Adjunct Professor of John H. Mitchell Business of Entertainment Programs: The Motion Picture and Television Studio Business

The USC School of Cinematic Arts is seeking an adjunct faculty member in the field(s) of motion picture and television businesses from the studio’s perspective. Candidates should have extensive familiarity with the studio business and studio environment.

This graduate-level course will delve into the motion picture and television businesses from the studio’s perspective with an emphasis on filmed content (IP) and studio operations. Candidates will discuss their areas of expertise covering creative development, production/post-production, marketing, distribution, business affairs, deal analysis, film finance, tax-based incentive deals, etc., as well as other areas that the Studios are substantial market leaders including: animation, home entertainment, sports broadcasting, content acquisitions, TV sales, and market leading distribution models that have revolutionized the industry such as subscription SVOD (so-called “ Streamers” like Netflix) services/platforms and TVOD/AVOD/FAST ad supported platforms.

Candidates should be able to cover the following topics:

• Role of Producer

• Role of Studio Executive

• Creative Development of IP

• Agency Packaging

• Securing Intellectual Property, Option Agreements

• Business Affairs

• Film and TV Finance

• Artificial Intelligence in the Entertainment Industry

• Production/ Distribution Structures, including SVOD’s

• SVOD/ AVOD/ FAST/ TVOD

• Legacy Studios and New Streamers

• Sports Broadcasting

• International Productions and Acquisitions

• Content Marketing

• Working in a Studio/ Entertainment Industry

• Managing Relationships and Embracing Leadership roles

• The Pitch Process

Candidates will be able to facilitate discussion and encourage participation through engagement and/or interactive class activities in addition to lectures. Grading assignments and facilitating course administration will be required.

Qualified applicants will have 10+ years of studio motion picture or television experience and be able to teach students at the graduate level about the industry. Prior teaching and/or guest lecturer experience at the university level is welcomed but not required. Ideal candidates will have prior experience as a studio executive and/or a leadership role at a studio.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Education: Master’s degree, or equivalent industry experience. Demonstrated teaching experience, ideally at the university level, but inclusive of professional and community seminars, workshops, and mentorships.

Minimum Experience: 7-9 years of experience at a major studio, streaming service and/ or production company

Preferred Experience: 10+ years of experience at a major studio, streaming service and/ or production company. Lead producing or studio executive experience. Demonstrated teaching experience.

Compensation:

The core salary range for this position is $30 - $45 per hour. This is an adjunct 25% FTE position.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.