Motion Pictures - Business Affairs Assistant

Who We Are 

Creative Artists Agency (CAA), is the world’s leading full service entertainment, media, and sports agency.  We represent many of the most successful professionals working in television, film, music, theatre, video games, sports, and digital content.  We also provide a range of strategic and marketing consulting services to corporate clients.  

The Role 

The Assistant will provide support to an Executive in CAA’s Motion Pictures Business Affairs Department. The ideal candidate will be seeking to enhance their knowledge of the entertainment industry while working at a dynamic and collaborative talent agency. The assistant plays a vital role in keeping the business running smoothly. There is tremendous opportunity to learn and grow. Law school graduates, and those considering law school, who are looking for exposure to entertainment law are encouraged to apply, as are those contemplating careers as agents or producers who would like to gain an overview of the entertainment industry from a business and legal perspective. 

Responsibilities  

• Administrative duties including handling heavy phones, calendar management, note taking, and other general office management tasks such as schedule meetings, organization  

• Working with contract management, file management, database management systems, and managing client information 

• Conduct heavy research, track contract drafts and negotiations until contracts are ready for closing, track and keep BA informed of important negotiating related calendar dates 

• Support BA review of contracts in motion picture, talent, theater, literary areas of agency including, but not limited to: comparing drafts of contracts to indicate any changes, vetting first drafts of contracts to make sure they adhere to CAA and/or client precedent, issue spotting, writing corresponding reports and summaries, and suggesting resolution 

• Create/maintain on-line client files and database of all pending projects; maintain a working knowledge of historical contracts / agency precedents and create and maintain charts/data-base 

• Interfacing with clients, agents, producers and managers (including Broadway and London theatrical producers) 

• Coordinate with agent assistants and Contract Administration: signing of contracts by client and/or theatre producers; assisting with creating bookings and invoicing payments; uploading all contracts into database: and filing Equity, SAG/AFTRA and other guild/union contracts with the respective union/guild; track contracts; coordinate tracking payments for clients (including fees, initial options, royalties, participations, subsidiary rights, bonuses, subsequent options, etc.)  

• Copyright & chain of title research to determine copyright holder(s) for potential underlying rights deals and copyright termination/recapture  

• Additional responsibilities as they occur with the expansion and development of the department 

Qualifications 

• 10+ months of administrative assistant experience at a talent agency, management company, entertainment law firm, or comparable environments preferred 

• JD from an accredited University or College preferred 

• BA/BS from an accredited University or College or equivalent work experience preferred 

• Excellent research skills 

• Able to review and understand contracts  

• Ability to work well under pressure; meet tight deadlines; manage multiple projects and expectations; and maintain a sharp focus while managing competing priorities 

• Attention to detail and strong organization skills are a must. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, while understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Excellent computer literacy required (PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel).