Description:
We're seeking a Counsel, Production Contracts for CBS Studios. This is a hybrid position with the flexibility of working partly in the Hollywood/Los Angeles office (currently two days per week are required) and from home on the other days.This position will support domestic and international television pilots and series produced by or on behalf of CBS Studios in a busy, fast-paced legal department by independently drafting and negotiating below-the-line production-related agreements and advising regarding legal issues.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Serving as the primary below-the-line legal contact for production personnel and matters;
- Drafting and negotiating services agreements for line producers/unit production managers, casting directors, directors of photography, costume designers, production designers, editors and consultants;
- Drafting and negotiating location agreements, visual/special effects agreements, stage and production office lease agreements, vendor agreements, aircraft rental agreements, watercraft vessel agreements and equipment lease agreements;
- Drafting and negotiating product integration agreements for products used as props and/or set dressing;
- Drafting and negotiating clip license agreements;
- Drafting cease and desist letters;
- Drafting and preparing chain-of-title letters, production service agreements, affidavits and copyright assignment agreements in connection with tax credit applications;
- Drafting responses to legal claims;
- Responding to unsolicited submissions; and
- Advising productions, other members of the legal department and other CBS departments regarding contract issues, intellectual property issues, risk management, CBS policies and procedures and guild requirements.
Basic Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor, along with strong academic credentials.
- 4+ years of experience, including at least 2 years drafting and negotiating contracts, preferably in an entertainment production context.
- Excellent drafting skills and the ability to work quickly, independently, and accurately.
Additional Qualifications:
- Ability to act with diplomacy and good legal judgment to meet time sensitive demands; multi-tasking and prioritization are essential.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to form strong working relationships with production members, other department members and members of Business Affairs.
- Experience working at a studio, network or other entertainment company, especially in scripted television production, and experience with intellectual property and guild issues are pluses.
- Some knowledge of, and a passion for, television production and the broader entertainment industry strongly preferred.