Commissioning Asst - Drama

Department: Commissioning

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Description

UKTV's Commissioning department is responsible for the development, commissioning and execution of original content across the entertainment channels in the UKTV portfolio and streaming service U. We commission across a range of genres which include comedy entertainment, factual and factual entertainment and scripted drama. We work with top talent across our programmes and genres as well as award winning production companies in the industry.

The Commissioning Assistant, Drama supports the Head of Drama and Scripted Commissioning Executive, as well as the broader Commissioning and Production Management teams. The role is a combination of administrative and editorial support. They act as a 'first filter' for submissions, highlighting projects that stand out creatively and which are particularly in line with our editorial briefs. They are also responsible for managing and updating our development slate document and submissions log, diary management, and communicating feedback to producers.

What we would like you to bring to the role....key experience, knowledge, skills & personal qualities

• Previous experience in reading and reviewing drama scripts.
• The ability to spot projects that align with our drama strategy and ambitions.
• Strong people and communication skills.
• Experience with diary management and PA duties is preferred.
• Someone with experience script reading for TV drama.
• Ability to turn down projects firmly, but respectfully and sensitively.
• Skilled at managing important relationships with key suppliers who may find the Commissioning Assistant their first port of call.
• An in-depth knowledge of the current TV landscape in the UK. Knowledge and opinions of current TV writers working in the UK is also valuable.
• A good communicator who can work collaboratively and forge strong relationships.
• Strong IT skills.
• A genuine passion for and desire to learn about TV, with an ability to confidently express taste and opinions.

What you will get to work on....key outputs and responsibilities of the role

• Read scripts and pitch decks from a range of top UK productions companies, gaining broad insight into the current TV writing landscape.
• Understand the submissions and development processes that lead towards a greenlight, from inside a commissioner.
• Communicate with the external creatives and stakeholders who make our shows happen.
• Work within a creative and ambitious team of colleagues.
• Read and assess the potential of project submissions against our creative briefs.
• Manage internal systems, including the submissions log and development slate, and updating these ahead of team catch ups.
• Assist with development admin, including filling out the development specification document.
• Support commissioners in communicating thoughtful but firm feedback on unsuccessful projects to producers.
• Contribute to editorial discussions about projects on our development slate.
• Occasionally meet with externals to communicate our commissioning briefs and answer questions about our commissioning processes.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for TV storytelling and ability to stay abreast of the current TV landscape outside of UKTV.
• Diary management for the Head of Drama and Scripted Commissioning Executive.

Hybrid-Working

At UKTV, we are working in a hybrid environment with a mixture of home and office working. Getting together in the office as a team and a company gives colleagues an opportunity to build and maintain great relationships, encourages our culture of collaboration and creativity while recognising that colleagues need to have a healthy and happy work-life balance. You'll agree with your manager the split of time you spend in the office or at home based on the role that you do, how often you come together as a team and your personal preference.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At UKTV, our inclusion vision is to truly represent society in our workforce and on-screen, and create a culture of fairness and respect where we champion difference so that every person feels included and empowered to do their best work. We are committed to ensuring a level playing field at UKTV where all employees and job applicants are given equal opportunity, and that we have diverse voices at the table in everything we do. We welcome applications from everyone and we want UKTV to be a place where you can be your authentic self, give your best and develop your career free from discrimination of any kind.