Senior Counsel, TV

Role: Senior Counsel, TV

Division: Business & Legal Affairs

Location: London, UK



Role Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic legal professional to join our team, bringing their substantial legal experience to our UK Production business. The ideal candidate will have a substantial background in television development and production, along with a firm foundation in business and legal affairs. A thorough understanding of contract and commercial law is vital, and knowledge of intellectual property (copyright) is equally important. We are looking for a candidate who can manage tasks independently, multi–task efficiently, and adapt quickly in our dynamic and fast–paced environment. The successful candidate will offer continuous support and guidance to the UK development and production team and assist with specific deals as our business expands.

If you are prepared to leverage your legal expertise in the media industry and contribute to a team that is dedicated to producing high–quality television content, we would love to hear from you.

Role Responsibilities:

Contract Management and Execution

• Negotiation, structuring, drafting, and review of all development and production agreements required by the UK production business within agreed timescales.
• Timely completion of deals and contracting to a high standard in all territories.
• Deliver timely and high–quality legal advice to the business in a practical and commercially focused way in relation to all relevant matters to reduce risk, resolve issues, and maximize the opportunity for the business to deliver on its goals.

Legal Support and Strategic Guidance

• Provide day–to–day support and guidance for the UK development and production team generally in relation to specific deals as the business expands.
• Review, analysis, advice, and recommendations for all projects relating to the development and production of TV scripted series.
• Providing advice on underlying rights, copyright and other intellectual property issues, compliance, and regulatory matters as required.
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of templates.
• Staying updated with industry and legal developments to ensure the company's practices are compliant and relevant

Requirements

• Legal qualification accompanied by substantial experience in the Media/TV industry.
• Proven track record in the media sector, including experience within a media–focused legal practice at a top–tier law firm, in–house legal team, or within a broadcaster, producer, or major studio setting.
• In–depth understanding and application of contract and commercial law, supplemented by knowledge of Intellectual Property law, specifically copyright.
• Demonstrable expertise in negotiating and managing television development and production agreements, with a special emphasis on scripted TV series.
• Solid people management skills, ideally demonstrated in an international context, showcasing your ability to lead and inspire diverse teams.
• Proven experience in successfully managing diverse projects and seamlessly working with cross–functional organizations, highlighting your adaptability and collaborative skills.

Preferred

• Experience managing legal operations within a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in utilizing legal research and document management tools
• A passion for TV is desirable.

About Us:
FIFTH SEASON is a global leader in the creation, production, and distribution of feature films and premium television series. Known for producing and distributing award–winning content that engages audiences and moves culture, the studio's film titles include the multi–Oscar–nominated The Lost Daughter from Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ambulance directed by Michael Bay, Destin Daniel Cretton's Just Mercy , the Book Club franchise, the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner Cha Cha Real Smooth , and 80 For Brady . The studio produces premium TV series including the 14–time Emmy–nominated Severance , See , and Truth Be Told for Apple TV+, Wolf Like Me for Peacock, Life & Beth , Nine Perfect Strangers , and McCartney 3, 2, 1 for Hulu, and Tokyo Vice for HBO Max. FIFTH SEASON also handles global distribution for dozens of hit series in addition to its own studio productions, including Killing Eve, The Morning Show, Normal People , and The Night Manager.

Our Culture:
A studio with a soul, FIFTH SEASON is proud to be an anti–racist and feminist company, focused on leaving the entertainment business better than we found it. We empower freedom and ownership, delivering the expertise of a big studio with the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of a start–up. FIFTH SEASON is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Our Benefits:

• Hybrid schedule
• 23 days paid leave + public holidays + Company holidays (the last two weeks of the year + 2 summer days)
• 3 volunteer days annually, to support and give back
• PTO, Paid Leave (Parental, Fertility Treatment, Menopause, Bereavement including Miscarriage)
• Fertility/Adoption/Education Assistance Programs, Pension Contributions

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and exciting industry. The ideal candidate is driven and hungry to learn and wants to be in the trenches of the entertainment industry. If you meet the above requirements and are excited about this opportunity, we invite you to apply.