Counsel, Legal Affairs - Television Animation

The Counsel for Television Animation (TVA) will work in a collaborative fashion with other departmental members and members of related departments, including Business Affairs, Creative, Production, Production Finance, Programming, Marketing, Brand Management, Publishing and Digital Media, reporting to a Principal Counsel, Legal Affairs.  The position will have day-to-day responsibilities in connection with the development and production of animated television and multi-platform projects for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney+ as well as on-line platforms.  Such duties will include negotiating, managing, and advising on deals, drafting of contracts relating to the development and production of animation content and related studio activities, advising on employment law, advising on rights and legal clearance, and analyzing intellectual property and other related issues.

Job Responsibilities

• Meet with business affairs, creative, production and finance executives to collaborate on deal structuring, contractual language, and to advise regarding labor and related issues.
• Negotiate, draft, and finalize various contracts, including agreements for writers, voice talent, directors, independent contractors, production services, vendor agreements, rights acquisition, etc.
• Successfully liaise with talent representatives.
• Review, research, and advise on intellectual property issues and clearance related to content.
• Work with third party production companies with respect to legal matters on assigned productions; and
• Work with business partners and legal colleagues throughout the company to advise and document as necessary with respect to exploitation of TVA content outside of television exhibition.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of combined experience in a law firm and/or network/studio
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiating and drafting skills.
• Excellent creative problem-solving abilities.
• 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 ability to work independently and to contribute positively as a collaborative member of a team, with a strong commitment to learning and excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with respect to guild and union agreements, contract law, first amendment issues, and/or intellectual property law (including defamation, right of publicity, parody).
•  Prior production and/or distribution experience (particularly animation) , or other entertainment, media experience a plus.

• Related experience in entertainment-related field, with emphasis on contracts, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property law.
• Experience in employment law, including wrongful termination and wage and hour issues.

Education:

• JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a State Bar in good standing or, willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $139,910 to $181,060 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 with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. 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.