At a Glance
- Tasks: Generate creative ideas and develop compelling pitch materials for exciting documentary projects.
- Company: Fast-growing indie production company with a strong creative reputation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values every voice.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make your mark in the documentary and true crime space.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in development, exceptional writing, and deck creation skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Dates: ASAP - one year fixed term, with possibility of extension. Please state your availability when you apply.
Location: Central London / WFH hybrid (minimum 4 days in the office).
A fast-growing indie with serious creative pedigree is building something genuinely exciting. With a slate spanning premium documentary, true crime, biographical series and popular factual, they've made a significant impact in a short time. The culture matches the ambition: this is a place that values its people, operates as a real team, and takes pride in doing things properly. They're looking for a Development AP to join a well-resourced development team and help drive a broad and varied slate forward.
The role
This is a hands-on development role with real creative responsibility. Your day-to-day will include:
- Generating strong, commercially viable ideas across premium documentary, true crime, biographical docs and popular factual.
- Creating polished, visually compelling pitch decks and treatments tailored to individual broadcasters and streamers. These need to be glossy and impressive.
- Writing toplines, one-pagers and treatments with a clear understanding of different buyers' needs.
- Leading and contributing to brainstorm sessions with original thinking and prepared research.
- Taking commissioner briefs and developing them independently into pitchable concepts.
- Supporting access documentary projects, including those involving sensitive subjects and contributors.
- Designing pitch materials that work across diverse platforms, from BBC and Channel 4 to Netflix and Amazon.
You'll need:
- 2+ years of solid development experience at Development AP level, with a clear focus on premium documentary and series.
- Exceptional writing skills - the ability to craft a one-pager, treatment or topline that makes a commissioner want to read more.
- Outstanding deck creation skills - you can produce glossy, premium-looking pitch materials that hold their own on any broadcaster's desk; PowerPoint, Photoshop and Canva proficiency required.
- A strong eye for visual presentation - layouts, fonts, image selection and the distinct visual languages of different channels and streamers.
- A genuine passion for the documentary and true crime space. You follow the genre closely, know what's working, and have strong instincts about what's next.
- The ability to spot strong documentary ideas in the news, podcasts, true crime communities and everyday life.
- Confidence leading brainstorm sessions and coming prepared with researched thoughts and developed concepts.
- Independent thinking - able to take a brief and run with it.
- A roll-your-sleeves-up attitude; this is a collaborative environment where everyone gets stuck in.
The ideal candidate:
You are someone who lives in the documentary and true crime space. You consume it - as a viewer, as a listener, as someone who notices which podcasts are blowing up and which tabloid stories have a film inside them. You have strong opinions about what makes a great doc and you are not shy about sharing them. You will also have deck creation, graphics and presentation skills.
Crucially, you are a brilliant communicator on the page. Your writing is clear, engaging and pitchable.
Use the 'Apply Now' button to send us your CV and a succinct cover note highlighting your relevant experience. Look forward to receiving it.
As a proud champion of diversity and equality in production, we encourage you to tell us if you belong to any marginalised or under-represented group in the industry - be that race, disability, sexuality, gender, socio-economic background or religion, or if you have any other personal circumstance we can support you with eg jobsharing / flexible working requirement. We will not disclose this information to our clients without talking to you about it first, and your application will in no way be affected.
Development AP in London employer: Talented People
Join a fast-growing indie in Central London that values creativity and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your ideas can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to diversity, this company provides meaningful opportunities for growth while working on exciting projects across premium documentary and true crime genres. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model, allowing you to balance office presence with remote work, all within a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development AP in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage with professionals in the documentary and true crime space. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Development AP role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to pitch ideas or brainstorm, come prepared with unique concepts and polished pitch decks. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your understanding of what makes a great doc.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on what's hot in the documentary world, from popular series to emerging topics. This knowledge will help you generate ideas that resonate with commissioners and buyers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your cover note, and don’t forget to mention your availability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Development AP in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Your writing is your first impression, so make it count! Craft a cover note that’s not just clear but also engaging. Highlight your relevant experience and let your passion for documentary and true crime shine through.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor them to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Development AP role. Mention your familiarity with premium documentary and how you can contribute to our exciting slate.
Be Visual:Since deck creation is key, consider including a link to a portfolio or examples of your pitch materials. Show us your eye for design and how you can create visually compelling presentations that stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talented People
✨Know Your Genre Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the documentary and true crime space. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular shows, and emerging topics. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also allow you to contribute original ideas during brainstorming sessions.
✨Craft Impressive Pitch Decks
Since deck creation is a key part of the role, practice designing visually appealing pitch materials. Use tools like PowerPoint, Photoshop, or Canva to create samples that showcase your ability to present ideas clearly and attractively. Bring these examples to the interview to demonstrate your skills.
✨Prepare for Brainstorming
Come ready with researched thoughts and developed concepts. Think of a few strong documentary ideas that could be pitched to various broadcasters. This shows initiative and your ability to think independently, which is crucial for the Development AP role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Be prepared to share writing samples that highlight your ability to craft engaging one-pagers and treatments. Clear, concise, and compelling writing is essential, so consider bringing a few polished pieces that reflect your style and understanding of what makes a great pitch.
