"Legal professionals play a fundamental role in decision-making in the entertainment industry"

Leaders League: Can you share your journey to becoming head of business affairs at Disney+ Original Productions Iberia?

Javier Bermúdez de Castro Berbel: My career in the entertainment industry has been driven by a deep passion for media and content production.

After studying Law and International Business Administration and Management, I became interested in entertainment law, the audiovisual sector and the image rights of artists and athletes. I specialized in these subjects for the master’s degree I earned from Pons Business School and King Juan Carlos University. Upon completing my studies, I had the opportunity to start working in the audiovisual industry, which I was truly passionate about, by joining the legal team at Secuoya Content Group, a company that was emerging as a key player in the Spanish audiovisual landscape and has now become one of the major players in the industry internationally.

This is how I began this exciting journey in the entertainment industry, specializing in entertainment law, intellectual property, media rights and contract negotiation for TV shows, series and films.

Within Secuoya, my role evolved over the 10 years I spent at the company, taking in different positions and responsibilities. Initially, I joined as Legal Counsel, working on the legal aspects of the productions and projects that the group was launching such as Españoles en el mundo, Victor Ros, Apaches and Policias en accion”, among many others TV shows.

Subsequently, I took on the role of Legal Director at regional television channel 7TV in Murcia , leading the legal and business affairs activities for the public television network. This phase of my career provided extensive knowledge of how a television network operates, the legal challenges surrounding news and current-affairs programs — where the right to freedom of expression must be balanced against third-party rights — as well as the critical role of business in advertising and events play in ensuring the sustainable and profitable operation of a public television network in our country.

The increasing complexity of media rights requires a deep understanding of intellectual property law and international legal frameworks.

Finally, as Secuoya expanded and established a global content studio as its main division, I became Head of Business and Legal Affairs. In this capacity, I led negotiations for high-profile Secuoya Studios’ international series such as Zorro, Montecristo and Spanish blockbuster feature-films such as Mamá o Papá, and El Test, among others. Managing business and legal affairs for both national and international productions gave me a deep understanding of content development, financing structures and global distribution, as well as the context of the audiovisual sector in Spain and the Americas.

Transitioning to Disney+ was a natural step, allowing me to apply my expertise on a larger scale while contributing to the platform’s growing slate of original productions in Iberia. The opportunity to be part of Disney’s global storytelling legacy and work on high-quality, innovative content was an exciting challenge that perfectly aligned with my career aspirations.

Being part of this company and the talented original-content team in Spain, as well as understanding the content-platform business from the inside, is undoubtedly a dream come true for anyone whose passion lies in entertainment.

What role do legal professionals have in strategic decision-making and business operations for companies in the entertainment industry?

In my opinion legal professionals play a fundamental role in strategic decision-making and business operations in the entertainment industry, going far beyond traditional legal advisory functions. In today’s fast-evolving audiovisual landscape, their responsibilities have expanded to encompass business affairs, financial strategy, risk management and content acquisition. As a result, legal experts have become key players in shaping the commercial success of entertainment companies.

One of the most significant contributions of legal professionals is their involvement in high-level business strategy and negotiations. Their expertise is crucial in structuring agreements with platforms, distributors and broadcasters, ensuring that the company maximizes revenue while maintaining compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations. The increasing complexity of media rights — spanning VOD, SVOD, TVOD, Free TV, and streaming services — requires a deep understanding of the evolving market, intellectual property law and international legal frameworks.

Additionally, in-house lawyers, especially those specializing in Business & Legal Affairs, actively participate in financial planning and investment strategies. They play a key role in securing tax incentives and co-production agreements, not to mention attracting investors, which are all essential elements for the sustainability and expansion of content production companies. Their ability to assess financial risks and opportunities makes them indispensable partners for both creative and executive teams.

Regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve, influencing production incentives and content quotas, which will shape how international platforms operate in the region.

Furthermore, the integration of legal professionals into business operations allows for a more proactive approach to industry challenges. Rather than being consulted only when legal issues arise, these professionals are now embedded in the decision-making process from the outset, providing valuable insights that help drive innovation and efficiency. Their unique position within the company gives them access to key internal information, allowing them to anticipate risks, negotiate from a position of strength and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

In fact, the role of legal professionals in entertainment companies has evolved from a purely legal function to that of a strategic advisor and business enabler. Their ability to bridge the gap between legal requirements and commercial objectives makes them indispensable in an industry where business models, content distribution channels and regulations are constantly changing. As the audiovisual sector continues to grow and transform, the contribution of legal professionals in leadership and strategic decision-making will remain essential to ensuring sustainable and profitable business operations.

That is why the vast majority of professionals in the entertainment industry working in the Business Affairs area within platforms, channels, studios or content-production companies have a legal background. They bring their legal expertise to the negotiation processes of audiovisual content. It is becoming increasingly common across the entertainment industry for lawyers to be involved from the very beginning of any negotiation. As a result, Business Affairs departments in major industry companies are now frequently led by legal professionals. This presents an opportunity for legal colleagues to develop their careers towards the business sector and take on other leadership roles within companies.

Where do you see the streaming industry in Iberia in the coming years, and how do you, at Disney+, plan to contribute to shaping that future?

I think the streaming industry in Iberia is poised for continued evolution over the next number of years, driven by increasing competition, shifting consumer habits and growing demand for high-quality local content. We can expect further consolidation among platforms, a stronger emphasis on original productions tailored to Iberian audiences and an expansion of innovative business models, including AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) and hybrid-subscription models. , everything suggests that regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve, influencing production incentives and content quotas, which will shape how international platforms operate in the region.

Legal professionals’ ability to bridge the gap between legal requirements and commercial objectives makes them indispensable in a constant changing industry.

Disney+ is committed to playing a leading role in this transformation by strengthening its portfolio of original productions in Iberia, supporting local talent, and delivering high-quality storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. As Head of Business Affairs for Original Productions in Iberia, my role is to ensure that our projects are strategically structured to maximize creative and commercial opportunities while securing the best possible terms in our negotiations with producers, distributors and talent.

As a globally recognized brand for many generations, it is a great opportunity for me to develop my professional career within this leading company in the entertainment industry. I am certain that Disney will provide me with significant value as a professional, and likewise, I hope to contribute to the company with my experience in content and talent negotiations, with the goal of supporting Disney in the growth of its streaming business and its leadership in Iberia.

Marília Gradin