Open-Rank Adjunct Professor of John H. Mitchell Business of Entertainment Programs: The Movie Business

The USC School of Cinematic Arts is seeking an open-rank adjunct faculty member in the field of talent management for the entertainment industry. We are looking for a working professional with a primary position as an agent, manager, or producer. This course will cover an overview of how the entertainment industry functions, including talent agencies, production companies, studios, and creators.

Core topics taught will include:

• What is the difference between an agent and manager?
• What are the roles of publicists and lawyers in entertainment?
• How to option material and secure rights
• Methods to secure financing for entertainment projects (i.e. independent films)
• What is the role of the creative producer?
• Overview of producing: short films, features, scripted TV, non-scripted TV
• Distribution, including overseas and domestic sales patterns & business trends
• The emergent role of AI in the entertainment business

The course will also explore how students can utilize their skills to:

• Obtain an internship
• Write quality script coverage
• Create detailed resumes suited for the entertainment industry
• Build skills as an entry-level assistant in the entertainment industry

Qualified applicants will have 8+ years of producing, agency and/or management experience and be able to teach students at the undergraduate level about the industry. Candidates will be well-versed in the landscape of the entertainment industry post-COVID as it relates to talent representation, contracts, and deal-making. Ideal candidates will have familiarity with a broad talent base, offering insight on various industries including theatrical and television.  

Candidates will be required to call upon contacts with backgrounds in entertainment as it relates to talent representation to foster a unique learning experience and to support lecture topics and the discussion of current events related to the entertainment industry. Prior teaching and/or guest lecturer experience at the university level is preferred.

Compensation:

The core salary range for this position is $30 - $45 per hour. This is an adjunct position. 

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

Minimum Education:Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Education: Master’s degree, or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience: 7-9 years of experience as an agent or manager at a talent agency or management company. Demonstrated teaching experience, ideally at the university level, but inclusive of professional and community seminars, workshops, and mentorships.

Preferred Experience: 10+ years of experience as an agent and/or manager. Demonstrated teaching experience.