Specialist, Clearance & Licensing

The Script Clearance Department is a division of the Intellectual Property Department within the SPE Legal Department. The Department identifies and resolves all legal script clearance issues for SPE’s film, television and virtual reality productions as mandated by the company’s E&O insurance policy and to prevent legal claims and litigation. We are seeking a Specialist, Clearance & Licensing to join this dynamic team!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review, research, and clear game show content, including in-show material, marketing, and promotional assets.
• Draft and negotiate clearance documents, including license agreements and release forms for artwork, clips, and graphics.
• Review, redline, and negotiate clearance agreements to ensure proper rights acquisition and contractual compliance.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive database of clearance records, agreements, and related documentation.
• Monitor contractual obligations and generate show credits, advertising restrictions, and publicity guidelines.
• Screen episode cuts and promotional materials for legal issues while supporting creative goals.
• Collaborate with Social/Digital, Promotions, and Consumer Product teams to review marketing materials and provide clearance guidance.
• Liaise with internal departments including Risk Management, Copyright, Production Accounting, and Music Clearance
• Assist in managing subscriptions and licensing for stock content libraries (e.g., artwork, clips, photos).
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external parties (e.g., studio representatives, book publishers, stock footage/photo companies, copyright holders, etc.) and internal SPT and Game Show Division teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3 years of clearance experience at a major studio, network, or streamer.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S., or equivalent) preferred.
• Deep understanding of copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity rights, defamation, and fair use.
• Proven ability to analyze, negotiate, and secure clearance rights in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.
• Working knowledge of entertainment guild rules and talent/clip clearance requirements.
• Strong legal research skills and familiarity with U.S. and international copyright law and public domain standards.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); comfort with database tools a plus.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $68,000 to $89,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPEAccommodationAssistance@spe.sony.com.