Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions

This is a Full Time Job

Director, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Job Details | Lionsgate

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.

Business Unit Overview

Motion Picture Group

Lionsgate's motion picture business is a consistent box office market share leader with films that have grossed more than $10 billion worldwide over the past six years. This leadership is driven by world-class talent relationships, a deep and renewable portfolio of iconic brands and franchises, and a diverse and balanced slate that is built to enhance consumer enjoyment of the theatrical experience but also has the flexibility to utilize a broad range of alternative release strategies as the opportunities to monetize films continue to expand. The creator, owner and distributor of great film brands including The Hunger Games, Twilight Saga, John Wick, Now You See Me, Knives Out, La La Land, Saw, Dirty Dancing and Monster's Ball, among many others, films released by Lionsgate and its predecessor companies have earned 129 Academy Award® nominations and 32 Oscar® wins.

In addition to its mainstream commercial releases, Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group includes specialty film distributor Roadside Attractions, an industry leader in award-winning prestige movies, Pantelion Films, the U.S. market leader in Spanish-language releases, a top film production and distribution brand in the UK, and multiplatform distributor Grindstone Entertainment.

Our Benefits
• Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and Impact Day
• 401(k) company matching
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)

Compensation

$120,000 - $140,000