Animation Clearance Specialist

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 SPEs film television and virtual reality productions as mandated by the companys E&O insurance policy to prevent legal claims and litigation.

The Animation Clearance Specialist manages the clearance needs on all SPA 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 Animation Clearance Specialists primary duties are to manage the day-to-day running of an animation production as it relates to the above-stated issue. This requires breaking down all scripts script revisions secure clearances and reviewing all animation designs.

Responsibilities:

• Review all scripts and script revisions to identify all items for assessment including but not limited to names quotes references products specified materials and locations etc.
• Responsible for reviewing all of the research reports and identifying any issues that may require further research and/or investigation.
• Perform additional research as necessary.
• Prepare script clearance reports which include character assessment identification of key issues research of character and business names and approval of props set designs and other items created by the animation team. Script Clearance reports require that hundreds of decisions be made and the Specialist must use good judgment and discretion to ensure that SPA Productions reflect the creators vision while at the same time following SPE policy and protecting SPAs interests.
• Identify legal risks associated with items such as animation designs including but not limited to characters businesses locations accessories vehicles and sets. Direct production on how such risks should be addressed.
• Analyze assess and resolve all SCRY/SCOR items including determining whether third-party permissions are required whether changes/edits are required of Production and whether the item is assessed as permissible or not clear.
• Proficient understanding of key legal agreements and deal terms including license agreements and releases. Negotiate key legal agreements and address high-level comments from opposing counsel. Consult with studio attorneys when necessary.
• Manage relationships with SPA productions publicity and marketing and other parts of the studio as it relates to clearance issues on each project.

Requirements:

• Strong ability to work effectively and thrive in a team environment. Good interpersonal skills are required.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).

• Must be a self-motivated detail-oriented individual.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• Resolve clearance issues under tight deadlines.
• 3 or more years of experience working at a clearance service provider performing breakdowns and experience analyzing items for review.
• Strong computer skills (MS Word Excel and Power Point) and excellent proofreading skills.
• High school graduate or equivalent (college degree preferred) with previous legal contracts and/or motion picture/TV production experience.

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.

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