Specialist, Script Clearance - Animation

About the role

The Script Clearance Department is a division of the Intellectual Property Department within the SPE Legal Department. The Department identifies and resolves all legal script clearance issues for SPE's film, television, and virtual reality productions as mandated by the company's E&O insurance policy to prevent legal claims and litigation.

The Animation Script Clearance Specialist is responsible for managing clearance matters for assigned Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) projects, including television, features, shorts, and related content, from pre-production through release.

The Specialist identifies, analyzes, and resolves intellectual property and related clearance issues involving copyright, trademark, defamation, rights of publicity and privacy, product use, and licensing or permission requests. The role serves as the primary clearance contact for assigned productions, providing guidance throughout script review, design review, screenings, and other stages of production.

The Specialist collaborates with Production, Marketing, Consumer Products, and other studio departments to address clearance issues and support production objectives while protecting SPA's interests and complying with SPE policies.

Responsibilities

• Review scripts and script revisions for assigned projects to identify items requiring clearance assessment, including names, quotes and references, products and brands, copyrighted materials, locations, and other content presenting potential intellectual property, legal, or clearance concerns.
• Review research reports and findings, identify issues requiring further analysis or investigation, and coordinate follow-up research until all relevant clearance questions have been sufficiently addressed.
• Conduct independent research and analysis as needed to evaluate clearance issues, verify information, and support clearance recommendations and determinations.
• Prepare comprehensive script clearance reports for assigned projects, including character assessments, identification and analysis of significant legal and clearance issues, evaluation of character and business names, and review of props, set designs, and other production materials. Script clearance reports require the exercise of sound judgment and discretion in making clearance determinations that support the production's creative objectives while protecting SPA's interests and ensuring compliance with SPE policies.
• Independently identify and assess legal and clearance risks associated with animation designs and other production materials, including characters, businesses, locations, accessories, vehicles, and sets. Advise Production regarding appropriate solutions, modifications, or permissions needed to resolve identified issues and achieve permissible use.
• Analyze, assess, and resolve submitted designs and other production materials through ShotGrid/Autodesk, including determining whether third-party permissions are required, whether modifications or edits are necessary, and whether an item may be designated as "permissible" or "not clear." Advise Production on appropriate solutions and work collaboratively to achieve a permissible outcome where possible.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of key legal agreements and deal terms, including license agreements, releases, and permissions. Review, negotiate, and redline clearance-related agreements; address substantive comments from rights holders and opposing counsel; and consult with the Associate Manager and studio attorneys on significant or non-routine issues as necessary.
• Serve as a primary clearance contact for assigned SPA productions and collaborate with Production, Marketing, Consumer Products, Publicity, and other studio departments on clearance-related matters. Build and maintain effective working relationships to ensure issues are communicated, evaluated, and resolved in a timely manner.

Requirements

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

Pay and benefits

The anticipated base salary for this position is $70,000-$90,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

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