Counsel, Disney Television Animation

Disney Television Animation (“TVA”), the production studio responsible for creating animated content across Disney’s linear networks and digital platforms such as Disney+, is looking for an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel, as part of the Legal Affairs team. Counsel for TVA will work in a collaborative fashion with other departmental members and members of related departments, including Business Affairs, Creative, Production, Casting, Production Finance, Programming, Marketing, Brand Management, Publishing and Digital Media, and will report to a Principal Counsel, Legal Affairs. 

The position will have day-to-day responsibilities in connection with the development and production of animated television, TV movies, and multi-platform projects for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney+ as well as on-line platforms.  Such duties will include negotiating, managing, and advising on deals, drafting of contracts relating to the development and production of animation content and related studio activities, advising on employment law, advising on rights and legal clearance, and analyzing intellectual property and other related issues. The position will also entail responsibilities as legal counsel in connection with animated 3rd party productions for Disney networks/platforms.

Job Responsibilities

• Meet with business affairs, creative, production and finance executives to collaborate on deal structuring and contractual language, and to advise regarding rights, labor, and all other issues related to development and production of animated content;
• Negotiate, draft, and finalize various contracts, including agreements for writers, producers, voice talent, directors, production services, vendor agreements, rights acquisition, etc.;
• Successfully liaise with talent representatives;
• Review, research, and advise on intellectual property issues and clearance related to content;
• Oversee the work of administrative staff and paralegals in connection with clearance, casting, and other production legal matters;
• Work with third party production companies with respect to legal matters on assigned productions;
• Consult and work with legal colleagues throughout The Walt Disney Company on production matters relating to IP, Tax, Labor, Employment, Compliance, etc., and with outside counsel as needed; and
• Work with business partners and legal colleagues throughout The Walt Disney Company to advise and document as necessary with respect to exploitation of TVA content outside of television exhibition.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of combined experience in a law firm and/or network/studio
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiating and drafting skills.
• Excellent creative problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and time management skills with the ability to execute against multiple, high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong ability to work independently and to contribute positively as a collaborative member of a team, with a strong commitment to learning and excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with respect to guild and union agreements, contract law, first amendment issues, and/or intellectual property law (including defamation, right of publicity, parody).
•  Prior production and/or distribution experience (particularly animation), or other entertainment, media experience a plus.
• Relevant experience in entertainment-related field, with emphasis on contracts, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property law.
• Experience in employment law, including wrongful termination and wage and hour issues.

Education:

• JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a State Bar in good standing or, willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

The hiring range for this position in California is $142,200.00 to $183,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.