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ABOUT US

ADELE SPARKS

In 2003, I opened Sparks Media Services to provide high quality clearance services and intellectual property research geared to each of my client’s specific needs requirements. With over 25 years’ experience handling projects for the major studios, Academy Award-winning clients whose names are most often spoken with whispered awe, high-profile series, and impassioned documentarians with more creativity and grit than budget, I’ve developed the professional and personal capital and expertise that are invaluable to my clients.

 

Beginning with your fantasy clearance wish list, I use my expertise to quickly determine the cost and feasibility and direction of each project.  This allows you to prioritize where you want to spend your money and time, and how that shapes the story you most want to tell.

 

I can then use my extensive capital to negotiate and advocate on your behalf. That may mean tracking down an obscure 80’s hair band in the Australian outback whose footage perfectly reflects the theme of your project, or personally navigating the political landscape of rights and clearance using win-win negotiating skills.

I began my career in 1990 in the Business & Legal Affairs department of Republic Pictures, an independent television and video production/distribution company. After it was acquired by Spelling Entertainment Group in 1995, I took on greater legal responsibilities, and finally landed in 2000 at Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment Business Affairs & Legal department as Director of Contract Administration.  Under the direction of some of the greatest minds in the entertainment industry, I was trained to see the big picture and spot problems before they find the way to your edit bay.

 

When partnering with SMS, you have access to the wealth of experience acquired through years of:

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  • Archival Producer - We can handle all your archival needs.

  • Researching and acquiring of footage, stills and other archival elements

  • Going deep into archives to find new and original footage.

  • Creating clearance budgets as well as strategies for making your project a reality.

  • Negotiating and clearing  archival elements as well as guild and/or union reuse requirements

  • Negotiating with talent for clip use, prepared talent approvals

  • Drafting third party license agreements for film clips, footage, photographs, and music

  • Researching the rights, guild requirements, MPAA guidelines and talent approvals

  • Reviewing and approval of marketing materials and websites for domestic and international licensing

  • Partnering with production, marketing, sales, operations departments, and special feature producers

  • Researching chain of title, remake/sequel, and other contractual rights

 

At Sparks Media Services, we pride ourselves on our tenacity and ability to provide you with accurate information, and legally bulletproof contracts to acquire the rights you need. I am a founding and current board member of the Association of Media Content Users and Providers (AMCUP.org) and a member of Clear, Inc. which keeps SMS current and active in the archival and clearance community. Our goal is to give you the support and assurance you need to breathe, know your legal bases are covered, and most importantly, tell your story.

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