Principal Counsel - Distribution

At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, direct-to-consumer streaming services, products, parks and experiences, and our television shows and networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.

The Distribution Legal group negotiates and provides legal counsel for the distribution of The Walt Disney Company’s world-class feature films, television content, and online direct-to-consumer offerings. We represent Disney’s expansive portfolio of brands from the Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Twentieth Century Studios, and Searchlight), television entertainment, sports, and news (including ABC Entertainment, ESPN, ABC News, Disney Channel/Disney Junior/Disney XD, FX Networks, National Geographic Channel, and Freeform), and our innovative direct-to-consumer offerings (including Disney+, ESPN+, STAR+, and ABC News Live).  The role is for the legal team supporting Disney Platform Distribution, which is part of the Disney Entertainment division.

This team is the legal hub for Disney content distribution on a global scale, including theatrical distribution, television network distribution, over-the-top distribution of direct-to-consumer offerings via video streaming platforms, physical home video, electronic home video (“EHV”), transactional video-on-demand (“TVOD”), subscription video-on-demand (“SVOD”), ad-supported video-on-demand (“AVOD”), and linear television. The group also advises business executives on distribution technology matters, related legal and policy matters, and handles content protection.

Summary

The Distribution Legal group is seeking an inquisitive Attorney to work in a fast-paced environment on innovative, high-profile, industry-leading content distribution matters for Disney Platform Distribution, including Internet and television distribution of Disney’s portfolio of motion picture and television titles on a linear (free, basic, pay), SVOD, FVOD, FAST, and direct to consumer basis. We’re looking for a bright, energetic, self-motivated, and reliable person who can work closely with other senior attorneys, and with other internal groups, and will exercise the highest level of ethics and discretion.

Job Responsibilities 

• Draft, negotiate, and close distribution agreements with third party distribution licensees in the U.S. and Canada across a wide variety of traditional and new platforms and business models, including broadcast syndication, basic cable, pay television, and digital OTT platforms such as SVOD, FAST, and ad supported FVOD.

• Work closely with business units on drafting, negotiating, and closing license agreements with Disney’s direct-to-consumer applications and paid subscription products such as Disney+ and ESPN+.

• Negotiate and close agreements for the acquisition of motion picture and television content to support the strategic distribution activities of Disney Platform Distribution on a global basis.

• Advice and counsel to business and legal personnel regarding distribution issues and analysis of contractual provisions.  Where necessary, interface with and seek advice from other legal teams within TWDC, including intellectual property, litigation, tax, anti-trust, etc.

• Ongoing oversight of legacy agreements, including legal issues related to distribution relationships, e.g., MFN compliance.

• Work independently and manage negotiations with minimal supervision while ensuring Company’s policies, procedures, intellectual property rights, and other key concepts are properly addressed.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of legal experience.

• Solid transactional experience drafting, negotiating, and interpreting a variety of contractual agreements (including most favored nations provisions).

• Exposure to and an understanding of matters relative to all forms of intellectual property.

• Ability to work independently.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Must be team-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a solution-oriented approach to legal issues.

• Self-motivated, with outstanding interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate complex concepts and issues effectively with colleagues, counterparts, and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some prior exposure to copyright law, intellectual property licenses, acquisitions, and internet and mobile platforms.

• Experience drafting and negotiating complex TV and/or motion picture distribution agreements, including on both traditional broadcast/cable and digital OTT platforms.

Education

• JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.

• Admission to California State Bar in good standing or, willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

#CORP_Media; #LegalAffairs; #twdcmedia

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $205,700 to $266,000 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.