Music Clearance Director

Job Description

The Job

Warner Bros. Television seeks a Director, Music Clearance for the Studios & Networks department.

Responsible for overseeing music clearances obtained for use in WBTV/Warner Horizon produced television series, which includes negotiating fees and licensing to acquire rights.

The Daily
• Research songs to determine publisher and/or master owners of musical pieces requested. Negotiate fees and licensing terms with publishers, writers, lawyers and others who represent third-party music used by Warner Bros., in order to obtain rights and quotations for use of any such protected music. Re-negotiate with rights holder to make sure Warner Bros. is legally covered for music that is used in ways other than what was previously negotiated.
• Input into departmental database song and license fee information for all third party songs cleared. Generate and distribute quote confirmation letters, license request letters, check approval sheet, and check transmittal letters.
• Oversee independent Music Supervisors to ensure they follow studio policy and preset guidelines such as making sure fees are negotiated properly, songs are cleared according to Warner Bros. policy, and paperwork is correct and delivered in a timely manner. Advise music accountant when to release supervisors' payments.
• Ascertains music licensing budgets and works to keep show within said budget. Track and advise Producers and Production Executives of any budgetary overages within a timely manner. Work closely with Producers to insure that all outside music used by the shows is cleared for use prior to filming.
• Negotiates rights for third party Main Title theme songs used in WBTV and Warner Horizon product. Negotiates, drafts, and finalizes required main title synchronization and master use licenses, COA's, Assignment of Copyrights, Waivers, Step-Outs, Co-Administration and Co-publishing Agreements, Songwriter Agreements, etc.
• Research and confirm all subtitling and dubbing rights for all current and past Televisions and Animations shows.
• Provide support to Worldwide Marketing and Publicity departments in all matters relating to music clearance for new marketing strategies pertaining to current television product as well as provide clearance advice and services for music contained in publicity and marketing clips and/or pilots requiring clearance for marketing campaigns prior to air.
• Prepares cost analysis for music used in all WBTV and Warner Horizon productions. Compiles and distributes quarterly reports for music clearance option fees for International and Domestic Television, Home Entertainment and Digital, for the WBTV and Warner Horizon catalogue of television programs being sold and oversees the acquisition of additional rights required by each of these divisions.
• Breakdown scripts and issue music budgets for pilots/series/amorts and special projects for all clearance elements.
• Research pre-negotiate fees and finalize all deals with Independent Music Libraries.
• Screen Television shows and check music cue sheet accuracy for each Television show, ensuring that the music is licensed or covered by composer's agreement.
• Review and consult on all music used in Home Entertainment special features and promos for DVD release of television product.
• Interfaces with Legal Department with respect to possible copyright infringement matters.
• Preparation of Accounts Payable paperwork and the researching and providing of vendor payee information for checks processed by the department, as well as handling of stale-date check issues.
• Collect final music breakdowns and cue sheets for all pilots and post on shared drive
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The Essentials
• Minimum of 10 years prior experience working in the areas of music clearance, music publishing, publishing administration, music supervision, and / or music copyright.
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• College Degree preferred.
• Must have thorough knowledge of music clearance procedures related to the TV/Film Industry
• Thorough and cost effective negotiation skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with Producers, Directors, Publishers, Writers, Lawyers and all levels of personnel
• Must be able to read, interpret and negotiate Synchronization and Master Use agreements
• Strong relationships with publishers and record companies and other professionals within the industry.
• Must have excellent organizational and follow-through skills
• In-depth knowledge of publishers, composer, public domain music, and the like
• Must be able to work independently with minimal or no supervision
• Must have knowledge of Word, Excel, and Microsoft Access

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r111be-3-14-141-228-42 in your application.