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- Tasks: Develop and manage high-end drama projects from concept to production.
- Company: Join Poison Pen, a dynamic team at ITV, shaping the future of drama.
- Benefits: Flexible working, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the TV industry by nurturing new talent and innovative stories.
- Qualifications: Experience in drama development and a passion for scripted TV is essential.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion in storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Workplace: Commonwealth House, New Oxford Street, WC1A 1NU – expectation is 2 days in the office, though this may vary and the team may require more days in the office as projects progress towards production.
The team is looking for an experienced drama executive with a proven track record for developing drama commissions, seeing them through from early concept to greenlight. The executive will be responsible for maintaining the Poison Pen slate along with the Executive Producer and President, working with them to keep the slate commercial and precise.
The role involves:
- Working with the President and the Executive Producer to manage and build on both the UK and US slate.
- Having a strong knowledge of writers (established and emerging) and an understanding of their suitability to particular projects/genres.
- Fostering and nurturing new and existing writing talent.
- Reading books and scripts under consideration and providing feedback as needed.
- Providing creative feedback and direction on key stages throughout the development process for writers and the development team.
- Bringing ideas to development meetings in line with our development strategies.
- Communicating with broadcasters/commissioners regularly, alongside the ITV distribution team.
- Pitching the slate internally and externally.
- Cultivating relationships with agents, writers and creatives within the industry.
- Strategising what the slate is missing, where the market is going and ensuring the team is aware of creative goals.
- Monitoring and remaining on top of trends in programming.
Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria):
- Demonstrable experience as a credited Development Executive (or experienced Scripted Editor) for a minimum of at least two high-end drama productions.
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working in development for a television production company with a proven track record in high-end drama.
- Demonstrable passion for scripted TV.
- Strong understanding of the development process in high-end drama.
- Proven experience in actively researching and identifying up-and-coming writers and directors within the British television landscape.
- Experience managing script submission processes, including responding professionally and efficiently to literary agents and established writers.
- Direct experience providing constructive and insightful development and script notes for high-end drama productions.
- Involvement in taking television drama projects from their initial concept stage through to script commission and development.
- Proficiency in using Final Draft.
- Familiarity with and passion for Poison Pen slate.
Other things we’re looking for (key criteria):
- Strong knowledge of British TV writers, both established and new, and understanding their strengths.
- Excellent editorial skills and instincts to spot strong projects and give helpful feedback on scripts and ideas.
- Experience of story editing.
- Good relationships with literary agents and a talent for building strong connections with writers.
- Experience in contributing creative ideas to develop projects with senior colleagues.
- Demonstrable ability to communicate clearly (both written and verbal) and inclusively with people from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences with the ability to give clear and sensitive feedback.
- Excellent written skills to deliver a variety of supporting documents quickly and accurately.
- An understanding of diverse UK audiences and a perspective on how to make programmes that appeal to them.
- Experience in presenting project ideas to TV channels or senior leaders.
- Well-organised and able to manage multiple projects at once, paying attention to detail.
- Ability to conduct thorough research to support both development and production, ensuring accuracy.
- An understanding of and alignment with Poison Pen’s values around diversity, inclusion and accessibility in storytelling.
- A passion for commercial TV (particularly crime and thriller), film, theatre, and comedy, with a keen interest in discovering new talent and trends.
- A flexible, problem-solving mindset, able to navigate new challenges in a fast-paced, growing company.
- Comfortable with a hands-on, multifaceted role, where responsibilities may evolve as the company grows.
- A keen interest in books, graphic novels, animation, podcasts, documentaries, global narratives, and other mediums that could spark new project ideas.
Development Executive, Poison Pen ITV Careers employer: Deaf Unity
Contact Detail:
Deaf Unity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Executive, Poison Pen ITV Careers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for scripted TV! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on trends and your favourite projects. Let them see your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Don’t just wait for roles to pop up; reach out to companies you admire, like ITV, and express your interest. A little initiative can go a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Make sure your application reflects your unique skills and experiences, and don’t forget to tailor it to the specific role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Executive, Poison Pen ITV Careers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in high-end drama production. We want to see your proven track record, so don’t hold back on showcasing those successful projects you've been part of!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for scripted TV and how your skills align with our needs at Poison Pen. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
Showcase Your Knowledge of Writers: We’re looking for someone who knows their writers! Mention any established or emerging talents you’ve worked with and how you’ve nurtured their development. This will show us you’re plugged into the industry.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deaf Unity
✨Know Your Slate Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the Poison Pen slate. Familiarise yourself with the current projects and understand their commercial viability. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to maintaining and enhancing the slate.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Scripted TV
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for high-end drama during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you’ve worked on that reflect your passion and understanding of the development process. This will show them you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Highlight Your Relationships
Be prepared to discuss your connections with writers, agents, and other industry professionals. Talk about how you’ve nurtured these relationships and how they could benefit the team at Poison Pen. Strong networks are crucial in this role, so make sure to emphasise this aspect.
✨Prepare Creative Ideas
Come to the interview with a few creative ideas or concepts that align with Poison Pen’s vision. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of market trends and audience preferences. It’s a great way to stand out and showcase your strategic thinking.
