This role will oversee and manage all functions of business affairs. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in navigating the legal, financial, and contractual elements of advertising production, ensuring that all projects run smoothly and in compliance with industry regulations. This is a pivotal role that collaborates with various teams, including creative, production, legal, and finance, ensuring that we deliver high-quality campaigns while safeguarding the business interests of our agency.
Essential Functions
Oversee and negotiate contracts for talent, vendors, third-party agencies, and SAG-AFTRA talent agreements.
Draft, review, and finalize contracts related to production, licensing, media buying, and distribution.
Ensure compliance with all legal, industry-specific, and internal policies regarding contract terms and conditions, including SAG-AFTRA and union guidelines.
Ensure all talent agreements comply with SAG-AFTRA rules and regulations, including minimum pay, working conditions, and other union terms.
Facilitate the submission and negotiation of SAG-AFTRA contracts, ensuring timely and accurate filings for talent and performers.
Manage SAG-AFTRA residuals and payment processes.
Collaborate with the finance team to ensure that budgets for advertising campaigns, production costs, and related services are in line with client expectations and agency goals.
Monitor and track the financial aspects of contracts, ensuring payment terms, milestones, and deliverables are met on time, including payments for union talent and other SAG-AFTRA-related expenses.
Oversee and manage intellectual property, copyright, talent, and media rights clearances, including SAG-AFTRA talent and union regulations.
Ensure all content is properly licensed and cleared for use across various media platforms in compliance with SAG-AFTRA rules and industry standards.
Stay updated on industry regulations, including SAG-AFTRA requirements, and ensure all campaigns comply with local, national, and international advertising standards, laws, and codes.
Work closely with legal counsel to resolve any legal issues or disputes that may arise during production or post-production, especially concerning union agreements.
Act as a liaison between creative, production, legal, and finance teams to ensure seamless project execution, particularly regarding SAG-AFTRA union talent and contractual obligations.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior business affairs staff, helping them understand industry trends, contracts, and best practices, especially related to union work.
Maintain strong relationships with vendors, talent agencies, and other third-party service providers, ensuring proper union compliance where applicable.
Negotiate favorable terms for the agency while maintaining positive working relationships, with special attention to union-affiliated vendors.
Assist with project management by reviewing timelines and deliverables and ensuring contract terms are met on all advertising campaigns, including SAG-AFTRA obligations.
Manage the legal and contractual elements of new projects from inception through completion, including tracking approvals and monitoring the production process.
Address and resolve any conflicts, disputes, or issues with vendors, clients, or talent during the production process, ensuring union rules and contractual terms are upheld.
Education and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in business, Law, Advertising, or a related field. A J.D. or paralegal certification is a plus.
5+ years of experience in business affairs, legal affairs, or a similar role within the advertising, media, or entertainment industry.
Experience working on full-service advertising campaigns and knowledge of the entire production process (from concept to delivery).
Proven experience working with SAG-AFTRA contracts, talent agreements, and union compliance.
