Head of Film Distribution

inDriver; United Arab Emirates; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent film distribution initiative in the UAE seeks an experienced professional to lead film acquisitions and distribution strategies across the Global South. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in film distribution, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and an established network within the industry. Responsibilities include managing budgets, negotiating licensing terms, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Benefits include health insurance, flexible scheduling, and access to training programs.

Benefits

Stable salary

Health insurance

Hybrid work mode

Relocation package

Access to professional counseling services

Discount club membership

Diverse internal training programs

Partially or fully paid training courses

All necessary work equipment

Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience in film distribution or broadcasting, ideally connected to Global South.
• Experience leading small teams of 2-3 people.
• Established network within the film and broadcasting industry.

Responsibilities

• Identify and curate impactful films that align with initiatives objectives.
• Lead rights negotiations and acquisitions, ensuring fair licensing terms.
• Develop and manage the annual distribution budget.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and manage renewals.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Cross-cultural collaboration

Budget planning

Legal requirements understanding

Job description

Responsibilities

• Film Acquisition

• Identify and curate impactful films from across the Global South that align with the initiatives objectives.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with independent filmmakers, producers, distributors, and film institutions.

• Lead rights negotiations and acquisitions, ensuring fair, transparent, and flexible licensing terms.

  Distribution Strategy

• Partnerships in coordination with the Head of Alternativa, design and implement a multi platform distribution strategy across the Global South, covering streaming platforms, broadcasters, public TV, and other partners.
• Develop strategic partnerships with regional and international streaming platforms, broadcasters, and cultural organizations.
• Lead commercial negotiations with partners to secure fair and mission aligned licensing deals.
• Use data from partners, research, and audience feedback to evaluate reach and engagement.

• Explore innovative, non commercial, and hybrid models (e.g., community and educational screenings) that align with our goals.

  Budgeting

• Develop and manage the annual distribution budget to ensure the efficient and transparent use of resources.
• Own the budget planning process and ensure its accurate and timely execution.

• Manage cost planning for acquisitions, localization, and industry outreach, as well as manage revenues from commercial licensing agreements.

  Legal Oversight and Rights

• Management Manage a comprehensive database of all distribution rights, territories, and license durations.
• Together with the legal team, develop the acquisitions and sales legal framework, and oversee contract execution processes.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and local regulations.

• Manage re licensing, renewals, and revenue sharing agreements with filmmakers, supporting them in understanding the rights structure.

  Leadership Coordination

• Work with a project manager to make long term and short term plans, set priorities, and ensure that KPIs are met.
• Manage a small network of content scouts who will help identify films for distribution and maintain industry relationships.
• Collaborate closely with programming, marketing, and partnerships teams for integrated planning and communication strategy.
• Represent the initiative at film markets, festivals, and industry events globally.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long term sustainability efforts.
• Identify and manage strategic and operational risks within the distribution function and ensure timely mitigation plans are developed and executed.

Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience in film distribution or broadcasting, with expertise in content acquisitions; ideally connected to Global South regions.
• Understanding of legal requirements for distribution and budget planning.
• Experience in leading small teams of 2-3 people.
• Established network within the film and broadcasting industry.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross cultural collaboration skills.
• Ability to travel regularly across the regions of the Global South and to major film markets.
• Readiness to work in different time zones, connecting with various regions of the Global South English full professional proficiency

Conditions & Benefits

• Stable salary, official employment.
• Health insurance.
• Hybrid work mode and flexible schedule.
• Relocation package offered for candidates from other regions.
• Access to professional counseling services including psychological, financial, and legal support.
• Discount club membership.
• Diverse internal training programs.
• Partially or fully paid additional training courses.
• All necessary work equipment.