Manager, Music Production

Job Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Point-person within the music department regarding all union and guild issues (AFM, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, UBCP, ACTRA, MU, EQUITY, PACT) as well as non-union performer issues for Warner Bros. Television shows. Will interpret union agreements, determine best strategies for musician/singer hires, facilitate payment of union contracts, payroll invoices, and vendor invoices, and provide feedback from WBTV Labor Relations on changes and trends for union/guild negotiations. Will be available nights and weekends to producers and music executives to accommodate fast-changing international production schedules.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Prepare session reports, contracts, timecards, etc. for SAG-AFTRA, AFM, IATSE and non-union performers. Submit paperwork and contracts for payment, process invoices from third-party payroll companies and vendors, and provide proper coding to Accounting.
• Act as department point-person for questions from Labor Relations, Production, Post-Production, music executives, music supervisors, music producers, composers, and music contractors pertaining to guild-covered performances. Coordinate labor issues on recording sessions, scoring sessions, and on-camera performances, including those related to musicians, singers, recording studio personnel, engineers, arrangers, etc. E nsure that the work is performed according to studio policy and guild agreements. Must be available outside of standard business hours to facilitate planning for international production schedules.
• Manage the execution of COVID-19 safety protocols across all music sessions and performances. Supervise the COVID-19 Compliance Officer and Administrator. Stay up to date with current AMPTP and WarnerMedia return to work protocols. Communicate COVID-19 protocols to Music Supervisors, Composers, Music Producers, Music and Vocal Contractors, and show staff.
• Consult with music executives to determine the most strategic and cost-effective scenarios to carry out recording sessions and/or on-camera performances during pre-production, production, and post-production stages. Create budgets for the various scenarios based on applicable union/guild rates and regulations after assisting in the negotiation of fees with talent and third-party vendors. Track costs and provide EFCs to department staff and studio executives.
• Oversee the planning and execution of on- and off-camera recording sessions and performances. Serve as liaison with third-party musician and vocal contractors. Participate in the selection and hiring of musicians and singers for on- and off-camera sessions. Negotiate fees for non-union music services as directed.
• Distribute and collect start paperwork and supervise support staff who prepare and review documents. Provide checklist of start paperwork to music executives, production coordinators, contractors, and other show staff. Distribute, track, and submit to payroll companies. In coordination with music executives, ensure that productions comply with guidelines for obtaining employment documents . Train and oversee support staff to help enforce compliance. Consult with Legal to verify employment documentation.
• Research and evaluate New Use claims brought by AFM and SAG-AFTRA. Process, report and respond to AFM and SAG-AFTRA on rejected claims and elicit the participation of Labor Relations when necessary. Inform music executives of AFM clip fees and process such fees when uses are confirmed. Work with Clearance and Licensing executives to process union fee invoices received from signatory record labels. Generate quarterly reports required by unions.
• Research requests from other company divisions (i.e. Home Video, Publicity and Marketing) involving re-use of previously recorded material for use in promos, recaps, supplemental markets, etc. Evaluate potential union fees and provide promotional guidelines and recommendations for the use of union-covered material.
• In conjunction with music executives, work with the Legal and Labor Relations departments to evaluate language in various union agreements concerning re-use of musical performances. Ensure that SAG-AFTRA clip reuse payments are pre-negotiated with vocalists when shows use soundtrack that was originally recorded under a SAG-AFTRA agreement (Television, Theatrical, etc.).
• In conjunction with music executives, collect Record Riders from SAG-AFTRA singers for soundtrack purposes. Work with Legal department to revise soundtrack terms as may be requested by singers' representation. Collect union paperwork and start paperwork for soundtracks as requested by WaterTower Records.
• In conjunction with music executives, submit Main Title reuse budgets to the Music Estimator and other department staff. Track and process union reuse payments for original Main Title recordings as needed.
• Handle special projects as directed that relate to the overall Music functions (i.e. researching main titles for soundtrack compilations, handling outside commercial advertising requests, etc.).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Work Experience

3-5 years music contracting or other related experience.

AFM and/or SAG-AFTRA contract application required, especially TV prod.

1-3 years' experience in television production.

Experience in accounting/budgeting required, especially in television production.

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

High School diploma or equivalent required. College degree preferred.

Knowledge/Skills
• Written and verbal communication skill to convey and receive detailed and complex information.
• Extremely detail-oriented and strong focus on follow through.
• Accounting and budgeting knowledge.
• Knowledge of Accounts Payable and Payroll.
• Knowledge of SAG-AFTRA terms for singers and AFM terms for musicians. An understanding of the IATSE Sound Technicians agreement helpful.
• Ability to meet deadlines when under pressure and while keeping accuracy.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, to set own priorities and to track own deadlines.
• Must be organized and maintain files, both hard copy and computerized accurately, for reference and audit purposes.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gwnw9p-18-219-22-169-42 in your application.