Michelle Jaeger is an entertainment attorney and former production executive with over 25 years of experience bridging creative, production, and dealmaking. She began her career in physical production as a DGA 2nd AD, giving her firsthand insight into set life, schedules, and the realities producers and directors face when projects move from idea to execution. She later transitioned into legal and business affairs roles, ultimately serving as VP of Business Affairs at Sony Pictures Television.
At Sony, Michelle led U.S. and international negotiations for scripted and unscripted content across North America, EMEA, Asia, and Latin America. Her work included co‑productions, format licenses, financing and distribution structures, and complex talent agreements, while navigating U.S. and international guild and union requirements. This experience gives her a clear view into how projects are packaged, financed, and sold and where legal decisions meaningfully affect creative control, budgets, and long‑term sustainability.
Michelle is known for translating contracts, guild rules, and business‑affairs concepts into practical tools filmmakers can actually use. Her production background informs a collaborative, solution‑oriented approach.
Based in Los Angeles, Michelle continues to advise independent creators and emerging companies. She holds a J.D. from Whittier Law School, a B.A. from California State University, San Francisco, and is a member of the California State Bar and the DGA.