Manager, Script Clearance

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.  

The Script Clearance Manager (“Manager”) independently manages multiple television, film and virtual reality projects from pre-production through release to identify, address and resolve all intellectual property issues, including but not limited to issues of copyright, trademark, defamation, right of publicity, right of privacy and product use.  The Manager will also directly supervise two Clearance Analysts and a Script Clearance Coordinator.  The Manager will support the Director and the Vice President in managing the Script Clearance team.  The Manager will be expected to provide perspective on the resolution of difficult issues, mentor more junior members of the department and represent the department to high level studio executives.  In addition, the Manager will be asked to help set department policy and aid in the structural growth of the department.

Responsibilities:

• Day to day management of all clearance activities across multiple TV and Film productions

• Oversight of three employees’ workloads and professional development.

• Customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment in preparing a script clearance reports, identifying and assessing key legal issues associated with story points, character and business name research, and approving prop/set dressing items created by production art departments – all of which are significant and essential to the creation and distribution of SPE’s content. 

• Effectively and independently communicate with high level production and studio executives regarding difficult issues that have arisen on a production.

• Assess the legal risks on character names, business names, props, set dressing, and wardrobe items.  

• Identify legal risks associated with on-set items such as prop, set dressing and wardrobe.  Direct crew members on how such risks should be addressed.

• Research potential defamation, privacy, false association and right of publicity claims associated with a project and present such issues to the VP and EVP of the Intellectual Property Department.

• Understanding of key legal agreements and deal terms, including license agreements, rights agreements, and releases. Negotiate key legal agreements. Oversee drafting of such agreements by a Coordinator.  Address high level comments from opposing counsel. Consults with studio attorneys when necessary.  

• Knowledgeable of advanced legal principles related to projects based on true stories.  Communicates with studio attorneys, outside counsel, studio executives, producers, and writers to identify legal problems and suggest and implement solutions. 

• Manage relationship with post-production, publicity and marketing and other parts of the studio as it relates to clearance issues on the project.

• Aid in fact discovery in the event of a claim.

• Supervises directs reports workload and development. 

• Makes suggestions and recommendations as to the hiring, advancement, promotion, or corrective performance plans of department personnel. 

Requirements:

• 8-10 years of script clearance experience

• 8-10 years of experience in the entertainment industry

• 8-10 years of experience managing a team

• Bachelor's degree preferred

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of   US and worldwide copyright laws and public domain criteria.

• Expertise and understanding of complex legal concepts such fair use, right of publicity, defamation, and false association. 

• Proficient in using and analyzing information found in US Trademark, Hoovers, and WIPO databases.

• Working knowledge of Entertainment Guild terms and requirements with regards to clip re-use and talent clearances.

Skills:

• Excellent negotiator. 

• Strong communicator and writer.

• Talented problem solver.

• Ability to mentor and teach junior members of the department

Abilities:

• Accurately apply expertise when identifying and assessing issues arising in productions including as related to parody, satire, commentary. 

• Strong ability to work effectively and thrive in a team environment.

• Enjoy working in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Resolve complicated clearance issues under tight deadlines.

• Comprehend and effectively explain complex legal assessments.

• Anticipate and preemptively resolve problems before they mushroom.

• Conceive and provide creative alternatives when items are not clear.

• Direct and redirect workflow as necessary.

• Work on projects outside of one’s comfort area and general expertise. 

• Experienced at managing personnel and their development.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $90,000 - $108,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

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.

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