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Contract Administrator, Sony Pictures International Productions
Sony Pictures
Culver City, CA, United States
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Contract Administrator, Sony Pictures International Productions
Sony Pictures Entertainment is a leading creator and distributor of entertainment products, services and technology. Our global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television production, programming and syndication, home entertainment acquisitions and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in over 70 countries.
We are looking for a Contract Administrator to join our Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP) legal team in our Culver City headquarters. The incumbent reports to two Vice Presidents of Legal Affairs. SPIP produces global film local language fare and co-productions across multiple countries. SPIP is a relatively new business with a “start up” mentality. The ideal candidate will possess strong learning agility and must be able to balance competing priorities in a demanding environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage rights database system: review and interpret legal documents, adhere to internal rights management procedures; research, analyze and abstract current and pre-existing business/legal rights and obligations, enter data, generate rights reports, liaise with internal stakeholders, and provide timely internal notice of options and other critical contractual dates.
• Manage payments database system: review and interpret legal documents, adhere to internal accounting procedures, abstract project-specific payment obligations, enter data, generate payment reports, liaise with internal stakeholders and external (often foreign) vendors to insure timely remittance of contractual payments.
• Conduct contractual research and analysis: conduct basic legal research and provide written analysis of contractual rights and obligations (such as derivative rights, first opportunity rights, passive payments and so on).
• Supervise and manage delivery of film and television legal elements: oversee the timely and accurate completion of delivery of film legal elements, including review, interpretation and approval of legal documentation, contact with licensors, production companies and bond companies and their attorneys to enforce delivery obligations. Review, interpret and approve chain of title and transfer of rights documentation. Advise in-house attorneys and outside counsel of issues and problems arising from review of such documents. Prepare chain-of-title analysis. Review, interpret and approve music documentation (cue sheet, composer agreement, master use, synchronization, and so on).
-Review and interpret talent contracts and related documents to ensure consistency with credit obligation summaries. Review E&O policies and certificates for compliance with SPE’s insurance requirements, discuss and resolve any issues with Risk Management. Review copyright applications and/or certificates for the program and screenplay filed with the United States and Canadian copyright offices to determine compliance with legal requirements of registration. Negotiate and review lab letters to ensure unencumbered access to contractually required film materials. Where necessary, ensure that appropriate documents are received to enable calculation of guild residuals.
-Negotiate and draft routine documents: create first draft of routine documents, such as certificates of authorship, NDAs, short-form assignments, publisher’s releases and so on.
-Manage and maintain forms library: organize growing forms library, liaise with legal professionals from other SPE business units to ensure consistency of terms and language.
-Provide administrative support: provide direct administrative support for two VPs within Legal Affairs. Manage multiple incoming phone calls, provide accurate detailed messages, maintain professional telephone etiquette. Maintain calendars, schedules, and address book contacts. Manage filing system of hard-copy and electronic documentation.
-Must be able to deal with highly sensitive and confidential information. Provide other ad-hoc administrative support as needed, and liaise with business unit staff throughout SPE.
Qualifications
5+ years’ experience in a contract admin/paralegal role, ideally in entertainment
BA/BS or equivalent experience required
Paralegal certification from an ABA certified program preferred
Knowledge of:
• Business and/or legal affairs in the entertainment industry, preferably at a major motion picture or television studio
• Legal approval of various documentation to clear a film prior to release
Skill In:
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Database and file management
• Time management
• Foreign language(s) a plus, but not necessary
Ability To:
• Prioritize and problem solve; react to changes in priorities and respond appropriately to the needs of clients
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, with both internal and external parties (i.e., high- level executives, directors, producers, vendors, etc.)
• Be patient and articulate with those for whom English may not be their first language
• Multi-task including and the ability to manage workload
• Demonstrate sound judgement and the ability to work well with other departmental personnel; team player
• Maintain a professional level of conduct at all times
*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.
• Sony Pictures - CA - Culver City Area & Studios