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Manager Feature Film Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... feature film, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2025's Zootopia 2, the biggest animated ... Manage the creative strategy on projects in development, helping filmmakers shape stories from ...

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ... Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined ...

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ... Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined ...

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Manager Feature Film Development information

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$37.5K

$94.4K

$162K

How much do manager feature film development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager feature film development in the United States is $94,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the primary challenges a Manager of Feature Film Development faces when working with creative teams and studio executives?

A Manager of Feature Film Development often serves as the bridge between creative talent (writers, directors, producers) and studio executives, balancing artistic vision with commercial goals. One of the main challenges is managing feedback and revisions from multiple stakeholders, ensuring that creative ideas align with the studio’s strategic objectives. The role requires strong communication skills and diplomacy to navigate differing opinions and keep projects on track. Additionally, managers must stay organized while juggling several projects in various stages of development, often under tight deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Manager Feature Film Development, you need a solid background in film studies, script analysis, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in film or a related field and experience in film production or development. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Final Draft, tracking databases, and rights management systems is essential. Exceptional communication, creativity, and relationship-building skills help you identify promising scripts and collaborate effectively with writers, producers, and studio executives. These competencies are crucial for successfully shepherding projects from concept to production and ensuring the creation of commercially and artistically viable films.

What does a Manager of Feature Film Development do?

A Manager of Feature Film Development oversees the process of finding, evaluating, and developing scripts and story ideas for feature films. They work closely with writers, agents, producers, and studio executives to identify promising projects and guide them through the development pipeline. Their responsibilities often include providing feedback on scripts, coordinating meetings, securing rights to stories, and ensuring projects align with the studio or production company's vision. They play a key role in shaping the creative direction of films before they go into production.
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What cities are hiring for Manager Feature Film Development jobs? Cities with the most Manager Feature Film Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Feature Film Development jobs? The most popular types of Feature Film Development jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Feature Film Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Feature Film Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Manager Feature Film Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 25% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,444 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
VP, Film Business & Legal Affairs

VP, Film Business & Legal Affairs

Legendary Entertainment

Burbank, CA • On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 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.