Counsel, Animation

The Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Legal department is seeking a production attorney to support Sony Pictures Animation (SPA).  This position entails the drafting and negotiating of contracts in connection with the development, production and distribution of animated motion picture and television series, including term and employee agreements, working closely with senior business executives and outside counsel.  

Responsibilities 

• Draft and negotiate above-the-line agreements including directors, writers, and voice talent for features, streaming and television series 

• Draft and negotiate below the line agreements including consultants, artists and independent contractors, and other key crew, as well as other production related agreements 

• Interact with business affairs, contract administration, finance and other internal groups  

• Work on legal issues that arise in connection with motion picture and television series development and production, including clearances, labor, employment, and tax issues 

• Review chain of title documents, prepare chain of title documentation, and identify rights issues  

• Other matters as needed at the direction of the department’s Senior Vice President 

Qualifications 

• 2+ years relevant production legal experience with a studio or entertainment law firm 

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and organizational skills; experience drafting and negotiating all manner of contracts for development and production deals 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal 

• Professional individual who can build strong relationships, both internally and externally, and is able to comfortably interact with employees at all levels  

• Meaningful understanding of employment and union issues 

• Knowledge of contract law and legal issues specific to entertainment law (e.g., production and intellectual property issues) 

• Capacity to review agreements, trouble-spot legal issues, and comprehend language change requests  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to learn, apply, and understand Company policies and procedures  

• Member in good standing of the California Bar  

Desired Qualities 

• Talent for research and the initiative to analyze legal questions to present potential solutions 

• Proactively identify, prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively  

• Experience working in animation a plus 

• Knowledge of production pipeline 

Additional Notes: 

• This position is currently a hybrid work environment with both in-office and remote workdays, it is not a fully remote position 

• Candidate must be comfortable around a service dog