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- Tasks: Lead exciting projects from concept to broadcast for National Geographic's global series.
- Company: Join National Geographic, a leader in science and adventure storytelling with a global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible four-day work week and the chance to create impactful content.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes compelling narratives and engages audiences worldwide.
- Qualifications: Bring extensive experience in commissioning or producing unscripted content across various genres.
- Other info: This role is based in London and supports a mission-driven organisation focused on exploration and conservation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The National Geographic Commissioning Editor is responsible for guiding projects across the full lifecycle of production, from concept to creation, delivery, and broadcast for global and international series, and special hours for Disney+ and linear channels. This role requires demonstrating storytelling agility across genres such as adventure, science, history, docu-drama, hosted, and premium factual.
Recent projects include: Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Tucci In Italy, Tsunami Race Against Time, Titanic: The Digital Resurrection, Car SOS, Europe From Above, Lost Treasures Of Egypt, Ice Road Rescue, and Hitler’s Last Stand. The Commissioning Editor will collaborate with production companies to provide editorial guidance, ensuring compelling visual content with powerful storytelling that meets or exceeds ratings goals. This role covers both EMEA and global projects, working across linear channels and Disney+. The role reports to the SVP of Production, with a dotted line to the SVP of Development. This is a permanent position based in our Hammersmith office, working four days a week.
What You Will Do
- Create premium programming that exceeds ratings targets.
- Collaborate with producers to implement programming strategies.
- Communicate channel needs and strategies to producers.
- Develop proposals through the greenlight process, including pre-production, casting, scripting, editing, and final delivery.
- Deliver shows on budget and schedule.
- Work with Production Management to maintain high editorial standards within budget.
- Coordinate with Marketing, Ad Sales, Communications, and Digital teams for cross-platform content initiatives.
- Work with Research to ensure factual accuracy and maintain brand standards.
- Analyze ratings and research data to inform programming decisions and increase audience engagement.
Experience
- Extensive experience as a commissioning editor or executive producer.
- Experience across a broad range of unscripted genres.
- Understanding of linear and streaming audience preferences.
- Knowledge of production budgets and ability to analyze ratings and research data.
Competencies
- Excellent communication skills.
- Effective collaboration and relationship management skills with external partners and internal teams.
- Ability to uphold the standards and practices of the National Geographic brand.
This role is based in London, UK.
National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, produces science, adventure, and exploration content across various media assets, reaching millions worldwide. A portion of proceeds supports the nonprofit National Geographic Society’s work in science, exploration, conservation, and education.
The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment leader with operations in multiple countries, creating stories and experiences cherished worldwide. Disney is committed to diversity, innovation, and storytelling excellence.
Commissioning Editor, National Geographic employer: The Walt Disney Company
Contact Detail:
The Walt Disney Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, National Geographic
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with National Geographic's recent projects and their storytelling style. Understanding the themes and formats they favour will help you align your ideas with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have worked on unscripted content. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the commissioning process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would approach programming strategies for both linear and streaming platforms. Highlight your understanding of audience preferences and how you can leverage data to enhance viewer engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaboration skills by preparing examples of successful partnerships with production companies. Be ready to explain how you’ve maintained high editorial standards while working within budget constraints.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, National Geographic
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Commissioning Editor at National Geographic. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and the types of content they produce.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience as a commissioning editor or executive producer. Emphasise your work across unscripted genres and any specific projects that align with National Geographic's focus on storytelling and factual content.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for storytelling and your understanding of audience preferences in both linear and streaming formats. Mention how your skills can help National Geographic exceed its ratings targets.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with production teams and external partners. Highlight your communication skills and ability to manage relationships effectively, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Walt Disney Company
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Commissioning Editor, storytelling is key. Prepare to discuss your previous projects and how you crafted compelling narratives across different genres. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your agility in storytelling.
✨Understand the Audience
Familiarise yourself with the audience preferences for both linear and streaming platforms. Be ready to discuss how you would tailor content to meet these needs and increase engagement, using data and ratings as your guide.
✨Collaborate Effectively
This role requires strong collaboration with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with producers, marketing, and research teams in the past. Emphasise your relationship management skills and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Budget Management Knowledge
Understanding production budgets is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing budgets and how you ensure high editorial standards while staying within financial constraints. This will show your capability to deliver quality content on time and on budget.
