Description

Every great story has a new beginning, and yours starts here.

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…

The Team is principally tasked with production legal work on theatrical feature films being produced in the UK and Europe for Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and DC Studios. The Team works closely with the Feature Film Legal Department in Burbank and production executives based at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (Barbie, The Meg 2, Wonka, Fantastic Beasts, The Flash, Acquaman 2 ...).

Your Role Accountabilities…

UK-based film productions and co-productions.
• Negotiating and drafting all forms of UK film production agreements (e.g., Actors, Directors, Writers, Producers, Composers, Heads of Department, certain Crew, locations, chain-of-title, etc.); negotiating terms with Lawyers/Agents representing individuals being contracted; contract management of the same.
• Advising Producers and Casting Directors as to how best to structure talent deals within parameters relevant to that film and applicable union agreements. Negotiating/concluding talent deals.
• Reviewing proposed deal terms for senior Heads of Department and advising production executives at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden as to any issues arising.
• Advising film production Managers, Accountants, etc., on various production issues including interpretation of relevant union agreements and applicable national/state legislation.
• Negotiating/drafting sundry commercial agreements that are required when a film is produced.
• Reviewing eligibility for Certificates of Sponsorship and UK visas for non-UK personnel working in UK; advising film production Managers as to the rules and their interpretation; processing applications for Certificates of Sponsorship and instructing immigration advisors.
• Updating precedent forms.

Production work outside UK
• Selecting, supervising and guiding foreign outside counsel in connection with any production work taking place outside UK. Carrying out “due diligence” regarding all pertinent legal and related matters, including employment law, property law, IP law, tax, immigration, child labour laws.
• Reviewing local forms of agreements and other documents to ensure compatibility with Warner Bros. Discovery legal policies and requirements.
• Preparing and reviewing any legal documentation in connection with applications for local rebates/funding incentives.
• Conducting required due diligence (in accordance with Warner Bros. Discovery policies) as to criteria relating to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act.

Additional areas of work
• Negotiating documents for acquisition of film rights from authors etc.
• Advising Warner Bros. Burbank as to any necessary clearances under historic UK union agreements.
• Legal Briefings: Updating WBD executives with the implications of new UK legislative and case law changes.
• Litigation: Collaborating with other WBD lawyers and outside counsel regarding litigation matters in connection with or related to UK and European film production work.
• Instructing outside counsel where appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience…
• Qualified Lawyer
• Minimum 5 years PQE working in film or television drama production.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities and judgment.
• Ability to work proactively, independently, and reliably under tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively cross-functionally, think practically and be solution-oriented.

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.

The Legal Bits…

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, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you need a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact us at [email protected].