A Licensing Manager is responsible for managing the legal and administrative aspects of securing and overseeing licences for productions. This role ensures that the theatre complies with all licensing requirements and that all necessary permissions are obtained for the use of scripts, music, and other intellectual property. Producers can sometimes take on this role for specific productions.
What are the main responsibilities of a Licensing Manager?
- Obtain the necessary performance rights for scripts, scores, and other copyrighted material
- Negotiate terms and conditions with rights holders, publishers, and licensing agencies
- Draft and review contracts related to licensing agreements
- Monitor compliance
- Calculate and manage the payment of royalties to rights holders based on ticket sales and other revenue streams
- Prepare and submit royalty reports
- Ensure that all theatre operations comply with UK copyright law and other relevant regulations
- Stay updated on changes in intellectual property law
- Maintain a detailed archive of all licensing agreements and related documentation
- Manage the renewal process for existing licences, ensuring that rights are secured for future performances
- Work closely with the artistic, production, and finance departments to ensure licensing requirements are understood and met
- Serve as the primary point of contact for licensors, rights holders, and licensing agencies
- Prepare and manage the budget for licensing expenses, ensuring cost-effective acquisition of rights
- Provide financial reports related to licensing costs and royalties to senior management
- Educate theatre staff and management about licensing requirements and best practices
- Develop and implement internal policies and procedures
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What qualifications do I need to be a Licensing Manager?
A degree in Law, Business Administration, Arts Management, or a related field can be beneficial to this role.
What skills do I need to be a Licensing Manager?
- Understanding of copyright law and licensing agreements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Effective negotiation skills
- Ability to resolve disputes
- Attention to detail
- Accuracy
- Organisational skills
- Record keeping
- Time management skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Presentation skills
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving skills
What does a career as a Licensing Manager look like?
Starting in roles such as Licensing Coordinator, Contracts Administrator, or Legal Assistant provides foundational experience.
How much does a Licensing Manager earn?
Licensing Managers can earn anywhere from £30k - £40k per year.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
References:
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/search/36754
Published: 6th June 2024
