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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage high-end drama projects from concept to greenlight.
- Company: Join Poison Pen, a leading name in innovative television production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of scripted TV and discover new writing talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in drama development and strong knowledge of UK writers required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced drama executive with a proven track record for developing drama commissions, seeing them through from early concept to greenlight.
The team
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
- Working with the President and the Executive Producer to manage and build on both the UK and US slate.
- Have a strong knowledge of writers (established and emerging) and an understanding of their suitability to particular projects/genres.
- To foster and nurture new and existing writing talent.
- Read books and scripts under consideration and provide feedback as needed.
- Provide creative feedback and direction on key stages throughout the development process for writers and development team.
- To bring ideas to development meetings in line with our development strategies.
- Communicate with broadcasters / commissioners regularly, alongside the ITV distribution team.
- Cultivate relationships with agents, writers and creatives within the industry.
- Pitching the slate internally and externally.
- Strategising what the slate is missing, where the market is going and ensure the team is aware of creative goals.
- Monitor and remain 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.
Development Executive, Poison Pen employer: ITV
Contact Detail:
ITV Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Executive, Poison Pen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, workshops, or even online. Building relationships with writers, agents, and other creatives can open doors for you that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you're in interviews or meetings, let your enthusiasm for scripted TV shine through. Talk about your favourite shows, emerging writers you admire, and how you see the industry evolving.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to pitch! Whether it's your own ideas or the projects on the Poison Pen slate, practice your pitching skills. Make sure you can clearly communicate your vision and why it matters to the audience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with high-end drama and your understanding of the UK and US markets.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Executive, Poison Pen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Drama: When you're writing your application, let your love for scripted TV shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how they fuelled your passion for drama. We want to see that you’re not just experienced, but genuinely excited about the industry.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in high-end drama productions. Focus on your achievements and the skills that align with what we’re looking for. Remember, we want to see how you’ve contributed to projects from concept to greenlight!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get to the point quickly. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your ideas flow logically and your points are backed up with evidence.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Poison Pen!
How to prepare for a job interview at ITV
✨Know Your Slate Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Poison Pen's current slate. Familiarise yourself with their past and upcoming projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections with writers, agents, and creatives in the industry. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve nurtured these relationships and how they can benefit Poison Pen. This demonstrates your ability to bring valuable talent into the fold.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Come prepared with fresh ideas that align with Poison Pen’s development strategies. Think about trends in programming and how you can contribute to filling any gaps in their slate. This proactive approach will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts on script feedback and development processes. Clear communication is key, especially when discussing creative ideas. Show that you can provide constructive feedback while being sensitive to diverse perspectives.
