Starz

VP, Business Affairs (Original Programming)

SANTA MONICA, CAPosted a month ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Starz

  • Job overview

    The VP, Business Affairs (Original Programming) at Starz leads business affairs for original TV series, impacting development and production agreements.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The VP negotiates contracts with actors, writers, producers, directors, and manages rights acquisitions and license/co-production deals, supports internal departments, and occasionally drafts legal documents.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary ranges from $220,000 to $260,000 with full medical, vision, dental coverage, annual bonuses, 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and generous leave policies.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires a JD, California State Bar membership, and 10+ years in entertainment business affairs with strong knowledge of TV industry precedents and excellent communication skills.

  • Career development

    Opportunities include working closely with senior executives and potentially standing in for the Senior VP, offering leadership growth within Starz's original programming business affairs.

  • Work environment and culture

    Starz values diversity and inclusion, offers work/life balance with wellness days, and supports reasonable accommodations for disabilities.

  • Company information

    Starz is a leading premium entertainment network known for original programming and a strong digital presence, targeting diverse adult audiences.

  • Team overview

    The VP works closely with the legal team and internal executives across creative, production, finance, marketing, and PR departments.

  • Unique job features

    The role uniquely combines business affairs with occasional legal drafting in a fast-paced, high-pressure entertainment environment.

Company overview

Starz is a premium cable and satellite television network that offers original programming, feature films, and other entertainment content. The company generates revenue primarily through subscription fees from cable and streaming services, as well as through licensing deals and international distribution. Founded in 1994, Starz has become known for its high-quality original series such as "Outlander" and "Power," which have garnered significant viewership and critical acclaim. The network is a subsidiary of Lionsgate, a major entertainment company, which acquired it in 2016 to expand its media footprint.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your JD, California State Bar membership, and over ten years of business affairs experience in entertainment law, television networks, or production companies, emphasizing negotiation of contracts for actors, writers, producers, and directors in original programming.

  • Focus on showcasing your strong knowledge of television precedents, industry customs, and your ability to manage complex licensing and co-production deals, along with your excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Apply through multiple channels including Starz's corporate careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you are considered by different hiring teams.

  • Connect with professionals in Starz's Original Programming Business Affairs and Legal divisions on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent Starz original series launches, industry trends, or asking about the team’s approach to deal negotiations.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords such as 'business affairs,' 'contract negotiation,' 'original programming,' 'entertainment law,' 'licensing agreements,' and 'California State Bar' to improve screening outcomes.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, saving you time and increasing your chances at Starz.

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