At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal and business affairs for a top TV production company, overseeing contracts and compliance.
- Company: Dynamic independent TV production company part of a major global group.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, exposure to high-profile projects, and a chance to shape the creative landscape.
- Why this job: Join a creative powerhouse and make a real impact in the world of TV production.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with media/TV production law experience and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a small team and work closely with senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS
FTC (9 MONTHS +), JANUARY 2026 START
LEADING TV PRODUCTION COMPANY
LONDON (HYBRID)
A leading independent TV production company, part of a major global group, is seeking a Head of Legal & Business Affairs to cover a maternity position for an initial 9-month contract, starting in January 2026.
You will oversee its legal, commercial, and compliance operations across a wide-ranging and high-profile slate of programming.
The company produces award-winning factual, scripted, and entertainment content for all major UK broadcasters, as well as global SVOD platforms, alongside a host of international broadcasters.
Its portfolio spans premium documentaries, hit scripted shows, and long-running unscripted formats enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
This is a senior and highly visible role within the business, working closely with the senior leadership team, external partners, and legal colleagues across the wider group. You will lead a small in-house legal team and advise across both production and corporate matters, providing strategic, commercial, and solutions-focused guidance in a fast-paced creative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drafting and negotiating commissioning, co-production, financing, and acquisition agreements with UK and international broadcasters and platforms
- Overseeing production contracts, including talent, rights, and access agreements
- Managing development deals such as option, format, and co-production agreements
- Advising on compliance, rights, and editorial risk (defamation, privacy, Ofcom, contempt)
- Overseeing exploitation and distribution of the company’s back catalogue
- Leading, mentoring, and managing the legal and business affairs function, including one direct report
About You:
- Qualified Solicitor (5+ PQE) with significant post-qualification experience in media/TV production law
- Strong track record in drafting and negotiating complex agreements within the TV/media sector (international contracting desirable)
- Experience across both unscripted and scripted production is ideal (but not essential and we can consider either/or)
- Skilled at balancing legal precision with commercial pragmatism
- Experienced manager with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confident, collaborative, and able to thrive under pressure with multiple deadlines
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced lawyer to play a pivotal role at the heart of a creative and ambitious production business, with exposure to world-class content and partnerships.
HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS, TV PRODUCTION, FTC employer: Kinsella Legal Limited
Contact Detail:
Kinsella Legal Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS, TV PRODUCTION, FTC
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to showcase your expertise in media and TV production law. Bring examples of your past work or even discuss recent trends in the industry. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in drafting and negotiating agreements. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few of your own ready to show your interest.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS, TV PRODUCTION, FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Legal & Business Affairs role. Highlight your experience in media/TV production law and any relevant agreements you've drafted or negotiated.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention your passion for TV production and how your background aligns with the company's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small legal team, be sure to highlight your management experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others and navigated complex legal challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinsella Legal Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on media and TV production law before the interview. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, key legal issues, and landmark cases in the industry. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of complex agreements you've drafted or negotiated. Highlight your approach to balancing legal precision with commercial pragmatism. This is crucial for a role that involves significant contract work, so be ready to impress with your real-world experience.
✨Understand the Company’s Portfolio
Research the company’s productions and understand their content slate. Knowing their award-winning shows and the types of agreements they typically engage in will help you tailor your responses and show that you're aligned with their creative vision.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
As this role involves leading a small team, be prepared to discuss your management style and how you foster collaboration. Share examples of how you've mentored others or worked closely with stakeholders to achieve common goals, especially in high-pressure situations.