Director, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Job Description

Summary of Position

Lionsgate is currently seeking a Director, Acquisitions & Co-Productions to support two EVP and Co-Heads of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.

Responsibilities
• Source, track, and evaluate commercial film script packages, footage, and completed films for theatrical release potential that maximize our distribution.

• Guide the financial modeling and collaborate with the Content Analysis team in refining film ultimates in preparation for deal negotiation.

• Negotiate with sales agents while working in close partnership with business affairs and legal.

• Cover either in-person or virtually film festivals and markets (Sundance, Berlin/ EFM, SXSW, Tribeca, Cannes, TIFF, AFM):

• Identify high-priority titles at all stages i.e., script packages, promos, completed films.

• Evaluate high-priority projects as early as possible and alert other key internal stakeholders to promising titles.

• Summarize each market/festival's highlights and key learnings internally and flag talent early for the production and development team.

• Strategically thinking about what kinds of films we want to be acquiring, moving beyond being reactive and having specific hypotheses to test.

• Proactively build a strong network of independent producers, filmmakers, financiers, and sales agents, keeping our creative and business priorities top of mind with all potential partners; have an ear to the ground about new projects and about the competitive landscape.

• For pre-buys, manage the day-to-day business and creative aspects, including deal modeling, negotiation, delivering script notes, giving feedback on dailies and rough cuts, and fostering trust with filmmakers and producers.

• Advocate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders i.e. content analysis, business affairs/legal, inclusive content, marketing, distribution, international, sales, etc. to get their buy-in for internal alignment.

• Support the development and training of the team.

• Closely follow industry and consumer trends as it relates to the theatrical film market, including social media conversations.

• Be a brand ambassador for Lionsgate Acquisitions both internally and externally.

Qualifications and Skills
• Four-year college degree B.A./B.S.

• Minimum five years of experience as a feature film executive in an acquisitions, production, or film sales role. In addition, feature film producing and/or development experience is a plus.

• In-depth understanding of the inner workings of the major film festivals and markets.

• Has watched a lot of independent movies and is conversant about specific genres, filmmakers, fan bases, etc.

• Discerning taste that creatively aligns with theatrical moviegoers.

• Has sizable network within the independent film industry of producers, agents, filmmakers, other buyers, and financiers.

• Solid understanding of film ultimates, windowing, and the overall film monetization ecosystem.

• Has prior experience negotiating licensing deals or, at a minimum, a meaningful understanding of the key commercial terms that need to be negotiated in an acquisition.

• Sound analytical judgment and effective communication skills to be able operate with a reasonable degree of autonomy.

• Effective communicator who can prioritize what is salient when advocating for a project with different internal and external stakeholders.

• Process-oriented to work efficiently and respond in a timely fashion to incoming inquiries.

• Having a curious mind that is open to figuring out better ways of working.

• Team player who puts the company and the team's goals first.

Compensation

$120,000 - $140,000

EEO Statement

Nearest Major Market: Los Angeles

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-8649o6-3-137-188-40-42 in your application.