Job Summary:
This person will be an integral team member of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products’ (DPEP) Business Affairs Department. The person will have day-to-day responsibilities for structuring, negotiating, managing and advising on deals to acquire literary IP with the specific intention to develop into live action and/or animated content within the Walt Disney Company for media distribution. This person is expected to work in a highly collaborative fashion with the Content Packaging team within Disney Publishing Worldwide and members of DPEP’s creative, marketing, production, legal, finance, and franchise management groups.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee literary acquisitions targeted by the Content Packaging team for global television, film, streaming, audio, podcast, merchandising and other ancillary development.
- Structure and negotiate deals with authors and agents for literary works on behalf of Disney Publishing Worldwide and manage the process to transition the works to screen and beyond with The Walt Disney Company’s internal entertainment partners.
- Lead complex negotiations to successfully position Disney Publishing Worldwide as a content incubation partner inside the Walt Disney Company, including pursuing and justifying new precedent, and providing input on timing and scope of projects.
- Provide intellectual property (primarily copyright) and other rights-related guidance to the Content Packaging team with respect to developing new IP.
- Establish and maintain internal and external client relationships with regular, effective, and timely communications concerning deal negotiation and business strategy.
- Collaborate with Legal Affairs to execute long-form agreements on a timely basis.
- Track contractual options for properties, talent, payments and create and distribute executive deal summaries.
- Follow “best practices” and contribute toward improving deal parameters, deal memo templates, departmental process and procedures as well as contribute to creative problem solving on deals and projects.
Basic Qualifications:
- 3+ years or more of on point television, film or new media business affairs or legal affairs experience
- General knowledge about the process of content acquisition (including related negotiations), greenlighting, development, and film and TV adaptations of literary works, and screen credits
- Expertise with respect to contracts and copyright law
- Exceptional negotiating skills, strong drafting abilities, first class communication skills (written and verbal) and creative problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently
- 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 interpersonal skills, analytical skills and verbal and writing skills (discussion, analysis, succinctly summarizing key issues
Preferred Education
- JD or equivalent
- Strong academic credentials
- Admission to California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel
About Disney Publishing Worldwide:
Disney Publishing Worldwide helps bring our Company’s stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games.The business is home to world-class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations and bring the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world.
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 with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. 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 Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, Inc., which is part of a business segment we call Disney Publishing Worldwide.
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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.
