Script Clearance Coordinator, Legal

This is a Full Time Job

The Script Clearance Department reviews various drafts of scripts for feature films and television productions, as well as dailies, marketing materials (including trailers, TV spots, movie posters, websites, etc.), DVD ''deleted scenes'' and other ''added value'' materials, and other items in order to protect the company from litigation and claims of libel, slander, defamation of character, invasion of privacy, unfair competition, trademark infringement and dilution, product disparagement, unauthorized usage of corporate professional and product names, and copyright infringements. In addition to handling the needs of the majority of Columbia Pictures films, Sony Pictures Television pilots, movies-for-television and series, Screen Gems/Stage 6/Sony Pictures Home Entertainment films and Sony Pictures Animation films, the department also works on New Media webisodes for initial distribution via the internet, as well as working on certain Sony Pictures Classics productions and reviewing film acquisitions/negative pick-ups prior to distribution. Finally, the department also generates reports and consults with SPE Local Language productions in Asia, Germany, India, Mexico and Russia, advising as to what types of items need to be cleared and how to go about clearing them.

Script Clearance Coordinator - The Coordinator works closely with our Analysts and maintains active communication with crew members on various productions. Challenges distinctive to the Script Clearance Department include: preparing memos to our producers, and clearance request letters on behalf of our productions' various departments, including ArtDepartment, Costumes, Props, Set Decoration, Video Playback, etc.; updating and distributing Script Clearance reports on our internal SCRY reporting system: logging in new scripts as they are received; scheduling film screenings; assisting our Researchers with minor research; executing payment for licensed material and talent in clip material. Language skills are important, as Coordinators are expected to show attention to detail in reading, reviewing and editing memos, letters and legal Release forms. Coordinators must also thrive in time-sensitive, fast-paced work environment in which we are expected to provide our productions with prompt answers to their questions and follow-up on clearance requests to ensure a quick turnaround time when waiting for responses from licensors. Standard office responsibilities include: answering telephones; handling incoming mail and filing legal documents; ordering departmental supplies; and, arranging meetings.
This clearance position reports to 3 Script Clearance Analysts, providing administrative/clerical support.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Script Clearance Memos & Reports

Assisting with the preparation of initial script clearance reports in memo form, and (for features) in spreadsheet form via our custom clearance report software, SCRY (Script Clearance Report Yielder). The initial report identifies every legal issue in a script. Each issue must be put into its corresponding categories (as a costume, prop, set dressing, etc.) with its status identified (''Not Clear'', ''Permissible'', ''Cleared'').
SCRY then allows us to track each legal issue throughout the various stages of pre-production, production and post-production. Many of these items are unscripted, and submitted to us by the ArtDepartment, Costumes, Props, Set Decoration and other Departments. The Coordinator will add these new legal issues to the report, uploading reference images of the items in question, and updating the status of these items as clearance request letters are sent and responses or Releases are received.

For feature films, weekly SCRY status reports are then generated and sent on each project.
For TV productions, the Coordinator will assist in the preparation of memos regarding script revisions and/or updates in the legal status of pending items.

Script Clearance Requests

Composing permission request letters, ''thank you'' letters and legal Releases.
Coordinator will review each request as it is received via fax or e-mail. We expect a level of initiative be taken at this point, depending on the level of complexity, in which the Coordinator will often do things like: prepare a draft permission letter and/or Release for the Analyst to review; help submit the request to our Research Department; or, ensure that the Analyst has the information in a timely manner. Each Analyst typically has 5 to 10 projects (movies and TV shows) in various stages of pre-production, production, and post-production. While any request needs to be reviewed immediately, Coordinators need to work with our Analysts to ensure that they understand the level of priority of each request, as some are more urgent that others.
When a signed Release or letter of permission is received, Coordinator will first review for any revisions or deletions, record the response in the SCRY report and copy the correspondence to Legal Files.

Internal/External Communications

Handling incoming phone calls and assisting analysts with follow-up calls to check up on ''pending'' items.
Routing incoming mail and faxes to the appropriate Analyst, which often involves attaching response documents (such as release forms and agreements) to the previous correspondence on file (such as request letters and e-mails).
Maintaining a log of scripts and script pages received by the department and routing these to the appropriate analyst. This position also requires checking the script repository on the Sony intranet on a daily basis and printing out postings of any new scripts and revision pages.
Monitoring and promptly delivering e-mails directed to the Senior Vice President.
Scheduling meetings, departmental screenings and otherwise coordinating calendars.
Ordering various office-related supplies.