At a Glance
- Tasks: Find and secure compelling contributors for exciting video-led content.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent news agency with a focus on storytelling.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, autonomy, and potential for a permanent role.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by uncovering extraordinary stories and building trust.
- Qualifications: Experience in journalism or casting, strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
(Fixed Term Contract – 3 to 6 months) SWNS Originals Contract: Fixed-term (3–6 months) Location: Bristol hybrid (We operate on a 3 day office, 2 day WFH week) Start Date: ASAP Salary: Dependent on experience. This is an early-career opportunity.
About the role
The UK's largest independent news agency is looking for a resourceful and highly motivated Researcher to join the SWNS Originals team. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with early-career experience in casting, journalism, documentary development, factual entertainment or contributor research who thrives on finding untold stories and building trust with people from all walks of life.
While the immediate priority will be casting and research for a number of new and existing formats on the Key Witness channel, the successful candidate will also support wider development activity across SWNS Originals, helping identify stories, talent and access opportunities for documentaries, factual formats and video-first productions. We hope this may become a full-time, permanent role for the right candidate, should business need remain.
What we're looking for
- Essential
- Experience in journalism, documentary casting, factual television, development or production
- Proven ability to find and secure contributors with compelling real-life stories
- Strong interviewing skills
- Excellent research skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience handling sensitive and emotionally challenging subjects with empathy and professionalism
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- A proactive, persistent and self-motivated approach to work
- An interest in true crime and human-interest content
- Not afraid to pick up the phone and call people who may not be expecting to hear from you
- Able and willing to hit the road, and go out on location to source contributors and do research
- Desirable
- Experience casting for documentaries, factual entertainment, podcasts or digital formats
- Understanding of duty of care, contributor welfare and editorial compliance
- Experience working with vulnerable contributors
- Knowledge of true crime, human interest and documentary storytelling
- Experience creating contributor briefs, casting documents and development materials
- Understanding of media law
- Experience in video production
- Able to drive and have a car
Key responsibilities
- Find and secure compelling contributors at the centre of extraordinary real-life events, for Key Witness and other original video-first formats
- Conduct contributor outreach, pre-interviews and suitability assessments
- Build relationships with charities, support groups and key contacts to uncover new stories
- Research stories, gather supporting information and identify strong editorial angles
- Prepare contributor summaries and briefing materials
- Work closely with the production team to support filming and development
- Ensure all contributors are assessed with appropriate editorial and duty-of-care considerations
- Help build a pipeline of exclusive stories and contributors for future series and formats
Personal qualities
- Loves finding stories
- Enjoys speaking to people and building trust quickly
- Has excellent instincts for what makes compelling factual content
- Is resilient and comfortable making high volumes of approaches
- Can work independently while collaborating effectively with a wider team
- Is empathetic, conscientious and professional
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to help shape the next phase of original factual video-led content at the UK's largest independent news agency. You'll play a central role in finding extraordinary contributors and helping bring their stories to screen, working alongside experienced journalists, producers and development executives. The role offers the chance to make a genuine impact from day one, with responsibility, autonomy and exposure to projects at the earliest stages of development.
To apply
Please send: Your CV, a short cover note explaining why you're interested in the role, and examples of contributors, stories or investigations you have sourced, researched or cast.
Locations
Casting Researcher in Newport, Wales employer: SWNS
SWNS Originals is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture in the vibrant city of Bristol. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for early-career professionals to develop their skills in casting and research while working on impactful projects that tell diverse stories. Our hybrid working model ensures flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casting Researcher in Newport, Wales
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles often pop up when companies need extra hands for specific projects, so keep an eye on local job boards and news websites. Don’t hesitate to check out industry-specific platforms like Journalism.co.uk or local community groups for short-term gigs.
✨Network Like a Pro
Attend journalism and media events in your area, such as press launches or panel discussions. These are golden opportunities to meet industry insiders who might have the scoop on temporary openings. Plus, connecting with your peers can lead to unexpected recommendations.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio that showcases your best work, even if it’s just student projects or freelance articles. For journalism, a strong online presence is key, so make sure to share your pieces on platforms like Medium or your own blog to attract potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site
We often have temporary positions available at SWNS. Keep an eye on our careers page and apply directly – you're one step closer to landing that opportunity. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a standout candidate!
We think you need these skills to ace Casting Researcher in Newport, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Writing Style:When applying for a temporary role in journalism-media, it's crucial to exhibit your unique writing voice. Attach samples of your work that showcase not just your ability to report, but also to engage readers. A link to your online portfolio can really help us see your style and versatility!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experience:In the world of journalism-media, it’s all about storytelling and your CV should reflect that! Focus on any journalism-related internships, freelance articles, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include specific achievements, like publications or recognitions, that make you stand out.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:For a temporary position, we want to know what excites you about journalism and why this role at SWNS matters to you. Share your motivation for applying and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Let your passion for the media shine through!
Stay Current with Industry Trends:Show us that you’ve got your finger on the pulse of journalism-media trends. Reference recent developments or challenges in the industry in your application to demonstrate your enthusiasm and awareness. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as in-the-know!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWNS
✨Showcase Your Versatility
In the world of journalism, adaptability is key. Be prepared to discuss various topics you've covered, whether it's breaking news, features, or investigative pieces. Bring along a portfolio that shows your range—think articles, videos, or even social media content you've created. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle different formats and subjects under pressure!
✨Nail That Story Pitch
As a temporary journalist, you'll need to hit the ground running. Before your interview with SWNS, think about a compelling story idea you could pitch them. Tailor it to their audience and showcase your unique angle—this will show you're proactive and understand their publication's style, which is gold in fast-paced media environments.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the tools journalists use—whether that’s content management systems, Adobe Suite, or video editing software. During the interview, highlight your proficiency with these tools. A temporary role at SWNS might require you to jump into production quickly, and showing you're tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Quick Adaptation
In temporary roles, your ability to adapt and learn quickly is crucial. Be ready to discuss a time when you had to adjust your writing or reporting style to fit a new audience or medium. This will show SWNS that you can thrive in dynamic situations and won't just be another warm body—but a valuable team member right from day one.
