Research Specialist, Script Clearance

Job Description

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 and to prevent legal claims and litigation.

The Research Specialist is responsible for servicing the research needs of the Script Clearance Department. Research is performed as part of pre-production and production to ensure that all names, addresses, businesses, etc are clear to use. Additionally, research is done to ensure accuracy of factual information and references included in projects, as well as fact checking true stories and docudramas.

Responsibilities:
• Research proposed character names by occupation, locale, and other identifying traits.
• Search multiple online databases to review any business names, brand names, trade names, trademarks, titles, slogans or other proprietary items.
• Ensure that no real-world conflicts exist for scripted addresses, internet sites and other proprietary information.
• Scan newspaper and magazine articles to pick up important current issues and lawsuits; and
• Identify research resources, to determine research variations and to pursue further leads and aspects of investigation.
• Discuss results/findings with the Research Manager to ensure that the request was fully assessed and that the research is comprehensive before determination is made regarding which items can or cannot be used by production, based on conflicts or similarities that exist. The Script Clearance Department relies heavily on the independent judgment of the Researcher.
• Communicate clearly and effectively wit other members of the Script Clearance Department.
• Research Contact Information for Rights Holders.
• Fact check required information for various projects. Using Westlaw and other news databases to substantiate in previously published sources depictions of (or references to) real people/companies that might be actionable. Fact-based or fact-inspired projects are particularly challenging in this regard when depictions must be factually accurate. In-depth research with full understanding of the legal issues is required for fact-based projects.
• Reviewing and Verifying Research Information - when the Research Specialist completes a research assignment, they will review the results with the Research Manager in order to ensure all sources checked, the results from each source, and relevant backup information (database printouts)

Requirements:
• 3+ years of clearance and/or motion picture/TV production experience.
• Previous experience as a Script Clearance Coordinator and Script Clearance Researcher is preferred.
• Must work effectively and thrive in a team environment. Good interpersonal skills are required.
• Strong research and computer skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and well-organized.
• Ability to prioritize time-sensitive work when given a high volume of responsibility from multiple sources.
• Must enjoy working in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) as well as a strong understanding of the rules of confidentiality.
• College graduate or equivalent preferred. with previous clearance and/or motion picture/TV production experience. Previous experience as a Script Clearance Coordinator and Script Clearance Researcher is preferred.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $73,000 - $84,00. 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.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPE_Accommodation_Assistance@spe.sony.com.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d511pe-18-227-209-54-42 in your application.