VP – Business Affairs

We are looking for a strong leader for our Business Affairs team. The ideal candidate must be well versed in SAG-AFTRA Commercials contracts, third party rights for creative assets and excited about making great creative work. You are a partner to producers while working across agency departments including Creative, Brand Leadership, Legal and Finance. This position reports into EVP, Head of Integrated Production.

Responsibilities:

· Be extremely well versed in the 2022 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract, union waivers to reduce client costs, i.e., Low Budget Waivers, Internet Only, Influencer Waiver, etc.). Procure SAG/AFTRA waivers (i.e. Low-Budget, PSA, Experiential Coverage, Experiential Social Media). Prepare performer contracts/releases Review all executed contracts & licenses.

· Work collaboratively as a partner to Producers and Brand teams to review creative work for 3rd party clearances and/or legal implications; intellectual property, licensing, likeness release, use of logos/artwork, trademarks, etc

· Owns the responsibility of drafting production contracts, casting specs, releases, affidavits, music rights agreements in concert with agency legal counsel

· Be an integral part of the Integrated Production Team, available to Producers.

· Generates talent estimates (sessions and usage) and provides guidance on most cost-effective ways of managing talent residual budgets. Experience with Extreme Reach is imperative.

· Oversees all talent billing & production advances with support from Business Affairs manager.

· Prepare and submit spot completion reports, informs final cast advises on holding fee notifications and reports talent usage via the ER platform.

· Manage all renegotiations of talent, music, photography

· Partner with producers to secure stock footage and image rights.

· Handles celebrity and popular music license negotiations when required with agency legal counsel

· Oversees Business Affairs / Talent manger

· Proactively works in educating other departments on the aspects of the SAG commercial contract, licensing, talent, and intellectual property regarding all aspects of our work.

· Research industry trends to advise the agency on what is happening across the industry and what will be coming up in a year or ten years. Advise leadership on industry news in the Business Affairs area

· Film Tax Credit knowledge and filing experience

· Have many industry contacts at other agencies, music and production

Qualifications:

· A minimum of 7 years of experience specific to the advertising industry in a Business Affairs Role.

· Must have proficient and current knowledge of SAG-AFTRA commercial contracts

· Ability to lead and grow a team of Business Affairs Managers

· Self-starter who can work independently in a fast-paced environment

· Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy and work well under pressure

· Strong negotiation and contract management skills

· Willingness to speak up, lead tough conversations, and be solutions-oriented

· Having a law background is not required but is a considerable plus