The Wonder Project
SVP, Film Business and Legal Affairs
The Wonder Project, Santa Monica, CA
About Wonder Project
We are excited to introduce Wonder Project, a transformative new media company for the global faith and values audience. We understand the profound impact that stories have on our lives, and our purpose is to tell stories that restore faith in things worth believing in that will endure for generations. Guided by the principles of courage, collaboration, excellence and service, we strive to see the world through different perspectives, recognizing that empathy fosters understanding and unity.
We are looking for motivated team members who are passionate about their craft and hungry to make a meaningful impact through their work. On our team, we value creativity, curiosity, kindness and a bias towards action. Those with a desire for growth, experience and opportunity who can excel in a dynamic and lean organization will fit right in. We welcome you to join us on this journey, where our work is a testament to our unwavering commitment to restoring faith in things worth believing in.
About the Role:
The Senior Vice President, Film Business & Legal Affairs will be responsible for development and production related agreements in connection with film programming, including, but not limited to, writer, director, producer, and actor agreements. This role will be responsible for independently guiding feature projects from development through delivery, including advising on production and guild issues as well as providing business and legal support to the broader Wonder Project studio as needed (e.g., working with marketing, finance, HR, and other departments to provide information and advice on a regular basis). This role will report to the CEO.
Core responsibilities:
Requirements:
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: $225,000 - $275,000
Equity participation in management option pool (Series A company) + Bonus
Benefits, FSA, 401k
The Wonder Project, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, The Wonder Project, Inc. will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. The Wonder Project, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.
We are excited to introduce Wonder Project, a transformative new media company for the global faith and values audience. We understand the profound impact that stories have on our lives, and our purpose is to tell stories that restore faith in things worth believing in that will endure for generations. Guided by the principles of courage, collaboration, excellence and service, we strive to see the world through different perspectives, recognizing that empathy fosters understanding and unity.
We are looking for motivated team members who are passionate about their craft and hungry to make a meaningful impact through their work. On our team, we value creativity, curiosity, kindness and a bias towards action. Those with a desire for growth, experience and opportunity who can excel in a dynamic and lean organization will fit right in. We welcome you to join us on this journey, where our work is a testament to our unwavering commitment to restoring faith in things worth believing in.
About the Role:
The Senior Vice President, Film Business & Legal Affairs will be responsible for development and production related agreements in connection with film programming, including, but not limited to, writer, director, producer, and actor agreements. This role will be responsible for independently guiding feature projects from development through delivery, including advising on production and guild issues as well as providing business and legal support to the broader Wonder Project studio as needed (e.g., working with marketing, finance, HR, and other departments to provide information and advice on a regular basis). This role will report to the CEO.
Core responsibilities:
- Negotiate all aspects of film agreements with talent agents and lawyers (including profit participation, rights agreements, co-production, and overall/first look deals) in direct liaison with the relevant stakeholders within the studio.
- Interface with the following departments on a day-to-day basis: Creative, production, marketing, finance, and contract admin.
- Review budgets and other financial data associated with the development and production of filmed programming.
- Draft short-form deal memos, long-form agreements, and other talent related agreements.
- Work closely with internal business and creative executives to implement best practices, formulate new processes, maintain accurate project tracking, retain project documentation, and create and revise agreement templates.
- Overseeing production legal and clearance issues during production.
- Reviewing chain-of-title, underlying rights, and access agreements.
- Working with production teams to ensure legal paperwork is in compliance with corporate requirements and assisting in any production related queries that arise.
- Working alongside and directly communicating with third party production companies
Requirements:
- Must have a minimum of 7 - 10 years' experience in feature film business affairs (with additional legal affairs or independent film experience a plus).
- Strong and effective negotiating skills, excellent drafting skills, and solid relationships within the talent community.
- Ability to handle all aspects of feature business and legal affairs with minimal supervision, including day-to-day production operations.
- Working knowledge of the SAG, WGA and DGA basic agreements and the AFTRA Code.
- Significant experience drafting and/or negotiating contracts.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong analytical capabilities and judgment.
- Ability to work proactively, independently and reliably under tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment.
- Curiosity and willingness to tackle matters outside area of expertise.
- JD and bar admission
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: $225,000 - $275,000
Equity participation in management option pool (Series A company) + Bonus
Benefits, FSA, 401k
The Wonder Project, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, The Wonder Project, Inc. will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. The Wonder Project, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.