Senior Talent Payment Manager

General Position 

Wieden+Kennedy believes that each team member makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities outlined in a job description. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the employee or the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each team member will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors and to pursue individual career growth. 

Our mission at Wieden+Kennedy is to be as diverse as New York City and to ensure every person working here is supported, heard and part of an inclusive work environment. This is important.

The Senior Talent Payment Manager is responsible for management of the talent payment process for all W+K commercials (broadcast, digital, industrial videos, nonunion and other content created by Wieden + Kennedy for its clients. Wieden+Kennedy is committed to inclusivity and anti-racism in everything we do, fostering an environment of belonging and collaboration for all. 

Major Responsibilities/Primary Functions 

• Review with Producers and BA Manages the concept Decks, storyboards and scripts regarding SAG jurisdictions once creative has been determined for Client Production.
• TPM in conjunction with BA managers create session estimate for production
• TPM works with BA manager on casting specs for production.
• Manages Station 12 - Talent Clearance process to confirm clearance to work for each performer if Production company cannot provide that service.
• Process any necessary Taft Hartley documents to avoid claims for SAG Preference of
• Employment and Union Security fines
• Creation and organization of session documents (SAG contract, tax form, I9, Contract for still usage and New Media/Internet edits contract) provided to Production company for shoot day(s)
• Upon conclusion of the shoot, TPM reviews all completed talent contracts; creates Session Pay authorization docs and submits to payroll service to ensure performers are accurately paid for their work day including session fee, allowances, meal penalties, mileage, travel time, etc.
• When spots are client approved, consults with Business Affairs Managers to complete Final Cast for each commercial, which involves:
• Request final ISCI's  from Account Group to receive link to final slated versions for completion report.
• Determining which performers remain as On-Camera Principals
• Downgrading and/or outgrading performers
• Correlating terms for all music (licensed or original), image/footage licensing and any other 3rd party rights contained in the final commercial
• Determining whether the versions/cutdowns qualify as allowable edit under SAG
• All done in a timely manner to avoid late fees for the client, with the T&R budget in mind
• Execution of contracts for overscale celeb talent & athletes.  This means determining accurate P&H allocation based on SAG Pension & Health guidelines, application of usage fees to the celeb/athlete guarantee amount, ensuring appropriate guarantee installments are paid on time
• Proactively maintains up-to-date records for the Terms for licensed properties (music, image/footage, other 3rd party rights) contained in the Final Cast, so renewals may be negotiated in a timely manner
• Forecasts cost of talent residuals for client commercials based on Media plan
• Budget management of residual costs for all clients commercials which involves authorizing payment for and tracking usage, keeps Account Services apprised of upcoming cycle payment dates on a timely basis to assure Client approvals happen promptly
• Attends weekly client status meetings to stay up to date on upcoming schedules
• Communicates constantly with talent payroll services to confirm that talent session & residual payments are made accurately and promptly to avoid late fees & penalties from the union
• Processes and works with Finance to confirm invoices are paid to Payroll services promptly
• Renegotiates with agents to reinstate released commercials or extend expiring commercials
• Manages resolution of claims for WK commercials with all talent unions (SAG/AFTRA, AFM)
• Manages SAG talent payment process for WK Global offices as needed

Qualifications, Distinguishing Characteristics and Special Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree or talent payment or agency broadcast traffic experience preferred
• 5+ years experience in an advertising agency with Business Affairs or Talent payment management
• Knowledge of and experience with talent union contracts (SAG/AFTRA, AFM, etc) to accurately execute and interpret union rules/guidelines
• Extremely organized with strong math and analytical skills
• A proven track record of gaining trust and respect by consistently demonstrating sound critical- thinking skills and maintaining composure in stressful situations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of employees
• Exceptional initiative, attention to detail and follow-through skills

Salary - 95k - 105k