for scripted original series handled by the team; 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; 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; 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 Developing and maintaining strategic relationships with external parties (e.g., business and legal affairs execs at partner studios, talent representatives, etc.).

Requirements

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 Haves

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

Responsibilities

Drafting and negotiating licensing and co-production agreements for scripted original series handled by the team
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
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
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)
Developing and maintaining strategic relationships with external parties (e.g., business and legal affairs execs at partner studios, talent representatives, etc.)