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Company Description
Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, delivers award-winning content to millions across the globe. Based in London, the business' in-house production labels include Carnival Films, creator of worldwide phenomenon "Downton Abbey" and hit drama "The Last Kingdom"; Monkey Kingdom, producer of BAFTA-winning "Made in Chelsea", "The Real Housewives of Cheshire" and "Don't Hate the Playaz"; Australian-based Matchbox Pictures, producer of critically acclaimed series "The Real Housewives of Melbourne", "Safe Harbour", "Stateless" and "Clickbait"; Working Title Television, producer of "Tales of the City", BAFTA-winning "We Are Lady Parts" and hit series "Everything I Know About Love"; and Heyday Television, producer of award-winning series "The Long Song", "The Capture" and "Clickbait", plus the upcoming adaptation of "Apples Never Fall". The studio also backs Tony Ayres Productions (TAP), the company also behind "Clickbait" and anthology series "Fires"; and owns an equity stake in Lark Productions ("The Glass Hotel") in Canada. The studio houses a London and LA-based scripted unit that develops and produces original series such as the Emmy-nominated television adaptation "Hanna" and BBC family adventure drama "Dodger", as well as hit shows such as "Transplant" (Sphere Media/CTV/NBC) and the cyber-thriller "The Undeclared War" (Playground Entertainment/Channel 4/Peacock).
At Universal International Studios, we are focused on our commitment to a more ambitious and inclusive future. Our company values play a huge part in this commitment and the culture of our company.
We're Ambitious For our Future, We're In This Together, We're Actively Inclusive.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and we'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our recruitment team who will be happy to support you. Accessibility Statement | NBCUnicareers
Job Description
The VP of Business Affairs and Legal Affairs will be primarily responsible for development and production related agreements as well as legal advice in connection with scripted television programming across the Universal International Studios division with a focus on work for Universal International Studios itself as well as support to prodcos within the group as needed including Heyday Television, Carnival Films, and Working Title Television.
RESPONSIBILITIES
To include the following in full communication and collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders and departments:
- Negotiate and paper all aspects of scripted programming deals with talent agents and lawyers in the UK, US and internationally (including profit participation, rights agreements, and overall/first look deals).
- Interface with the following departments on a day-to-day basis: creative, casting, production, publicity, finance, ad sales, music, and marketing.
- Review budgets and other financial data associated with the development and production of scripted programming, ensuring that each production has finalised arrangements and documentation in connection with its structure and financing including internal production services, licensing agreements, and third-party production services agreements.
- Negotiate and paper licensing and financing arrangements including commissioning arrangements with networks and platforms and co-production/financing arrangements with third-party production companies.
- Serve as production lawyer in lead role to ensure compliance with all development and production templates and processes, and to manage legal/compliance risks.
- Lead advisory role with respect to underlying rights issues.
- Advise on a variety of matters relating to talent unions, applicable guild provisions, royalties, and residuals.
Responsibilities are not limited to the above description and may be modified at any time by the Company.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in television business and legal affairs at a senior level
- Deep understanding of entertainment law, copyright, trademark, and media law.
- In depth understanding of UK guilds as well as a working knowledge of US guilds and US deal issues
- Demonstrated experience to perform at a high level as a team player and leader
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced in house environment
- Superior organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise work
- Demonstrated ability to execute and follow through
- Demonstrated initiative, self-starter and accountable
- Has a holistic approach so that full consideration is always given to the range of issues and stakeholders which need to be taken into account as well as the wider strategy of the group
- Has an in depth understanding of the key commercial elements across a range of TV deals and structures
- Prepared to work flexibly with stakeholders in the UK and the US and with other international partners
- Dedication to team collaboration with an enthusiasm for the TV industry
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].
