Eric Kessler

Experience

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  Lion Forge Entertainment

  SVP Business and Legal Affairs

  Mar 2025 - Present

  Lion Forge Entertainment is an Academy‑award winning, Black‑owned animation and live‑action studio focused on Kids & Family and YA content that centers diverse voices and builds global transmedia franchises across TV, film, publishing and consumer products.

  • Led all business and legal affairs for animated and live‑action TV, feature film and digital projects, advising senior leadership on strategy and franchise planning.
  • Structured, negotiated, drafted and closed agreements to acquire underlying IP and adapt novels/comics for screen (options, purchases, underlying rights).
  • Negotiated and managed above‑the‑line talent deals (writers, directors, showrunners, lead cast), production services, co‑production and financing arrangements.
  • Built and managed licensing, distribution and merchandising deals and partner relationships to monetize IP globally (streamers, broadcasters, distributors, toy and publishing partners).
  • Managed outside counsel, supervised cross‑functional legal/business teams, and implemented legal frameworks to support branded entertainment, culturally inclusive IP and new business verticals.
  • Owned chain‑of‑title, rights clearance and risk mitigation workflows to enable multi‑territory exploitation and commercial partnerships.
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  Imagine Entertainment & Television

  Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs and Corporate Counsel

  Aug 2024 - Feb 2025

  Imagine Entertainment (founded by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard) is a film, television and documentary production company known for high‑quality storytelling and premium content for theatrical and broadcast/streaming audiences.

  • Structured, negotiated and closed deals engaging above‑the‑line talent (writers, producers, directors, principal cast) for scripted and unscripted television and feature films.
  • Negotiated rights acquisitions, development and production services agreements, and content license arrangements to support development-to‑distribution pipelines.
  • Provided corporate and commercial counsel to production, development and business teams—advising on deal economics, risk allocation and approvals to align legal outcomes with business objectives.
  • Prepared deal memos, term sheets and negotiated key business points with studios, streamers and third‑party financiers.
  • Coordinated cross‑departmentally to ensure timely signings, rights tracking, and compliance with guild and union requirements.
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  Imagine Entertainment & Television

  Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs

  Aug 2021 - Jul 2024

  • Led structuring and negotiation of co‑productions, first‑look/overall arrangements and financing term sheets for TV and feature slates.
  • Drafted and maintained deal templates and commercial precedents to accelerate transactional turnaround and ensure consistency across projects.
  • Managed outside counsel and internal stakeholders through complex negotiations (rights, backend participation, producer credits and key deliverables).
  • Analyzed and negotiated distribution, license and ancillary rights to maximize territory‑by‑territory value for the company.
  • Monitored option windows, reversion triggers and deadlines to preserve company rights and minimize leakage of IP value.
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  Imagine Entertainment & Television

  Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs

  Oct 2020 - Jul 2021

  • Drafted, redlined and negotiated production and talent agreements for development and series orders across TV and film.
  • Prepared deal summaries, term sheets and risk assessments to support executive decision‑making.
  • Conducted rights and chain‑of‑title diligence to support acquisitions and clearances for adaptations.
  • Coordinated contract execution, file‑closing and delivery compliance with production and distribution partners.
  • Supported dispute resolution, credit/billing review and contract amendment processes during production.
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  Imagine Entertainment & Television

  Manager, Business & Legal Affairs

  Oct 2019 - Sep 2020

  • Maintained development and production deal trackers, option calendars and rights maps to improve visibility of the pipeline.
  • Prepared and circulated deal memos, draft agreements and comparative term analyses for execs and business affairs teams.
  • Built and updated contract templates and standard form language to streamline negotiations and reduce external counsel spend.
  • Served as day‑to‑day point of contact on administrative deal tasks, closing checklists and delivery tracking.
  • Assisted with payment mechanics, vendor onboarding and ensuring timely execution of closing deliverables.
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  WarnerMedia

  TNT/tbs/HBO Max Business Affairs

  Jul 2017 - Oct 2019

  Warner Bros. Discovery is a global media and entertainment company combining premium scripted and unscripted content, sports, news and streaming to deliver differentiated franchises and brands worldwide.

  • Drafted and revised agreements for scripted and unscripted television development and production, plus new media and interactive projects (including VR/AR concepts).
  • Prepared and maintained NWEP/WEP/Director/Staff Writer/Rights charts and option calendars to increase clarity on deal status and obligations.
  • Managed accounts‑payable workflows to ensure timely payment to above‑the‑line talent and production vendors.
  • Developed visual reporting (graphs, trend analyses) of historic deal terms to inform negotiation strategy and internal benchmarks.
  • Supported business affairs on series including The Last O.G., The Alienist, Final Space and Search Party—handling deal paperwork, amendments and deliverables.
• 

  Disney Entertainment

  Intern, Business Affairs

  Jan 2017 - May 2017

  Disney General Entertainment Content (DGE) develops and produces scripted and unscripted series and specials for The Walt Disney Company’s broadcast and streaming platforms, delivering high‑quality storytelling and family entertainment.

  • Drafted and reviewed pilot and development contracts, production correspondence and immigration forms for international cast/crew.
  • Maintained and updated pilot deal/production status charts to track approvals, options and deliverables.
  • Created and maintained form contract templates and standard terms (including common “give” clauses) for use by development teams.
  • Supported production business affairs by reviewing crew and talent paperwork and escalating legal issues for counsel review.
  • Assisted in organizing contract files and intake procedures to improve departmental efficiency.

• Television Jobs and Careers

  Intern, Business Affairs

  Jul 2016 - Sep 2016

  Television Jobs and Careers is an industry resource and platform focused on employment and career information for television and media professionals.

