Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager – LA Studio
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Company: Synapse Virtual Production
Range: $100,000
 

About Synapse:
Synapse Virtual Production is a pioneer in virtual production (VP) content creation, facility development, education, consulting, and stage rental. By leveraging AI, game engine software, cutting-edge hardware, and novel workflows, Synapse is reinventing how premium content and experiences are made. Its award-winning team of veteran filmmakers, technologists, and immersive experts enable studios, networks, agencies, and production companies to create groundbreaking content with unparalleled efficiency. Synapse offers VP volume stage rental at its downtown Los Angeles headquarters and through the expanding global network of Synapse Certified™ stages. Additionally, Synapse collaborates with universities and studios on VP facility design, R&D, and education initiatives to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry and jobs for the VP workforce of tomorrow. More information at synapsevp.com, on LinkedIn, and on Instagram.

Position Overview:
As the Business Development Manager, you will play a key role in driving revenue and expanding Synapse’s presence in the virtual production space. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), you will work closely with production teams, clients, and partners to identify new business opportunities and foster relationships with key industry players. You will be responsible for developing strategies to grow our client base, increase market share, and align Synapse with future trends in virtual production, film, and digital media.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Business Growth: Identify and develop new business opportunities by cultivating relationships with studios, production companies, agencies, and streaming platforms. Leverage your industry network to grow Synapse’s client base and market presence.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for existing clients, building and maintaining strong relationships. Understand their needs, align Synapse’s services with their projects, and ensure they receive the highest level of service.
• Sales and Revenue Generation: Develop and execute business development strategies to meet revenue goals. Work with the CRO to forecast revenue growth, set sales targets, and measure performance against objectives.
• Market Research & Industry Trends: Stay informed of the latest trends in virtual production, film, and digital media industries. Conduct market research to identify new revenue streams and align Synapse’s offerings with the evolving needs of clients and the industry.
• Proposal and Pitch Development: Work closely with the production and integration teams to create compelling proposals, bids, and presentations for prospective clients. Communicate Synapse’s unique value proposition and demonstrate our expertise in delivering high-quality virtual production services.
• Partnership Building: Identify and establish strategic partnerships with industry players, technology providers, and vendors that can enhance Synapse’s service offerings and competitive advantage.
• Event Representation: Represent Synapse at industry events, trade shows, and conferences, establishing our presence and networking with potential clients and partners. 
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams, including production, marketing, and finance, to ensure seamless execution of projects from business acquisition through delivery. Provide client insights that help shape Synapse’s production strategies and service offerings.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead negotiations with clients on terms and pricing, ensuring agreements are beneficial for both Synapse and the client. Work closely with the legal and finance teams to finalize contracts and ensure smooth onboarding of new business.
• Client Retention & Growth: Foster long-term client relationships by maintaining regular communication and ensuring client satisfaction. Identify opportunities for repeat business and cross-selling additional services.
• Data Entry: Maintain detailed records of client interactions, sales pipeline, and business forecasts.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of business development, sales, or account management experience, preferably within the entertainment, film, virtual production, or VFX industries.
• Strong understanding of virtual production, film production, LED and related technologies, with a proven ability to translate this knowledge into business growth.
• Demonstrates inspirational leadership by fostering a collaborative team environment, and effectively communicating a clear vision for growth and success.
• Established relationships within the entertainment industry, including production companies, agencies, studios, streamers, and tech vendors.
• Demonstrated success in generating new business, meeting revenue goals, and closing deals in a competitive market.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling pitches and negotiate contracts.
• A team player with the ability to work cross-functionally and align business objectives with the company’s strategic goals.
• Proficiency in CRM software (HubSpot, Salesforce) and project management tools (Asana, Google Suite, Slack) is preferred.