Job Description
SENIOR COUNSEL, TV /FILM
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TV & FILM PRODUCTION & BUSINESS AFFAIRS
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LONDON
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An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Counsel to join the Business & Legal Affairs team of a globally recognised entertainment business, advising on the development, commissioning, production and exploitation of premium original content from the UK for global distribution.
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This is a high-profile role combining legal expertise, commercial judgement and deal-making, working closely with creative executives, production teams, finance and senior business stakeholders across the UK and EMEA.
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The Role
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You will be a key legal and commercial adviser across a broad production slate, spanning scripted and non-scripted television, from development and greenlight through production, post-production and exploitation.
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Key responsibilities will include:
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- Advising on the development, commissioning, production and co-production of original content.
- Leading and supporting complex negotiations with production companies, writers, directors, talent, licensors and other rights holders.
- Structuring and negotiating production, co-production, pre-buy, licensing and commissioning arrangements.
- Advising on underlying rights, options, copyright, chain of title, IP and contractual matters.
- Providing advice on production finance structures, tax credits, third-party financing, completion guarantees and banking arrangements.
- Advising on production welfare, Duty of Care, clearances, script reviews and other production-related legal risks.
- Advising on the evolving use of AI in production, including talent considerations and associated legal and business risks.
- Working closely with colleagues across Production, Development, Finance, Marketing, Publicity, Advertising and Content Operations.
- Supporting best-practice initiatives and the continued development of legal and business processes across the UK and EMEA.
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About You
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We are looking for a UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial experience in media, entertainment and production law.
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You will ideally bring:
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- 7+ years' relevant experience in-house and/or private practice.
- Senior-level experience in television and/or film development, commissioning and production, ideally including SVOD.
- Strong knowledge of UK/European production practices, market terms and relevant Guild/Union agreements.
- Proven experience handling complex production and business affairs negotiations.
- Strong understanding of copyright, IP, contracts and relevant regulatory issues, including tax incentives.
- Excellent commercial judgement and the ability to translate legal issues into clear, practical advice.
- The ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders and competing deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to operate autonomously.
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Most importantly, you will have a genuine passion for film and television, excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to operate effectively at the intersection of creative, commercial and legal decision-making.
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Why This Role?
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This is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative, internationally focused legal team and play a significant role in shaping the legal and commercial framework behind a high-profile slate of original content with global reach.
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If you are an experienced media lawyer looking for a role combining premium content, complex deal-making, production law and international exposure, this could be an excellent next step.
BUSINESS LEGAL AFFAIRS, 8+ YEARS PQE in London employer: Kinsella Legal Limited
Join a highly regarded specialist media and entertainment practice in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values creativity and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the chance to work on high-profile projects alongside industry leaders, all while enjoying competitive salaries and a supportive environment that fosters professional development in the exciting world of film and television law.
