Television Project Curator

Television Project Curator

Berkhamsted Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our TV Curatorial team to manage the TV-am Collection at the BFI National Archive.
  • Company: The BFI is a cultural charity and the UK's leading organisation for film and moving image.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, childcare support, and free event tickets.
  • Why this job: Be part of preserving television history while engaging with diverse stories and communities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in moving image archiving and knowledge of cataloguing standards required.
  • Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented groups and guarantee interviews for eligible candidates.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Project Curator to join our TV Curatorial team, working within the collections of the national television archive. This role will focus on planning and carrying out the accessioning of the TV-am Collection to the BFI National Archive. TV-am held the ITV franchise for breakfast television from 1983 to 1992 and the collection is comprised of long running series including Good Morning Britain and Frost on Sunday, which are held on obsolete video formats and digital files. The Project Curator will appraise the collection with reference to existing holdings in the BFI National Archive and undertake the accessioning, cataloguing and public engagement planning for the collection with the support of the team.

Please note this role will require substantial physical handling of archive videotape materials.

Key responsibilities include:
  • To be responsible for the physical and digital identification, acquisition and full accessioning of materials from the TV-am collection into the BFI National Archive.
  • To promote the collection and advocate for it as a resource, including researching fundraising opportunities and potential research partnerships.
  • To work with colleagues to develop documentation planning and cataloguing for the collection with support from the Assistant Curators.
  • To work with colleagues to prioritise and manage the selection of materials for digitisation and access.
We are looking for candidates who have:
  • Significant and demonstrable experience of moving image archiving, or equivalent qualification.
  • Demonstrable awareness of and adherence to standards for collections management.
  • Experience working with historical video formats and digital moving image preservation.
  • Knowledge of minimum moving image cataloguing requirements.

About the BFI: We are a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image. We believe society needs stories. Film, television and the moving image bring them to life, helping us connect and understand each other better. We share the stories of yesterday, search for the stories of today, and shape the stories of tomorrow.

25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays + the option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave. Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year. BFI pension scheme with 5% employer contribution. BFI Childcare Scheme, where we contribute to childcare costs for children up to the age of 14. Enhanced pay for Maternity & Paternity leave. Complimentary tickets to BFI Southbank & IMAX screenings and events. Free BFI Player subscription + discount on BFI DVDs, books, merchandise, and film tickets. Plus many more, which can be found in our Working at the BFI information pack on our website.

We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a first interview to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.

Further details about the role, the BFI and our benefits can be obtained by clicking the links to the left. Depending on the volume of applications, you may be asked to complete a small task or attend a pre-interview screening call to further assist the hiring team in shortlisting for this role. In this instance, interview dates may be subject to change.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Thursday 26 June 2025. First interviews will be held on Wednesday 09 July 2025. Second interviews will be held on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

Television Project Curator employer: British Film Institute (BFI)

The BFI is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration within the realm of film and television. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the preservation of our national television heritage in a dynamic environment. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the BFI actively encourages applications from under-represented groups, making it a meaningful place to work for those passionate about storytelling and cultural preservation.
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Contact Detail:

British Film Institute (BFI) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Television Project Curator

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the TV-am Collection and its significance in British television history. Understanding the context and impact of shows like Good Morning Britain will help you articulate your passion for the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the archiving and curatorial fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who have experience in moving image archiving, which could provide valuable insights and potential referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your knowledge of collections management standards and practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've adhered to these in past roles, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss fundraising strategies and research partnerships that could benefit the TV-am Collection. Having ideas ready will show your proactive approach and commitment to promoting the collection as a valuable resource.

We think you need these skills to ace Television Project Curator

Moving Image Archiving
Collections Management Standards
Historical Video Formats Knowledge
Digital Moving Image Preservation
Accessioning and Cataloguing
Public Engagement Planning
Research Skills
Fundraising Awareness
Documentation Planning
Selection for Digitisation
Attention to Detail
Physical Handling of Archive Materials
Team Collaboration
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Television Project Curator position. Make notes on key skills and experiences that align with your background.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in moving image archiving, collections management, and historical video formats. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for television history and archiving. Mention how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the BFI National Archive.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professionally formatted.

How to prepare for a job interview at British Film Institute (BFI)

✨Know Your Collection

Familiarise yourself with the TV-am Collection and its significance in the history of breakfast television. Be prepared to discuss specific series and their impact, as well as how they fit into the broader context of the BFI National Archive.

✨Demonstrate Your Expertise

Highlight your experience with moving image archiving and your understanding of historical video formats. Be ready to provide examples of past projects where you've successfully managed similar collections or faced challenges in preservation.

✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

Emphasise your ability to work within a team, especially when it comes to documentation planning and cataloguing. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in previous roles to achieve common goals.

✨Prepare for Physical Handling Questions

Since the role involves substantial physical handling of archive materials, be prepared to discuss your approach to safely managing and preserving these items. Consider sharing any relevant experiences that demonstrate your capability in this area.

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