J. Christopher teaches classes on television business and the dynamics of corporate structures, revenue models, content distribution and regulation in television, radio, film, digital streaming and interactive media industries.

The Esquire Group is a boutique law firm offering legal services for individuals and organizations in the areas of media, arts and entertainment.

I was responsible for all business and legal matters relating to the development/production of original content (scripted and unscripted) and the acquisition of licensed content for Lionsgate's Digital Studio and all of Lionsgate's SVOD, AVOD and TVOD programming services (e,g., Comic Con HQ, Tribeca Short List, Kevin Hart's LOL) and coordinated with Lionsgate Television and Theatrical departments on company wide policies, practices and business strategies impacting the development, production and distribution of Lionsgate content. Drafted and negotiated negative pickup deals, content acquisition and distribution deals, executive producer deals, book rights, life rights and format rights deals, first look deals, development deals, talent deals, library content deals, etc. on behalf of the Lionsgate Digital Studio and Over-the-Top programming services. Structure and negotiate international co-production and co-financing deals for Lionsgate feature films in connection global distribution opportunities and partnerships. Also built off-platform syndication models and licensing strategies for original digital content and explore subscriber acquisition techniques to increase the OTT audience and monetize the subscription base. Explored and vetted alternative business models and revenue streams to leverage Lionsgate's digital assets and distribution platforms in order to adapt to the fluid nature of the digital marketplace and lead a team of attorneys that conduct the rights and guild analysis, production legal work (from principal photography through post production and delivery) and clearance with respect to all Lionsgate digital productions and international co-productions. Worked with SAG/AFTRA, WGA and DGA on behalf of Lionsgate to comply with all guild guidelines and restrictions impacting Lionsgate digital programming.

Managed the general business/legal affairs for Adult Swim Digital by structuring the content deals/revenue-generating business models and drafting/negotiating software deals, web application deals, digital game deals and digital rights agreements.Strategized with internal depts. and provide on-site business/legal support for tent-pole events (awards shows and gaming summits).Vetted rights issues (e.g., chain of title) and clearance matters (e.g., First Amendment, trademark, copyright) related to the acquisition and distribution of the networks’ content and advise creative/production teams on risk assessments.Advised on union/guild regulations and rates, digital/social media platform restrictions, game and competition rules/regulations.

Developed, packaged and sold various television projects (docu-soaps, news-docs and formatted shows) intended for primetime television programming on various networks (e.g.,VH1, HBO); and occasionally partnered with other production companies (e.g., Intuitive Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions) on the foregoing ventures.Consulted with writers, actors, executive producers and television personalities on their third-party contractual obligations (with studios, networks and social media platforms) and helped to package their entertainment properties.Structured and negotiated co-production deals, branding ventures, digital deals, shopping agreements, participation agreements, rights deals, talent hosting deals, holding deals, and new media business models for entertainment content.Attended trade shows/film festivals (e.g., Sundance, Cannes, NAPTE) and provided on-site counsel/support for clients exploring alternative financing models, media partnerships and distribution opportunities.

Structured/negotiated the following deals with third-party networks, studios and/or licensees: network licensing agreements, co-production deals, passive deals, digital rights deals, and above-the-line talent deals for each of my assigned pilots/series. Structured/negotiated script acquisition deals, if come deals, overall deals, first-look deals, holding deals, book and format rights deals, and approved/supervised all payments related to the foregoing agreements.Supervised all business/legal phases of production on my assigned pilots/series (e.g., hiring talent, vetting rights, etc.)and advised ABCS’ creative/production teams on any business/legal issues that arose during the production season. Reviewed/approved all production budgets for each of my assigned pilots/series and advised on cost containment strategies.

Oversaw/advised on all of Pariah’s operational matters and strategic decision-making in the areas of finance, distribution, production, litigation, entrepreneurial ventures, employment/labor issues and company policies/procedures.Supervised Pariah’s day-to-day office operations, general staff and ancillary businesses.Managed Pariah’s first look/overall film and television agreement with Sony and partnered with Sony business affairs and Ziffren Brittenham, LLP (outside counsel) on structuring above-the-line talent deals for Pariah-attached projects.Supervised the tracking, collection and payment of Pariah’s residuals, deferments, profit participations, overhead reimbursement, legal fees, agency commissions, settlements and any other outstanding debts due to Pariah.

Structured and negotiated, on behalf of in-house producers/senior management, animation and live action deals for writers, executive producers, independent contractors and production companies; and supported the following programming: “Drake and Josh,” SpongeBob Squarepants,” “Dora the Explorer,” the “Kids Choice Awards,” and “The Backyardigans.”On-location production attorney for Tween Nick productions and provided support for the on-site producers by: navigating local governmental filming laws; securing releases; and vetting scripts/rules for game shows.Managed workers’ compensation and other employment-related litigation by reviewing programming content, investigating claims, facilitating discovery, prepping employee deponents, and formulating trial and settlement strategies.