Legal Counsel, Commissions

Paramount International Networks, a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA), is comprised of many of the world’s most iconic consumer brands. Its portfolio of award-winning channels, brands and platforms includes Channel 5, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, BET, Paramount Network, Paramount +, Smithsonian and Pluto, CBS, Network 10, Telefe, Viacom 18 and Paramount International Networks Studios among others internationally. We are looking for a lawyer/Business Affairs Manager to join the Business and Legal Affairs (BALA) team in London supporting the commissioning of scripted and unscripted content for our linear and non-linear channels and streaming services. You will work with a broad range of commissioners and third-party suppliers, both qualifying and non-qualifying independent production companies, across all genres, as well as studios, licensors, agents and rights holders in the UK and internationally. You will review and advise on, negotiate, draft and deliver development, commissioning and production agreements, content licences and ancillary contracts enabling us to deliver exciting, entertaining and inspiring content to our audiences. RESPONSIBILITIES: Drafting, negotiating and advising on standard and non-standard development, acquisition and Programme Production Agreements and/or other ancillary contracts, within the framework of PACT agreed Terms of Trade, where applicable. Reviewing chain of title documents and underlying rights agreements; advising on commitments made in Editorial/Commissioning Specification Forms. Guiding and advising the commissioning teams on rights and legal matters (including but not limited to copyright, music, press and promotional activities rights and clearances). Advising on and supporting a variety of finance arrangements, including advertiser funded agreements. Ensuring compliance and governance obligations are appropriately met and managed, within UK and US framework. Maintaining effective relationships with programme suppliers while negotiating programme rights and terms. Maintaining and managing internal relationships particularly with Content Legal & Compliance team, the Programming Department, Privacy/DP legal team, and others as required. Establishing and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders externally, including production companies/groups and industry bodies. Reviewing and updating company precedents where necessary. Advising on changes in law likely to materially affect Paramount’s business activities. Advising the business on intellectual property rights and general commercial matters. Input into team best practice and template agreements where required. Liaising with outside legal counsel, where required. Flexibility to work on ad hoc tasks and projects across the BALA team as required. WHAT DO YOU NEED? Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years’ post qualification experience. Demonstrable experience in drafting and negotiating rights agreements within the television/media industry. A basic knowledge and understanding of media compliance laws and issues, including the Ofcom Code. Extensive knowledge of rights issues, distribution, contract law, copyright law. Strong attention to detail and analytical skills. Excellent drafting skills – able to produce working drafts to meet business requirements. Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to deal with a large and varied workload under critical time pressure. Ability to present complex legal concepts in simple language. Proactively able to identify and communicate risks and propose solutions. Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. Act in an ethical manner and adhere to the Paramount code of conduct at all times. Significant drive, adaptability, resilience, and energy to build, grow, and deliver results. Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

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