Music Director

Job Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Executive Director of Music develops, negotiates, manages, and oversees deals for composers, co-composers, sub-composers, songwriters, recording artists, producers, and music supervisors for all WBTV-produced episodic television series, movies-for-television, and mini-series. Oversees and directs the music accounting function/area of the music department, and in tandem with the SVP, develops and supervises the production of TV soundtrack album projects, manages third-party licensing requests for studio-owned IP, and negotiates deals associated with other special projects and studio-wide music initiatives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Evaluates each new project to determine the overall structure (i.e., production entity, union and guild status, programming platforms, budget restrictions, etc.) necessary to move forward with offers to talent and other vendors. Collaborates with Executive Producers, Studio Executives, Talent Agents, and Artist Managers to develop, negotiate, and execute Composer, Co-composer, Sub-composer, Songwriter, Artist, Producer and Music Supervisor deals (i.e., Composer Lending Package Agreements and Music Supervisor Employment Agreements, Master Recording Agreements, Step-out Agreements/Waivers of Exclusivity, Soundtrack Royalty Agreements).
Oversees the status, responds to comments/counters, directs the completion and execution of all Composer, Co-composer, Sub-composer, Songwriter, Artist, Producer and Music Supervisor documents. Identifies and advises Music Legal on potential issues that may arise in the final execution of the deals and makes recommendations and decisions based on Music policy and practice.

Advises TV Music executives on all issues relating to Composer, Music Supervisor, and/or other Talent services and responsibilities (i.e., budgets, pre-records, vocal performances, delivery schedules, creative changes, third party master recordings, etc.) Discern potential problems relating to such issues and determine and facilitate additional compensation or steps to be taken to resolve these issues including re-negotiation with talent representatives.

Resolves any Composer, Co-composer, Sub-composer, Songwriter, Artist, Producer or Music Supervisor related issues arising during production which may not be covered in their standard agreements, (i.e., pre-records, vocal performances, delivery schedules, creative changes).

As the direct supervisor of the Manager, Music, delegates certain deals and negotiations to this position and oversees their progress.

As the direct supervisor of the Sr. Manager and Manager Music Accounting and Finance, supervises and monitors the processing and distribution of all payments to Composers, Music Supervisors, Producers, Songwriters and Artists performing work for our shows. Is directly responsible for handling vendor questions and concerns regarding such payment.

In association with the SVP Music, strategizes, designs, and executes viable and unique ways to promote the latest trends in music and the marketing of same to our productions.

Collaborates with SVP Music in the inception and development of TV Soundtracks or any plan for the release of music featured in our series and the review and editing of soundtrack text and artwork prior to release.

Reviews Composer, Supervisor, Songwriter, Artist, Producer payment requests and approves for release of funds.

Directs Music Legal in the preparation of Certificate of Authorship paperwork for all co-composers and sub-composers, and Songwriter/Artist Step-Out Agreements/Waivers of Exclusivity.

Consults and advises Music Legal regarding Artist, Music Supervisor, and Composer/Producer deals for soundtrack albums (i.e., soundtrack album royalties and/or other compensation).

Reviews all music-related screen credits on an episodic basis for accuracy Approves all screen credits in the absence of the SVP Music.

Responsible for approving time and attendance information.

Assists with special projects, which include securing talent for various company parties and events, requests for use of Warner Bros.-owned catalogue music by third-parties, requests from record labels for footage of their artists from our shows, working on studio-wide music initiatives supporting DC FanDome and various reunion specials, etc.

Performs additional related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Work Experience

Experience with high level contract negotiations required.

Experience dealing with talent agents, managers, labels, publishers, and legal representation required.

Knowledge of television production required, specifically scripted television.

Previous studio experience required.

Knowledge of budgets for television shows.

Relationships with industry professionals required.

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

JD strongly preferred, with an emphasis in music law.

BA/BS required

Knowledge/Skills

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of company and department personnel, as well as producers, directors, publishers, record company executives, publishers, composers and their representation.

Knowledge of music legal documents and their variations used to secure talent services.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rvkn7m-18-119-248-20-42 in your application.