Brian Alexander
Practical counsel, creative-friendly execution.
I partner with creative, production, and business teams to structure and close deals that are clear, durable, and executable, from first conversations through signatures and delivery.
My background spans production companies, networks/distributors, and studios/funders, which helps me anticipate friction points early and keep negotiations moving without losing what matters.
Low drama. High clarity. Forward motion.
I aim to be the person who makes it easier for creative and business teams to say "yes", with terms that are aligned, defensible, and workable in the real world.
I'm direct, collaborative, and disciplined about getting to the key business points early, so negotiations don't drift into endless paper.
What I'm often brought in to handle
Representative work (high-level)
These are intentionally broad. I'm happy to share specifics in conversation where appropriate.
UMG / Polygram Entertainment
As Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs, I oversaw all film, television, and podcast dealmaking for eight plus years, helping build the division into a meaningful player in premium documentary, scripted, animated, and music-driven content across every major platform.
During the time that I led business and legal affairs, Polygram Entertainment was transformed into a globally recognized film and television studio within UMG, the world's largest music company. The studio delivered a steady stream of high-profile, culturally impactful projects with top creative partners, including Ron Howard, Spike Jonze, Morgan Neville, and Todd Haynes, and platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Apple TV+, NBC, and Amazon. Its work has been widely recognized with major industry honors, including Emmy Awards and nominations across multiple titles, a Peabody Award for Stax: Soulsville U.S.A., and festival recognition, including the Audience Award at Sundance for Selena y Los Dinos. The Velvet Underground earned a place in the prestigious Criterion Collection, a rare distinction that underscores the caliber of the work. What began as a catalog-driven initiative evolved into a scalable, multi-platform content business, demonstrating how world-class IP, creative ideas, disciplined execution, and strategic talent and platform partnerships can generate enduring franchise value.
Perspective across the full entertainment business and legal ecosystem
- Studios / funders / investors
- Networks & distributors
- Production companies (hands-on production legal)
- Unique Music + IP adjacency in scripted, unscripted, podcasts and animation
- Clear drafting and calm negotiations
- Fast issue-spotting (without over-lawyering)
- Commercial creativity in structuring
- Reliable follow-through and clean closes
Florida State University
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), with Honors — Florida State University College of Law · Editor, Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Literature — Florida State University
California State Bar — Active Member
Engagement beyond the deal table
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) — Volunteer advocate supporting youth in the foster care and juvenile court systems.
- Outfest — Former board member supporting LGBTQ+ filmmakers and independent storytelling.
These roles reflect a long-standing commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and creative communities.
Best way to reach me
Email is easiest. If you prefer LinkedIn, that works too.