VP, Sales

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The Vice President, Sales is responsible for ensuring Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) film titles are booked and optimally positioned across theatrical markets in the United States and Canada (including support of the Canadian sub-distributor). This role leads the Sales department, drives revenue strategy for new releases and repertory titles, and serves as a key liaison between exhibitors, filmmakers, and senior company leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Theatrical Sales & Distribution

• Oversee the Sales department to maximize theatrical revenue for all new releases.
• Lead the sales team on film releases, including negotiation of film rental terms, release dates, and strategies for Q&A events, pre-shows, and specialty screenings (e.g., fan favorites, mystery screenings).
• Engage directly in sales negotiations with theatre exhibitors in key city markets, setting licensing terms and conditions at the high end of established industry parameters.
• Set up theatre deals for each release in the company operating system and approve settlement statements submitted by Sales Managers.
  
  

Market Strategy & Expertise

• Maintain deep knowledge of the independent film marketplace, including target audiences, demographics, competitive titles, and current and anticipated market trends.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Sales and the Exhibitor Relations Coordinator to determine the need for screenings and trailer placements, and identify where they will be most effective.
• Strategically place trailers by theatre and market based on film profile, audience demographics, regional competition, and exhibitor performance.
  
  

Repertory & Non-Theatrical Strategy

• Partner with the Manager, Non-Theatrical Sales to develop sales strategies for repertory titles, leveraging SPC's long-term (15-year) distribution licenses.
• Maximize revenue potential for library titles by identifying creative, innovative opportunities to reintroduce older films to new audiences.
  
  

Relationship Management & Travel

• Travel regularly to meet with exhibitors, including attending industry conventions, conferences, and visits to exhibitor headquarters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with theatre owners, circuits, and key industry partners.
  
  

Internal Collaboration & Reporting

• Attend weekly meetings with producers, directors, and company executives to discuss release strategies.
• Communicate directly with producers and directors pre/post-release regarding market performance and address questions or concerns.
• Participate in weekly meetings with Co-Presidents, the publicity department, and the sales team, as well as bi-weekly department head meetings, to align on sales strategy.
• Prepare and distribute the Weekend Box Office Report internally and report weekend grosses to industry trades.
  
  

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Approve departmental invoices.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance across all sales-related financial reporting and settlements.
  
  

Level Of Knowledge, Skills And Abilities The Job Requires.

• Extensive experience in film distribution and dealing with exhibitors; at least 15-20 years of experience
• Knowledge of theatres nationwide
• Excellent computer skills - Microsoft Office
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Excellent negotiating and dispute resolution skills
• Ability to performance manage staff members
• Ability to identify work priorities and requirements up-front and manage workflow
• Must have the ability to work independently and think strategically
• Skill in establishing on-going relationships of trust and understanding
• Must possess strong service orientation, attention to detail, strong teamwork skills, the ability to work on several tasks concurrently
• Must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing needs
  
  

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPE_Accommodation_Assistance@spe.sony.com.

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