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Film Development Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WME Group

Business Affairs Executive

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$225K/yr

... development, content licensing, film financing and distribution, etc. * Continue to develop an in ... executives and attorneys, talent, outside attorneys and other WME in-house client divisions). * An ...

Jesus Film

Administrative Assistant 3

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$21.50/hr

Department: AA to the Executive Director in the Jesus Film Project department. Cru has a long ... Collaborate with the Development Representatives to help the Executive Director meet with key JFP ...

NBCUniversal

Executive Assistant

Universal City, CA · On-site

We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and ... Excellent organizational, analytical and administrative skills, together with developed ...

New York State

Executive Assistant, MPTV

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$60K - $65K/yr

... Development, supports and fosters film and TV production across the state, working to grow the ... Under the direction of the Executive Director and senior leadership, provide administrative support ...

Empire State

Executive Assistant, MPTV

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

... Development, supports and fosters film and TV production across the state, working to grow the ... Under the direction of the Executive Director and senior leadership, provide administrative support ...

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Film Development Executive information

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$35K

$93.2K

$197.5K

How much do film development executive jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for film development executive in the United States is $93,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Film Development Executive, you need strong storytelling ability, script analysis expertise, and a background in film, media, or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard script coverage software, project management tools, and rights acquisition processes is crucial. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and creative vision are standout soft skills that help build relationships and guide projects from concept to production. These skills are vital for identifying promising content, shaping successful projects, and fostering collaborations in a competitive entertainment industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Film Development Executives when evaluating new scripts and projects?

Film Development Executives often face the challenge of balancing creative vision with market viability. They must assess whether a script’s story and characters will resonate with audiences while also considering budget constraints and the potential for commercial success. Navigating differing opinions among writers, directors, and producers is also common, as is staying ahead of industry trends to ensure projects remain relevant. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential in overcoming these challenges and moving promising projects forward.

What does a Film Development Executive do?

A Film Development Executive is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and developing new film projects for production companies or studios. They read scripts, assess story ideas, and work closely with writers, directors, and producers to shape projects from concept to a production-ready script. Their role involves overseeing the creative process, providing feedback, and ensuring a project aligns with the company's vision and market trends. Film Development Executives are key decision-makers who help determine which films get made.

What is the difference between Film Development Executive vs Film Producer?

AspectFilm Development ExecutiveFilm Producer
Primary RoleOversees development of film projects, including script selection and financingManages all aspects of film production, from pre-production to distribution
CredentialsTypically requires industry experience, strong network, and knowledge of development processOften requires experience in production, budgeting, and project management
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborating with writers, agents, and studio executivesOn-set and in offices, coordinating various departments during filming
Industry UsageCommonly used in studios and production companies for project developmentUsed across all levels of film production, from independent to major studios

While both roles are essential in filmmaking, a Film Development Executive focuses on developing and securing projects, whereas a Film Producer manages the entire production process. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the film industry.

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Film Development Executive jobs near you

Business Affairs Executive

WME Group

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

$225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Business Affairs & Legal Executive (Motion Picture, Talent, and WME Independent)

WME seeks a talented and highly motivated lawyer to join its Business Affairs Department as a Business Affairs Executive in Beverly Hills, supporting the WME Motion Picture, Talent, and WME Independent Film Departments. Primary responsibilities include structuring, negotiating and reviewing a wide range of deals and agreements in feature length theatrical, digital and streaming media forproduction companies, writers, on-camera talent, producers, directors, rights-holders, financiers, and other clients involved in the creation and exploitation of content.

Responsibilities:

  • Effectively advise agents, executives and clients on deal structuring, negotiation, terms and strategy.

  • Act as an entrepreneurial business partner with, and provide strategic guidance to, WME's Motion Picture, Talent, and WME Independent agents.

  • Review and negotiate term sheets and agreements for personal services, production services, underlying rights, content development, content licensing, film financing and distribution, etc.

  • Continue to develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the entertainment industry and consider the implications of the evolution of the industry on the business and WME's clients.

  • Apply innovative problem-solving skills and practical business judgment to balance WME's business needs and acceptable levels of risk.

  • Foster positive, long-term relationships with internal business clients and WME's external clients.

Qualifications:

  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school

  • Admitted to CA Bar (or another state bar permissible under CA in-house counsel rules)

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of transactional business/legal affairs experience, ideally with at least 2 of those years at a law firm. In-house experience at a studio, production company, or other media outlet, or comparable experience at an entertainment law firm, is a plus.

  • Outstanding negotiation, drafting, analytical, prioritization and organizational skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills and able to interact with a range of personalities and styles in a fast-paced, high-volume business environment. This includes explaining complex concepts to clients and colleagues who do not necessarily have legal knowledge and have a range of personalities and styles.

  • Ability to execute multiple, high-priority projects independently and simultaneously and on short timeframes.

  • A curious mind, strong work ethic, excellent judgment, keen attention to detail and a creative but practical approach to problem-solving.

  • Able to work effectively with various types of professionals at different levels (including agents, studio executives, production company executives and attorneys, talent, outside attorneys and other WME in-house client divisions).

  • An upbeat temperament, dynamic personality and highly collaborative and team-oriented approach to work.

Per local requirements and in the interest of transparency, the rate shown below reflects the prevalent current hiring range for this position. Hiring pay rates are based on a number of factors, including location and may vary depending on job-related qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience. The company strives to provide locally competitive rewards packages, which include base rate along with, as applicable, short- and long-term incentives, growth and developmental opportunities, and robust benefits, such as health care, retirement, vacation and other paid time off, and additional offerings.

Hiring Rate Minimum:

$168,750 annually (minimum will not fall below the applicable state/local minimum salary thresholds)

Hiring Rate Maximum:

$225,000 annuallyWME is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

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