DISTRIBUTION LAWYER

FILM

UK or EU (HYBRID)

LONDON OR GERMANY OR FRANCE

A fast-growing, independent European studio operating across premium film and television is seeking a Film Distribution Lawyer to play a pivotal role in its global distribution legal function.

This will suit a commercial, execution-focused film and/or TV distribution lawyer who enjoys being the go-to expert in distribution and thrives in a pragmatic, down-to-earth environment.

The Opportunity

Reporting into senior leadership, you will take full ownership of distribution contracting and provide day-to-day legal support to commercial teams across all territories, with a particular focus on Europe and the US.

The studio works internationally across development, production, financing and distribution, partnering with leading creative talent and operating across multiple European and US markets.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Contracting

• Draft, review and negotiate distribution agreements across global territories.
• Act as the internal lead on distribution matters and support external US counsel where required.
• Develop and maintain template agreements and playbooks.
• Establish and manage contract processes, approval flows and repository standards.
• Work closely with Sales, Investment and Production teams to ensure seamless end-to-end execution.
• Leverage and maintain relationships within European distribution ecosystems.

Competition & Sanctions

• Provide practical guidance on EU/UK competition law as applied to distribution arrangements (including vertical agreements).
• Advise on sanctions frameworks (EU, UK, US/OFAC) and related risk management, including where counterparties operate in sanctioned territories.

Candidate Profile

• 2–5 years’ PQE; UK or EU qualified (French/German/Spanish).
• Strong experience in distribution (in-house or private practice), ideally across multiple EU/EEA markets.
• Hands-on negotiation experience with distributors and resellers.
• Solid working knowledge of EU/UK competition law in commercial distribution contexts.
• Familiarity with US distribution structures.
• Experience of advising on sanctions compliance frameworks.
• Existing industry relationships within European distribution/channel markets preferred.
• Fluent English required; additional European language skills (French, German or Spanish) advantageous but not a pre-requisite.

Personal Fit

• Pragmatic and commercially focused.
• Hard-working, collegiate and good-humoured.
• Comfortable operating across time zones.
• Motivated by building deep expertise within a specialist distribution track

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a global distribution legal function within an ambitious, internationally active content business with strong European roots.

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