Manager, Production Content Clearance

Job Description

Employees

Currently, all employees are working remotely except for select roles that have an in office requirement. We value the health and safety of our people above all else, and our office re-openings will remain

contingent on the course of the COVID variants and federal, state and local safety guidelines and

recommendations. As we look forward, the majority of our employees will have flexibility that allows them to choose a predominantly remote, predominantly in-office, or hybrid setup.
Our official in-office locations in the United States includes LA, NYC, Stamford, and Chicago, and we have several other states in which employees may work remotely if their role isn't one that requires them to be in or near the office.

THE DIVISION'S STORY
Production Operations and Engineering consists of a wide range of media centric roles. We are responsible for managing the entire life cycle of A+E's programming. This is where we produce, transform, broadcast and distribute content as well as run the tech infrastructure for the Media Supply chain. We are an energetic team that fulfills the business objectives within a thriving dynamic industry. Developing new solutions to continually improve the user experience of our customers, consumers and colleagues is our mandate. If you have the determination and aptitude we are seeking for a role in this challenging and rewarding business and are eager to work for a department that sets the standard for our industry, then we look forward to speaking with you!

Please note that this role requires periodic
on-site attendance at
our offices and full vaccination for COVID-19 is required for physical presence in A+E Networks workplaces, in accordance with applicable law. While A+E Networks will consider reasonable accommodation requests regarding this policy in accordance with applicable law, such requests will not be considered until a conditional offer of employment is extended to a candidate. Applicants should not submit any medical or health information in connection with their application for employment or otherwise prior to receiving a conditional offer.

The Manager, Production Content Clearance supports our internal productions, making sure that all content including archival/third party images, appearances and music have been properly cleared prior to broadcast and distribution. We're looking for someone with a passion for investigating and unraveling the mysteries of content ownership and licensing, and enjoys finding just the right footage to tell compelling stories. For each of our productions, your involvement starts at the conceptual stage and ends when the rights bibles are approved and finished shows are delivered.

This role will act as a conduit between the production team and our Legal & Business Affairs department, making sure that everyone is included in project reviews, problems and risks are resolved, and all clearance and licensing requirements are met prior to delivery.

This role reports to the Vice President, Post Production in our Stamford, CT facility, with a dotted line to Legal & Business Affairs.

MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU'LL DO:

This role is critical to making sure that our creative, business and legal teams all have the right tools and information to keep us safe from legal, financial and reputational risk for all of our projects, large and small. You'll make sure that all licensing requirements are covered in project timelines and budget estimates; track licensing costs, and process invoices for third-party copyright holders.

When needed, you will provide expertise and guidance to find alternate solutions to keep budgets on track or replace problematic footage/images; negotiate licenses and rights clearances contracts and/or advise your team to ensure that appropriate licensing and terms are acquired.

Prior to final program delivery, you'll review licenses and agreements to make sure materials have been properly cleared; check that cue sheets and rights bibles are accurate and complete; and make sure that paperwork is submitted with enough time for Legal to review and approve prior to broadcast and distribution.

You'll take the lead in fostering business relationships with existing and new third-party vendors and internal business groups; and maintain a database of archives, libraries and resources, with current rate cards, to assist with budget projections and cost tracking.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

You will collaborate with experienced, passionate professionals at all levels of our organization and have exposure to all the inner workings of our approach to producing our content from concept to broadcast and distribution across our global markets.

YOUR STORY:

You're able to provide subject matter expertise related to media archives and footage licensing; location, appearance and materials releases; and best practices to leverage internal and external databases and resources to research materials and contact rights holders.

You're organized, and can make sure that all relevant correspondence, licenses, agreements, research and review materials, and decision parameters are appropriately stored and readily available in case of future inquiries.

You communicate professionally, and are able to raise up problems and concerns in concise, actionable terms.

You enjoy collaborating with and managing people, and can provide guidance and feedback to keep projects on track, ensure accountability, as well as coaching your direct reports reach their full performance and career potential.

You are flexible, energetic, able to balance multiple projects/priorities, and can prioritize and manage your time effectively throughout all stages of production from brainstorming sessions to final delivery crunch time.

You understand production planning and coordination, and how your work fits into each project's structure; and can contribute to the project budgeting and planning process.

MORE ABOUT YOU:
• 5+ years of experience with rights clearance, licensing, production planning and research for factual/documentary content in a cable or network environment, production company or equivalent television/music/entertainment field.
• Deep knowledge of legal concepts related to archival footage and image research, acquisition and licensing.
• Prior team leadership or ability to oversee rights & clearance and/or other production professionals is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Database and/or Airtable expertise a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Television Production/Communication or equivalent industry experience.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r7jp7q-18-117-196-217-42 in your application.