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Director Feature Film Development Jobs in California

Skydance

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Prior experience on an animated feature film is required. Responsibilities * Champion and help ... Create and contribute high-quality concept art, visual development materials, and key imagery

Skydance

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Prior experience on an animated feature film is required. Responsibilities * Champion and help ... Create and contribute high-quality concept art, visual development materials, and key imagery

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

... developments for our next animated feature film. This effort seeks to implement solutions that off-the-shelf software would not provide while maximizing productivity and meeting the high quality ...

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

... developments for our next animated feature film. This effort seeks to implement solutions that off-the-shelf software would not provide while maximizing productivity and meeting the high quality ...

NantWorks

Head of Development

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Source and develop scripted feature film projects that align with the strategic and creative goals ... Extensive working relationships with agents, managers, writers, directors, producers, and talent ...

New

NantHealth

Head of Development

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Source and develop scripted feature film projects that align with the strategic and creative goals ... Extensive working relationships with agents, managers, writers, directors, producers, and talent ...

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All JobsFeature Film Development JobsDirector Feature Film Development JobsDirector Feature Film Development Jobs in California

Director Feature Film Development information

What does a Director of Feature Film Development do?

A Director of Feature Film Development oversees the process of finding, developing, and shaping new film projects for production. They work closely with writers, producers, and executives to evaluate scripts, provide creative feedback, and guide projects from concept through to greenlight. Their responsibilities include identifying promising stories, securing rights, assembling creative teams, and ensuring that projects align with the studio or production company's vision and goals. This role requires strong industry knowledge, creative insight, and excellent communication skills to nurture successful feature films.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Feature Film Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Feature Film Development, you need extensive knowledge of film production, script analysis, and market trends, usually backed by a degree in film, communications, or a related field and substantial industry experience. Familiarity with screenwriting software (like Final Draft), budgeting tools, and project management systems is common in this role. Strong leadership, creative vision, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for identifying promising projects, guiding creative teams, and ensuring successful film development from concept to greenlight.

What is the difference between Director Feature Film Development vs Producer of a Feature Film?

AspectDirector Feature Film DevelopmentProducer of a Feature Film
Required CredentialsFilm or related degree, industry experienceBusiness, management, or film production background
Work EnvironmentCreative meetings, script development, studio officesProject management, budgeting, overseeing production
Industry UsageInvolved in script, concept, and early developmentHandles financing, logistics, and overall project execution

The main difference is that the Director of Feature Film Development focuses on shaping the creative aspects and script development of a film, while the Producer manages the overall production process, including financing and logistics. Both roles require industry experience but serve different functions in bringing a film to life.

What are the main challenges a Director of Feature Film Development faces when balancing creative vision with commercial viability?

A Director of Feature Film Development often navigates the complex task of nurturing original and compelling stories while ensuring they meet the commercial objectives of the studio or production company. This requires ongoing collaboration with writers, producers, and executives to align creative concepts with market trends, audience expectations, and budget constraints. Balancing artistic integrity with financial and scheduling considerations is a continual challenge, but it also offers opportunities to innovate and find unique storytelling approaches. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for fostering consensus and moving projects forward through development phases.
What are the most commonly searched types of Feature Film Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Feature Film Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Feature Film Development jobs in California? For Director Feature Film Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Director Feature Film Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Feature Film Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
VP, Film Business & Legal Affairs

VP, Film Business & Legal Affairs

LEGEND PICTURES LLC

Burbank, CA

$180K - $230K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Title: VP, Film Business & Legal Affairs

Location: Burbank, CA

Reporting To: Head of Film Business & Legal Affairs


Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing, and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world's most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of more than $20 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com.


Summary

Legendary Entertainment is seeking an experienced Vice President, Film Business & Legal Affairs to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Film Business & Legal Affairs, this role will provide critical business and legal affairs support across the lifecycle of our feature film projects, including development, production, and distribution. The ideal candidate will be a skilled negotiator with a deep understanding of the film industry and a strong track record of structuring and executing complex deals.


What You Will Do:

  • Negotiate and structure key agreements across film development, production, and distribution, including talent, financing, co-financing, and distribution deals.
  • Draft and finalize contracts to align with the studio's creative and financial objectives.
  • Provide strategic legal and business affairs guidance, ensuring deals are structured effectively to support company goals.
  • Collaborate with internal teams, including creative, production, marketing, finance, and distribution, to address legal and business issues and drive successful project execution.
  • Analyze legal risks, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and develop solutions to mitigate potential challenges.
  • Partner with external stakeholders, including talent representatives, studios, and financiers, to facilitate deal execution.
  • Support the Business & Legal Affairs team by contributing to overall strategy and deal efficiency.

Requirements

  • JD from a top-tier law school is strongly preferred; admission to the California Bar is required.
  • At least 10 years of experience in business and legal affairs within a film studio, major indie production company, or entertainment law firm.
  • Extensive experience negotiating and closing deals related to development, production, talent, financing, and distribution.
  • Strong understanding of intellectual property, copyright, and trademark matters in the entertainment industry.
  • Exceptional drafting, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and build key industry relationships.
  • A results-driven mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality business and legal affairs support to the studio.

More Information

Legendary Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. Legendary Entertainment makes all employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic, marital status, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation or any other characteristic or classification protected by law, except as may be permitted by law.


The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $180,000 to $230,000. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. Total rewards may include annual discretionary bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. Legendary Entertainment also provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, employee wellness programs, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, year-round paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). 


The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, market demands and indicators, specific and unique skills or training, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the geographic location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The hiring salary range (amount) for this position applies to New York City and California.

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