Who are we?
MATTE is a 360° full-service creative studio at the convergence of hype, storytelling and design. We bring people together to inspire new ways of engaging, to provoke long term progress, and to entertain audiences around the world, while helping forward-thinking brands and institutions nimbly and truly do the same. Our studio capabilities range from strategic ideation and insights, creative development, branding and identity, experiential, web design and development, campaigns and content creation, all the way through full-scale production and execution.
About this role:
MATTE Projects is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Freelance Business Affairs Specialist to join our team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in facilitating smooth and efficient operations across various projects by managing contractual agreements, rights acquisition, and financial negotiations. As a key liaison between MATTE and external stakeholders, the Business Affairs Specialist will ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while safeguarding the creative integrity of our endeavors.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with internal teams, including producers, creatives, CFO and legal counsel, to review project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
- Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts, agreements, and release forms with clients, talent, vendors, and other third-party entities.
- Facilitate rights acquisition, licensing, and permissions for intellectual property, music, footage, and other creative assets.
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and advise on potential legal implications associated with project execution.
- Manage financial negotiations, budget allocations, and payment schedules to optimize resource allocation and ensure profitability.
- Oversee compliance with contractual obligations, deliverables, and performance metrics throughout the project lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for dispute resolution, mediation, and conflict management in collaboration with legal counsel.
- Keep abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, and best practices in business affairs and intellectual property law.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, Communications, or related field. (Advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.)
- Proven track record of at least 3-5 years in a similar role within the creative, entertainment, or media industry.
- Comprehensive understanding of contract law, intellectual property rights, licensing, and entertainment industry standards.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Proficiency in contract drafting, review, and negotiation, with a strong grasp of legal terminology and documentation.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Familiarity with project management tools, financial software, and legal databases (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Airtable, G-suite and Microsoft Office)
- A strategic mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk management.
- Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and innovative team of creative professionals on groundbreaking projects.
- Flexible remote work arrangement with the potential for future on-site collaboration at our studio locations.
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and project scope.
- Professional development opportunities and access to industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Compensation: 15 hours/month, hourly rate based on experience
Everyone is welcome at MATTE - we’re passionate about building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and creating an environment where our differences are celebrated. MATTE provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, MATTE will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.