Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 drama and discover new writing talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in drama development and strong knowledge of UK writers required.
- Other info: Dynamic team focused on diversity, inclusion, and storytelling excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 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.
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 in London employer: ITV
Contact Detail:
ITV Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Executive, Poison Pen in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, workshops, or even online. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Poison Pen, let your enthusiasm for scripted TV shine through. Share your ideas and insights about the industry – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to pitch! Whether it's your own ideas or feedback on existing projects, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. This is your chance to showcase your creative instincts.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on trends! Stay updated on what's hot in the drama scene. Being knowledgeable about current and emerging writers will help you stand out as someone who’s truly engaged with the market.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Executive, Poison Pen in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to highlight your love for scripted TV in your application. We want to see that you’re not just experienced, but genuinely excited about the projects you’ll be working on!
Tailor Your CV: When you send us your CV, ensure it reflects your experience with high-end drama productions. We’re looking for specific examples of your work, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Make sure your ideas come across clearly and that you’re providing insightful feedback examples. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the team at Poison Pen!
How to prepare for a job interview at ITV
✨Know Your Slate
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Poison Pen's current slate. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and understand what makes them tick. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to maintaining and enhancing their offerings.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be ready to talk about your connections within the industry. Highlight relationships with writers, agents, and creatives that could benefit Poison Pen. Discuss how you’ve nurtured these relationships and how they can help in scouting new talent or pitching projects.
✨Pitch Ideas Like a Pro
Prepare a few project ideas that align with Poison Pen’s vision. Think about current trends in programming and how your ideas can fill gaps in their slate. Practise pitching these concepts succinctly, focusing on why they would resonate with both audiences and broadcasters.
✨Feedback is Key
Demonstrate your ability to provide constructive feedback by discussing past experiences where your insights made a difference. Be specific about how you approached script notes and development discussions, showcasing your editorial skills and understanding of the development process.
