Black Bear, one of the world’s leading independent film and TV studios, is looking for a seasoned Business Affairs executive to join its Los Angeles, CA office. The studio behind such commercial and critical hits as The Imitation Game, NYAD, Immaculate, I Care A Lot, Mudbound, and more, Black Bear is seeking a candidate with intricate knowledge of development, production and finance, an interest in wearing many hats, an attention to detail, a team player and a drive to deliver.
Responsibilities
- Main point of contact for all legal and business affairs at Black Bear, reporting to Black Bear’s CEO and President of Production & Operations.
- Negotiate and draft various agreements, including but not limited to: option/purchase agreements, shopping agreements, above-the-line talent agreements, production financing term sheets and long form agreements, and US distribution agreements for the company’s growing slate.
- In concert with Black Bear's President of Production, oversee outside counsel on the brass tacks of production legal.
- Work with collection agents to put in place CAMAs, liaise with applicable guilds on all relevant documentation, and oversee the creation of company's single-purpose production entities and relevant organizational documents.
- Negotiate and draft internal employment agreements, and manage any legal issues arising from same. As applicable, review and advise on any employment and/or incentive packages for senior members of Black Bear's portfolio companies.
- Oversee outside counsel on corporate matters, including but not limited to M&A and new business initiatives.
- As needed, review on behalf of Black Bear's managers any booking contracts to address internal questions or concerns related to contracted business terms, bookings or billing for our management clients.
- Liaise closely with Black Bear's portfolio companies, and communicate effectively internally with creative teams, physical production, managers, and finance.
- Perform other day-to-day business affairs-related and legal as needed and assigned.
Requirements/Qualifications
- Minimum 8 years proven experience practicing law in the entertainment industry with a highly keen understanding of the nuances of independent film development, production and finance.
- Effective negotiating ability, excellent drafting skills, strong business judgment, and unquestioned ethics.
- Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple assignments, and meet key deadlines with attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- A team-driven mentality mixed with a self-motivated capability.
