Analyst, Acquisitions & Production Research

The Acquisitions & Production Research Analyst is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and tracking hundreds if not thousands of potential film acquisitions each year. This role requires a deep understanding of the global film market, evolving audience behavior, and the growing influence of social media on popular culture and box office performance. The position uses information and data gleaned from the daily news reports it generates and disseminates to select executives throughout the company.

The position also contributes ideas and tracks potential titles for catalog acquisition and works closely with the Manager, Acquisitions on a variety of research projects leading up to festivals and markets. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, proactive, and deeply passionate about cinema.

Initiate and create marketplace analysis and provide information on new trends, new businesses and news items directly affecting Sony Pictures Classics’ business activities.

Included in this position is the thorough study of business trends affecting Sony Pictures Classics’ own business activities and the generation of “News” reports sent out to a select number of SPC executives on a daily basis. Such news items might include the acquisition of a film by one of SPC’s competitors, the announcement of a new distribution company, news about financing structures in a European country or an interview in a foreign press publication with a director with whom SPC is working.

In order to generate such daily reports, this position reads through dozens of industry trade publications as well as daily, weekly and monthly newspapers and magazines from around the world. Such research takes up a significant portion of this person’s time on a daily basis.

Specific responsibilities related to this role include but are not limited to:

• the daily study of dozens of breaking news briefs, creation of daily news reports and use of said news to generate targeted acquisitions strategies
• creation and maintenance of extensive market research updated regularly for every major film festival, tracking important trends and business information and providing an overview of the distribution and sales landscapes
• on an ongoing basis, maintain up to date market research on technical innovations, new distribution platforms and new companies entering the marketplace

• Track film projects in early stages of development and production, identifying high-value acquisition targets in collaboration with senior leadership
• Analyze social media trends, talent visibility, and cultural relevance to assess their impact on a film’s marketability and theatrical potential
• Read and evaluate scripts, works-in-progress, and completed films; provide coverage and recommend select projects for acquisition consideration
• Assess theatrical viability by studying audience behavior, marketing effectiveness, and box office performance trends
• Working with Manager, Acquisitions to compile and maintain lists of potential films for upcoming A-List festivals (Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Telluride, Toronto)
• Working with Manager, Acquisitions to analyze potential equity partners, along with new sales agencies and other companies new to the market
• Research and evaluate potential acquisition titles across independent, international, and festival-driven film markets
• Establish and run a twice monthly meetings to specifically discuss directors, the status of individual projects and create an agenda for obtaining new information and developing new relationships

• Bachelor’s degree in Film, Media, Business, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of the film industry, particularly independent and international cinema
• Fluency in major social media platforms and ability to interpret digital trends in a film context
• Experience in script coverage, film evaluation, or market research preferred
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear, strategic insights
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and research tools

• Passion for cinema across genres, with strong awareness of global film trends and a deep interest in regular attendance at public film screenings / new theatrical film openings to gauge audience reaction and maintain a close watch on theatrical distribution market
• Familiarity with festival circuits (Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, etc.) and acquisition markets
• Strong professional network or ability to build industry relationships
• Self-starter mindset with a willingness to think creatively and challenge conventional assumptions