  • Drafted and reviewed development correspondence, basic contract language and production documents to support content listings.
  • Performed talent quote research and analysis to inform budget modeling and offer levels.
  • Maintained option calendars and monitored development timelines for listed projects.
  • Built and maintained a deal database to analyze success rates from development through distribution.
  • Supported ad hoc research projects to assist producers and hiring managers.
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  IM Global Film

  Intern, Business & Legal Affairs

  Jun 2016 - Jul 2016

  IM Global Film is an independent studio and international sales and distribution platform that finances, produces and sells feature films and TV, with a global library and offices in multiple territories.

  • Drafted and reviewed distribution contracts, notices of delivery/default and related correspondence for international sales.
  • Performed main title, billing and credit research and prepared billing language for agreements and delivery memos.
  • Conducted chain‑of‑title reviews and assisted with title clearance to support festival, sales and delivery timelines.
  • Prepared copyright filings and delivery documentation required by distributors and purchasers.
  • Coordinated with production and legal teams to gather materials for sales packages and buyer due diligence.
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  Lionsgate

  Intern, Business & Legal Affairs, Worldwide TV and Digital Distribution

  Jan 2016 - May 2016

  Lionsgate is a global content leader in film and television production and distribution, with a broad portfolio of franchises and a significant presence across theatrical, TV and streaming markets.

  • Drafted Deal Term memoranda summarizing negotiated economics and key legal points for television and film agreements.
  • Assisted in drafting, redlining and negotiating amendments and full form agreements with distributors, producers and third‑party partners.
  • Maintained tracking of rights, options and reversion dates across departments to protect studio rights and revenue streams.
  • Supported copyright research, registration and maintenance activities to preserve IP and enable licensing.
  • Prepared intake materials and closing checklists to accelerate contract execution and delivery compliance.

• Lotus Entertainment Ltd

  Intern, Business & Legal Affairs, International Distribution

  Aug 2015 - Dec 2015

  Lotus Entertainment Ltd specializes in film production and distribution in North Asia, handling licensing, sales and festival deliveries for regional and international titles.

  • Drafted and reviewed distribution agreements, delivery notices and correspondence for international territories.
  • Prepared main title, billing and credit language and conducted billing audits for contractual compliance.
  • Performed chain‑of‑title and copyright diligence to support sales and delivery requirements.
  • Submitted copyright documents and obtained guild approvals needed for festival and broadcast clearances.
  • Coordinated administrative closing tasks and maintained distribution trackers for timely releases.

• Canyon Crest Academy Foundation

  Board Member

  Dec 2012 - Jul 2014

  Canyon Crest Academy Foundation supports Canyon Crest Academy through fundraising, alumni engagement and programs that enhance student opportunities and school initiatives.

  • Served on the board and founded the CCA Raven Alumni Association to connect alumni and strengthen school ties.
  • Supported board governance, fundraising initiatives and alumni‑led programming to expand resources for students.
  • Led outreach efforts to grow alumni participation and increase event attendance and donations.
  • Collaborated with school leadership on scholarship, mentorship and community engagement programs.

• Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce

  Ambassador

  Jan 2012 - Aug 2014

  Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce is a local business organization that promotes economic development, supports member businesses and organizes community and networking events.

  • Actively represented the Chamber at ribbon cuttings, member events and community gatherings to promote local businesses.
  • Assisted with public relations and chamber marketing activities, including event promotion and member outreach.
  • Supported planning and execution of networking events (sundowners, mixers) to increase member engagement.
  • Welcomed and oriented new members, serving as a front‑line ambassador and liaison to Chamber staff.
  • Helped capture event feedback and contributed ideas to improve member services and visibility.

• Dave Roberts for County Supervisor

  Assistant Campaign Manager

  Jan 2012 - Nov 2012

  Dave Roberts for County Supervisor was a local political campaign organization focused on electing a candidate to county office through grassroots organizing, fundraising and strategic communications.

  • Assisted in management of core staff and volunteer groups to execute field operations and outreach.
  • Contributed to research, drafting and implementation of campaign strategy and messaging.
  • Aided in campaign budgeting and financial management, tracking expenditures and resource allocation.
  • Designed and implemented marketing strategies across website, direct mail and social media channels to maximize voter contact.
  • Coordinated scheduling, fundraising and event logistics contributing to over $400,000 raised for the campaign.
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  AB InBev

  Campus Ambassador

  May 2011 - Dec 2011

  Anheuser‑Busch InBev is a global brewing company with a broad portfolio of beer brands and packaged beverages, operating worldwide with large-scale marketing and campus recruitment programs.

  • Recruited prospective student applicants as one of 12 national campus ambassadors representing AB InBev at Babson College.
  • Ran on‑campus marketing and outreach initiatives to increase awareness of AB InBev’s early talent programs and internships.
  • Facilitated candidate referrals and networked to help secure post‑graduation opportunities for students.
  • Coordinated campus events and information sessions to support pipeline hiring goals.

• Temple Beth Elohim

  Manager of Information Technology

  Apr 2011 - Sep 2011

  Temple Beth Elohim is a community organization serving congregants through religious services, educational programming and community events.

  • Designed and implemented a facilities scheduling system to streamline event logistics and reduce conflicts.
  • Planned and launched an online streaming and video‑recording solution to broadcast services and events to remote attendees.
  • Managed the website redesign and ongoing development to improve communications and event registration.
  • Documented procedures and interviewed candidates; hired and transitioned a Babson College alumnus to succeed in the Manager of IT role upon resignation.
  • Provided technical support and training to staff and volunteers to ensure reliable event operations.