Warner Bros. Discovery

This position is for a legal affairs attorney who is responsible for independently handling the drafting and negotiation of legal terms for a variety of production and licensing agreements for the development, production and distribution of documentary and non-scripted reality television programming, as well as the drafting of agreements for on camera talent (e.g., hosts, experts, narrators, families, celebrities, etc.). for WBD’s cable television networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and Discovery Channel.. Assume independent responsibility for project/deal negotiations and drafting of contracts for developing, producing, financing, and/or acquiring television programming for many cable television networks.. Assume independent responsibility for preparation of contracts for a variety of talent deals including ad sales talent integration deals, brand influencer deals, licensing deals, event releases, and overall services agreements with business and legal terms including exploitation and promotional rights, exclusivity, options, endorsement services, and all other applicable talent deal terms customary to the entertainment industry.. JD degree from an accredited law school required.

counsel

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are…
When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Your New Role
This position is for a legal affairs attorney who is responsible for independently handling the drafting and negotiation of legal terms for a variety of production and licensing agreements for the development, production and distribution of documentary and non-scripted reality television programming, as well as the drafting of agreements for on camera talent (e.g., hosts, experts, narrators, families, celebrities, etc.) for WBD’s cable television networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and Discovery Channel. This position is also responsible for the drafting and negotiation of contracts for digital, branded entertainment and podcast content and will also handle title clearances, drafting and reviewing various production related releases, as well as other pre-publication responsibilities such as providing advice to internal and external parties on content related legal issues. This position works closely with WBD’s cable networks’ Business Affairs teams.
Your Role Accountabilities
Assume independent responsibility for project/deal negotiations and drafting of contracts for developing, producing, financing, and/or acquiring television programming for many cable television networks. Negotiate legal terms with producer’s lawyers and/or agents or other representatives, including standard terms and conditions, back-end participation and ancillary deal components such as the licensing and granting of rights. Work with internal Business Affairs, Production Management, network and finance teams to complete and execute contract drafts. Assume accountability for deals under tight timelines while acquiring appropriate rights within budgetary parameters. Manage business practices and internal workflow process in concert with network editorial/creative and production management teams.
Assume independent responsibility for preparation of contracts for a variety of talent deals including ad sales talent integration deals, brand influencer deals, licensing deals, event releases, and overall services agreements with business and legal terms including exploitation and promotional rights, exclusivity, options, endorsement services, and all other applicable talent deal terms customary to the entertainment industry.
Review title clearance submissions for program titles for all networks.
Review and draft ancillary production-related documents such as access agreements, format licenses, participant releases, and consultant agreements.
Draft and negotiate agreements related to digital, branded entertainment and podcast content
Research rights inquiries and information as needed
Qualifications & Experience
At least four (4) years of experience working in-house in the business affairs or legal department of an entertainment company or within the entertainment/media practice of a law firm. Preferred experience with a cable or broadcast television network, studio, or production company.
Experience should include drafting production related agreements and handling production legal work.
Undergraduate degree required.
JD degree from an accredited law school required.
Admission to State Bar in good standing
Active member to United States Bar in good standing
Demonstrated knowledge of transactional (e.g. drafting) work related to television programming and talent agreements.
Demonstrated knowledge of defamation, privacy, and copyright laws and the applicability to media content.
Excellent writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
Creative, business-friendly approach to problem solving and the ability to provide high-quality legal support in a fast-paced environment are vital.
Relationships with entertainment attorneys, talent agents, talent managers and talent publicists along with a working knowledge of union and guild issues a plus.
Applicants must be industrious and self-motivated with demonstrated ability to take initiative, make firm decisions, manage projects, and offer a high level of customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills and ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
Excellent business and legal judgment.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and other software applications required.
Must have the legal right to work in the United States
How We Get Things Done…
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you’re a qualified candidate and you require adjustments or accommodations to search for a job opening or apply for a position, please contact us at recruitadmin@wbd.com.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $126,350.00 - $234,650.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

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