About The Role Start Date: Early 2025 Contract length: 9-12 months fixed term contract (Some flexibility maybe required, as this a Maternity Cover Contract) Hours: 37.5 hours per week, some flexibility to be discussed (minimum 4 days per week) Salary: depending on experience Location: Gas Ferry Road, Bristol and some remote working to be agreed with your Line Manager The Role: The role of the Business Affairs department is to provide commercial advice and legal services to all 4 pillars within Aardman: Production, Development, Rights and Operations. The Department also advises on protecting the company’s intellectual property rights and brands. The key responsibilities of this role will be: To negotiate and draft various agreement types for the Rights teams, with a particular focus on managing content for distribution; and merchandising as well as live events and attractions. To assist on and lead on certain short form productions. To manage and advise on data protection queries across the company. To advise on, draft, implement and maintain company policies and protocols (as necessary and appropriate). To negotiate & draft sales and licensing agreements - to include TV sales agreements, agency contracts, merchandising licenses, publishing agreements etc. To negotiate and draft agreements for the marketing and live events team (including work on exhibitions and attractions). To review production development agreements, including music licensing agreements and post-production delivery requirements. About You Experience of entertainment law experience is essential and In–house experience is also desirable. Applicants should have experience and knowledge of rights distribution on a global level and proven experience of negotiating with external partners. Candidates will need sound drafting experience and willingness to adapt to a number of different agreement types. We’re looking for a clear & robust thinker with the ability to get people on board with ideas and solutions. Excellent presentation, communication (both internally and externally), problem solving, organisational and negotiation skills are a must for this position and you should be a highly motivated, proactive self-starter, with a positive and flexible approach to work. Please find a full role profile attached. For this maternity cover contract, we’re happy to discuss flexible working hours, worked across Mondays to Fridays. Please confirm your proposed working pattern within your application alongside your salary expectations and availability. We will be reviewing applications for interview as they’re submitted. The closing date for applications is: 5pm on Friday 20th December 2024 About Us Aardman is an independent and multi-award-winning studio producing feature films, series, advertising, interactive entertainment and attractions for both the domestic and international market. Our productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of our team. Our work is often imitated and yet we continue to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms and live experiences around the world. In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee Owned organisation, ensuring that the studio remains independent and securing the creative legacy and culture of the company for the future. Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter is our commitment to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society, underpinned by the belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in delivering on our mission: to create entertainment for all and to be the most inspirational animation company in the world. We welcome applications from all individuals and are always happy to discuss flexible working needs. We've signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to make workplaces age-friendly, and Aardman is also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Living Wage Employer.