Associate Principal Counsel, Distribution
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At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, direct-to-consumer streaming services, products, parks and experiences, and our television shows and networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.
The Distribution Legal group negotiates and provides legal counsel for the distribution of The Walt Disney Company’s world-class feature films, television content, and online direct-to-consumer offerings. We represent Disney’s expansive portfolio of brands from the Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Twentieth Century Studios, and Searchlight), television entertainment, sports, and news (including ABC Entertainment, ESPN, ABC News, Disney Channel/Disney Junior/Disney XD, FX Networks, National Geographic Channel, and Freeform), and our innovative direct-to-consumer offerings (including Disney+, ESPN+, STAR+, and ABC News Live). The role is for the legal team supporting Disney Platform Distribution, which is part of the Disney Entertainment division.
This team is the legal hub for Disney content distribution on a global scale, including theatrical distribution, television network distribution, over-the-top distribution of direct-to-consumer offerings via video streaming platforms, physical home video, electronic home video (“EHV”), transactional video-on-demand (“TVOD”), subscription video-on-demand (“SVOD”), ad-supported video-on-demand (“AVOD”), and linear television. The group also advises business executives on distribution technology matters, related legal and policy matters, and handles content protection.
Summary
The Distribution Legal group is seeking an inquisitive Attorney to work in a fast-paced environment on innovative, high-profile, industry-leading content distribution matters for Disney Platform Distribution, including Internet and television distribution of Disney’s portfolio of motion picture and television titles on a linear (free, basic, pay), SVOD, FVOD, FAST, and direct to consumer basis. We’re looking for a bright, energetic, self-motivated, and reliable person who can work closely with other senior attorneys, and with other internal groups, and will exercise the highest level of ethics and discretion.
Job Responsibilities
- Draft, negotiate, and close distribution agreements with third party distribution licensees in the U.S. and Canada across a wide variety of traditional and new platforms and business models, including broadcast syndication, basic cable, pay television, and digital OTT platforms such as SVOD, FAST, and ad supported FVOD.
- Negotiate and close agreements for the acquisition of motion picture and television content to support the strategic distribution activities of Disney Platform Distribution on a global basis.
- Advice and counsel to business and legal personnel regarding distribution issues and analysis of contractual provisions. Where necessary, interface with and seek advice from other legal teams within TWDC, including intellectual property, litigation, tax, anti-trust, etc.
- Ongoing oversight of legacy agreements, including legal issues related to distribution relationships, e.g., MFN compliance.
- Work independently and manage negotiations with minimal supervision while ensuring Company’s policies, procedures, intellectual property rights, and other key concepts are properly addressed.
Basic Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of legal experience.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be team-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a solution-oriented approach to legal issues.
- Self-motivated, with outstanding interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate complex concepts and issues effectively with colleagues, counterparts, and management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefer some prior exposure to copyright law, intellectual property licenses, acquisitions, and internet and mobile platforms.
- Prefer experience drafting and negotiating distribution agreements for motion picture and television titles, including on both traditional broadcast/cable and digital OTT platforms, or other studio experience.
Education
- JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
- Admission to California State Bar in good standing or, willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.
The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $169,500.00 to $219,200.00 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.
About The Walt Disney Company (Corporate):
At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp., which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).
TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
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