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Headquartered in Riyadh, Diplomatic Quarters, MBC is the leading satellite television, radio and digital network operating in the Middle East and North Africa Region employing some 2000 staff from over 60 nationalities and a global audience of over 150 million viewers. As part of its ambitious expansion plans MBC launched MBC Studios in 2019 with a view to becoming a global player in creating Hollywood class movies and big budget TV series often with a middle eastern theme suitable for a global audience in both the English and Arabic language. MBC are working with leading US and UK law firms in California, New York and London, and many Hollywood and UK producers, directors, actors and writers. Recent productions (now moving into post) include Kandahar (Gerald Butler (Olympus Has Fallen) /Ric Roman Waugh (Greenland)) and Desert Warrior (Anthony Mackie (Avengers), Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes)).

MBC Studios is now ramping up its international distribution business and is looking to recruit a media and entertainment lawyer to work exclusively for MBC Studios specialising and focusing on high value distribution contracts but also assisting the wider legal team with overflow on our busy production work, so this role would ideally suit someone who has a distribution background but is also looking to gain valuable production legal experience. You will be reporting into the Director of Legal of MBC Studios and working in a team of 9. You will be responsible for negotiating, drafting and reviewing a wide range of international film and television distribution licensing agreements and have a thorough understanding of the market, and rights in general.

Ideally you will be a qualified media and entertainment lawyer, with demonstrable expertise in the licensing and sale of high value entertainment content to leading broadcasters, SVOD platforms (e.g., Netflix, Amazon etc.) and media content licensees generally, ideally gained at an established international distribution company. A solid understanding of the broad range of exploitable rights (including TVOD/EST, Linear, SVOD/AVOD etc.), a good understanding of windowing opportunities for film and television content and rights management systems (e.g., for maximising possible second window SVOD, applicable commercial holdbacks, consideration of languages, territories, exclusive and non-exclusive deals) is essential. Experience of international television and film production would be welcomed but not essential (and training will be provided) and this role would particularly suit someone from a primarily distribution background who is looking to branch out and add to their skills and portfolio by additionally getting exposure to high quality, high end film and television production work.

You will have the ability to meet deadlines in a commercial and dynamic environment and to handle a spread of projects across a range of activities with a fast-paced turnaround in a friendly and supportive office with an \'open door policy\' and collaborative approach to work. The content is predominantly high budget drama, but also includes documentaries, so experience of clearances and compliance will also be very helpful.

You will have excellent drafting skills and relevant PQE in commercial and entertainment law. A sound knowledge of copyright and contract law is essential. Strong and demonstrable negotiation skills and sound business acumen are essential.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

• Established and demonstrable experience with distribution agreements coupled with a thorough understanding of the key terms and the parameters of international distribution of film and television content licensing deals (via Linear/SVOD/AVOD/TVOD methods etc., platforms (Netflix/Amazon/Broadcasters etc.), holdbacks, windowing, ancillary rights, languages & territories, exclusive/non-exclusive etc.).
• Reviewing and suggesting improvements to our distribution and licensing template agreements to ensure continued good practice.
• Keeping the rights management systems maintained and updated (with help from one of the team\'s paralegals) to ensure avails checks are accurate and complete. Running the necessary rights management reports for both the Director of Legal and head of distribution.
• Where capacity is available, assisting the wider team and the Director of Legal with production matters generally, including drafting and negotiating writer and other talent agreements which may include dealing with UK and USA union agreements (e.g., DGA, SAG, WGA etc.) and other development and production matters (including financing, third party production service agreements, co-productions etc.). This (i.e., the production work) is not the primary focus of this role and full training and support will be provided.
• Being an active participant in MBC Studios\' meetings, planning, development and team building events, including working directly with MBC Studios producers and development executives and MBC\'s head of distribution.
• Working closely with MBC Studios finance teams.
• To be an ambassador for MBC Studios through maintaining a professional approach at all times.
• To carry out all responsibilities in a way that supports MBC values and promotes equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion within MBC.

Requirements

• Lawyer with a minimum of 2-3 years relevant post qualification experience in a television or film distributor environment (broadcaster would be considered), with a specialism focussed primarily on content distribution agreements.
• Proven track record specialising in commercial and entertainment law, with an emphasis on film and television distribution, contract law and copyright. Training will be provided for production law matters.
• The successful candidate will ideally have \xe2\x80\x9cin-house\xe2\x80\x9d legal experience in an international film and/or television distribution company (an in-house broadcaster legal department would also be considered). Other sectors (e.g., radio, music, publishing, media) will be considered provided the candidate has a thorough understanding of the key terms, methods, rights, holdbacks etc. involved in television and film licensing.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential (team player, diplomatic) as well as a willingness to work across multiple territories.
• A team player with skills that motivate and develop junior lawyers, paralegals and assistants.
• Excellent administrative/ organisation skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills and strong business acumen/commercial judgment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to deal effectively and promptly with people at all levels.
• A love of film and television production and distribution and the processes involved from \xe2\x80\x9c\xe2\x80\xa6.first idea through to red-carpet premiere and beyond\xe2\x80\xa6.\xe2\x80\x9d.
• A demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion and its practical application and integration in the work environment.

Unfortunately, due to the high number of responses we receive we are unable to provide feedback to all applicants. If you have not been contacted within 5-7 days, please assume that at this stage your application has been unsuccessful.

MBC