Specialist, Script Clearance - Animation

Sony Pictures Entertainment•Culver City, CA

5d•$70,000 - $90,000

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 (SPA) projects, including television, features, shorts, and related content, from pre-production through release. The role 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 during script and design review, screenings, and other production stages. The Specialist collaborates 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. The position requires independent research and analysis, sound judgment, effective management of multiple projects and deadlines, and clear communication of clearance recommendations.

Requirements

At least three years of clearance experience in the entertainment industry.
Demonstrated experience with script breakdowns, intellectual property research and analysis, licensing, contracts, and other clearance matters 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 clearly communicate clearance issues and recommendations.
Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and exercise 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, Google Workspace, and ShotGrid/Autodesk.
Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Review scripts and revisions to identify names, quotes, references, products and brands, copyrighted materials, locations, and other content that may present intellectual property, legal, or clearance concerns.
Review research reports and findings, identify issues needing further analysis or investigation, and coordinate follow-up research until relevant clearance questions are addressed.
Conduct independent research and analysis to evaluate clearance issues, verify information, and support clearance recommendations and determinations.
Prepare comprehensive script clearance reports, including character assessments; analysis of significant legal and clearance issues; evaluation of character and business names; and review of props, set designs, and other production materials.
Use sound judgment and discretion 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 other production materials, including characters, businesses, locations, accessories, vehicles, and sets.
Advise Production on solutions, modifications, or permissions needed to resolve identified issues and achieve permissible use.
Analyze and resolve submitted designs and production materials through ShotGrid/Autodesk, determining whether third-party permissions or modifications are needed and whether items may be designated permissible or not clear.
Review, negotiate, and redline clearance-related agreements, including licenses, releases, and permissions; 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 to communicate and resolve clearance matters in a timely manner.