Job Abstract

Sony Pictures Television Game Shows Division is seeking a Director of Clearance & Licensing reporting to the SVP of Business & Legal Affairs. The Director will be a key member of a multifaceted team that develops, produces, markets/promotes, and licenses game shows and related consumer products for any SPT game shows.  The Director will be lead, and the main point of contact, for all clearance and licensing functions for all SPT game shows, including original concept and library game shows, during development and through all phases of production. 

RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE:

• Lead all clearance and licensing functions for all SPT game shows.
• Negotiate, obtain, and verify the rights of the company to air or use material owned or created by third parties.
• Manage the acquisition of rights and clearances.
• Manage and ensure compliance with terms and conditions of third-party materials.
• Develop alternative proposals when rights are unavailable or exceed budget limits.
• Serve as key contact with producers to make cost/benefit decisions.
• Respond to impromptu on-set clearance requests/questions.
• Oversee and create clearance/licensing packets for series episodes.
• Oversee database of clearance records and agreements.
• Review television scripts, dailies, final cuts, and marketing, merchandising and promotional materials to assess and manage legal issues while also supporting Producers’ creative vision and goals. 
• Maintain annual subscriptions as needed (e.g., stock photos).
• Liaise with Risk Management, Accounting and Copyright departments.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Promotions, and Social/Digital Marketing teams regarding clearance of promotional content. 
• Ensure the ongoing training and development of direct report(s).
• Build and enhance key internal and external contacts.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills & Competencies

• Thorough understanding of television production and related clearance issues.
• Excellent research skills and techniques.
• Ability to anticipate and preemptively resolve complicated clearance issues under tight deadlines.
• Ability to comprehend and effectively explain complex legal assessments.
• Working knowledge of advanced legal concepts including: fair use, right of publicity, invasion of privacy, defamation, and false association. 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with attention to detail.
• Ability to independently solve problems.
• Takes responsibility for and ownership of tasks and able to meet deadlines.
• Must be a professional self-starter able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment to ensure that all assignments are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Exceptional organization and interpersonal skills, the ability to troubleshoot, and discretion with regard to confidential projects and issues. 

Experience

• 10+ years of previous clearance experience, in game shows/unscripted TV preferred, with 5+ years of management experience.

Education

• Education:  B.A., B.S., or equivalent preferred.

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.