Coordinator, Script Clearance

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 and television productions, as mandated by the company’s E&O insurance policy, to prevent legal claims and litigation.  

The Coordinator works closely with Script Clearance Analysts and maintains active communication with production personnel on multiple television and film projects from pre-production through completion.  The Coordinator is responsible for a range of administrative and support duties, including preparing and distributing memos; drafting clearance request letters; updating Script Clearance reports using the department’s internal software system, SCOUT (Script Clearance Online Utility Tool); logging new scripts as they are received; scheduling film screenings; assisting Analysts with minor research tasks; and processing payments for licensed materials and talent.

Strong language and writing skills are required, as Coordinators are expected to review memos, request letters, and Material Release forms. Coordinators must work effectively with team members and thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment, responding promptly to productions and following up on outstanding clearance requests to ensure timely turnaround.  The role requires strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage correspondence across multiple projects simultaneously.  Standard office responsibilities include answering telephones, handling incoming mail, maintaining legal documents, ordering department supplies, and coordinating meetings.

Responsibilities

Script Clearance Memos & Reports

• Assist in the preparation of initial script clearance report memos and clearance report spreadsheets using SCOUT
• Add and track clearance requests, releases, and issues in SCOUT, including uploading reference images and updating item statuses throughout the clearance process
• Support the preparation of memos related to script revisions
• Update the status of pending items
• Generate and distribute SCOUT status reports to productions and internal project distribution lists

Script Clearance Requests

• Review incoming clearance requests upon receipt via SCOUT and/or email, and coordinate with the assigned Analyst to determine appropriate next steps
• Draft permission request letters and legal Release forms for Analyst review
• Coordinate with Script Clearance Analysts to prioritize clearance requests across multiple projects and ensure timely follow-up on urgent items
• Submit clearance requests to the Research Department or provide supporting materials to Analysts, as needed
• Review signed Releases or permission letters for revisions or deletions, notify the Analyst, and record responses in SCOUT and Legal Files

Internal/External Communications

• Handle incoming telephone calls and assist Analysts with follow-up calls on pending clearance items
• Route incoming mail and related correspondence to the appropriate Analyst and attach response documents, as needed
• Track scripts and script revisions received and route materials to the appropriate Analyst
• Maintain and update project records for assigned productions, including titles, shooting schedules, crew lists, and related production documents
• Monitor the script repository, Scenechronize, for new scripts and revision pages
• Schedule meetings and departmental screenings and coordinate calendars.
• Order office and departmental supplies

Payment of Talent and Licenses

• Process departmental billing and invoices, including license fee payments, research services, and other miscellaneous payments.
• Liaise with Accounting and other studio departments on behalf of the department, as needed
• Dailies, DVD Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Deleted Scenes, Advertising Materials, Marketing & Merchandise Material
• On an as-needed basis, review dailies, DVD behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, advertising, publicity, and merchandising materials
• Support the distribution of advertising and promotional restrictions memos

Training

• Participate in weekly department meetings and attend relevant MCLE lectures to remain current on entertainment law and script clearance issues
• Stay informed on current clearance-related developments and actively participate in departmental discussions to support ongoing learning

Requirements

• 1-2 years of office experience
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, time-sensitive setting
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and well-organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under high-volume workflow demands
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a high degree of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive legal and production-related information
• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with fast, accurate typing and strong proofreading skills
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred
• Prior experience supporting motion picture/television production, legal, or business affairs teams is preferred

The anticipated base salary for this position is $50,000-$65,000. 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.

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.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

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