Specialist, Script Clearance - Animation

Sony Pictures Entertainment•Culver City, CA

About The Position

The Script Clearance Department is part of the Intellectual Property Department within the SPE Legal Department. It identifies and resolves legal script-clearance issues for SPE productions to help prevent legal claims and litigation under the company’s E&O insurance policy. The Animation Script Clearance Specialist manages clearance matters for assigned Sony Pictures Animation projects—including television, features, shorts, and related content—from pre-production through release. The Specialist identifies, analyzes, and resolves intellectual-property and related issues involving copyright, trademark, defamation, rights of publicity and privacy, product use, and licensing or permission requests. As the primary clearance contact for assigned productions, the Specialist provides guidance throughout script review, design review, screenings, and other production stages. The role works with Production, Marketing, Consumer Products, Publicity, and other studio departments to address clearance issues, support production objectives, protect SPA’s interests, and comply with SPE policies. It includes preparing script-clearance reports, assessing designs and production materials, researching and resolving issues, and reviewing and negotiating clearance-related agreements.

Requirements

At least three years of entertainment-industry clearance experience.
Demonstrated experience with script breakdowns, intellectual-property research and analysis, licensing, contracts, and other clearance issues in motion picture, television, and/or animation production.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and prioritize multiple projects and competing deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain clearance issues and recommendations clearly.
Self-motivated and detail-oriented, able to work independently while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Ability to independently identify, analyze, and resolve clearance issues under production-driven timelines.
Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace, and ShotGrid/Autodesk.
Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Nice To Haves

College degree.

Responsibilities

Review scripts and revisions for content requiring clearance assessment, including names, quotes, references, products and brands, copyrighted materials, locations, and other potentially concerning content.
Review research reports and findings, identify matters needing further investigation, and coordinate follow-up research.
Conduct independent research and analysis to evaluate clearance issues, verify information, and support recommendations and determinations.
Prepare comprehensive script-clearance reports, including character assessments, significant legal and clearance issues, character and business names, props, set designs, and other production materials.
Exercise sound judgment in clearance determinations that support creative objectives, protect SPA’s interests, and comply with SPE policies.
Identify and assess legal and clearance risks involving animation designs and production materials such as characters, businesses, locations, accessories, vehicles, and sets.
Advise Production on solutions, modifications, or permissions needed to resolve issues and achieve permissible use.
Analyze and resolve submitted designs and production materials through ShotGrid/Autodesk, including determining whether third-party permissions or modifications are required and whether items may be designated permissible or not clear.
Demonstrate understanding of license agreements, releases, permissions, and other key legal agreements and deal terms.
Review, negotiate, and redline clearance-related agreements; address substantive comments from rights holders and opposing counsel; and consult the Associate Manager and studio attorneys on significant or non-routine issues as needed.
Serve as the primary clearance contact for assigned SPA productions and collaborate with Production, Marketing, Consumer Products, Publicity, and other studio departments.
Build and maintain effective working relationships so clearance issues are communicated, evaluated, and resolved in a timely manner.