Manager, Business Affairs

At Mainframe Studios, we're creators first. We eat creative and technical challenges for breakfast and come back for more. We've been doing this for 30+ years, and we're still going strong. From our artists to our technical and production folks, everyone is passionate about collaborating on some kickass projects. With partners like Mattel, Netflix, DreamWorks, Sony, Silvergate, and Nickelodeon, it's no wonder we've established ourselves as a creative force to be reckoned with.

For all of our hiring, Mainframe Studios values the strength in the diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. We welcome and encourage applicants who bring new perspectives and experiences to our teams. We strongly encourage people from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, Indigenous communities, and those with diverse abilities to apply.

WE WANT YOU (and your mad skills)!

Reporting to, and under the supervision of the SVP Business Affairs and General Counsel, the Manager, Business Affairs is responsible for managing all funding and tax credit applications, drafting talent, NDAs, and certain below-the-line agreements, and ensuring that the company complies with various contractual obligations and for managing distribution issues, clearances and trademarks.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Contract Administration

• Tracks the progress of various contracts and ensures they are executed and distributed to applicable executives, talent, financiers, agents, etc.
• Manages a centralized contract tracking system for the company.
• Manages an in-house database that tracks all project options, rights and deliverables, and expiration dates.
• Manages a system for communicating upcoming contractual obligations, providing enough advance warning to decision-makers. Coordinates status and feedback of those contracts in negotiation.
• Supports executives to act as the company's liaison with distribution and licensing agents, broadcasters, and 3rd party clients.
• Arranges for execution of all contracts according to company policy. Edits various contracts and incorporates notes as necessary.
• Communicates certain contract terms to internal parties on a need-to-know basis.
• Coordinates with outside counsel to negotiate and draft deals for writers and artists in a consistent platform for all projects.
• Manages the preparation of applications for CAVCO, CreativeBC, and OntarioCreates.
• Manages applications for CMF and or other government grant applications for applicable IP projects.
• Interacts respectfully and professionally with colleagues, other staff members, partners and clients
• Ensures the Line Producers/Producers archive production catalogues and contracts as required to meet contractual obligations.

Project Deliverables

• Coordinates the assembly of all deliverable requirements with respect to distributor and/or broadcast sales, merchandising, and licensing agreements.
• Liaises with other internal departments to ensure that all deliverable requirements are satisfied and follows up on all outstanding items.

Distribution

• Assesses in-house IP contracts to analyze various rights and royalty payment obligations to and from the company. Coordinates with the Finance Department to set-up and track reporting obligation requirements.
• Establishes an archival system for distribution contracts.

Corporate

• Instructs counsel for incorporation of production companies and annual filings.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in Business Affairs, and/or Contracts Administration. Strong preference for Canadian animation studio experience.
• Experience applying for funding at Telefilm, CreativeBC, OntarioCreates CAVCO, and the CMF.
• Experience with various production and financing structures, including treaty coproductions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent attention to detail and an ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in evaluation, reviewing, and administering contracts.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills in dealing with various internal and external customers.
• Extremely well organized.
• Very flexible and adaptable to a constantly changing environment.
• Ability to go above and beyond what is asked for and looks for potential issues and solve problems before they become problems.
• Accurate, dependable, and able to anticipate the needs of others.
• Deadline-oriented with the tenacity to see a project to completion.
• Excellent project management skills.
• High degree of self-initiative, confidentiality, and a strong sense of business acumen.
• Ability to deliver work on time and meet set performance objectives.

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Mainframe Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which means we will not discriminate against any individual based on race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law. This policy applies to every aspect of employment at Mainframe Studios, including recruitment, hiring, training, advancement, and termination. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and partners. Should you require accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please let us know your requirements when contacted.