The role
To find and develop high-end entertainment and reality content throughout the commissioning process and manage programmes in accordance with the editorial strategy.
Key responsibilities
Commissioned projects:
1. Creative management and top-level executive production of a broad range of projects in entertainment and reality, from sign-off to delivery. Developing formats, identifying on and off-screen talent, delivering and matching creative ambition to available budget, viewing cuts in preparation for final sign-off by the Director of Entertainment and Reality.
2. Keeping across all key dates in the production cycle.
3. Ensuring projects are delivered on time.
4. Ensuring up-to-date information is provided to management when needed.
5. Supplying PR, Marketing etc. with relevant and best material.
6. Ensuring that series/programmes fully comply and conform to editorial guidelines and that contributors are on board while continuing to track any editorial policy issues that may arise.
New ideas/Creative Strategy:
7. Developing new formats for the available slots, communicating commissioning strategy/channel needs to suppliers - internal and external both individually and with Commissioning Editors.
8. Directing the development process and encouraging an innovative approach to mainstream ideas.
9. Assisting the preparation of ideas for commissioning summit meetings (final stage before sign-off).
10. Helping to identify commercial and non-linear opportunities for new and existing projects.
11. Identifying ways to refresh returning formats.
Ideas Management:
12. Responding very swiftly to incoming proposals – identifying ones we are interested in and rejecting, with constructive feedback, those we are not.
13. Ensuring suppliers (internal and external) have a positive relationship with the Entertainment and Reality Commissioning team.
14. Monitoring proposals log to ensure it is up to date.
Building Relationships:
15. To maintain positive relationships with talent, suppliers and key departments in house.
16. To help identify the best off and on-screen talent for key projects.
Commissioning Team Support/Strategy:
17. As directed by the Director of Entertainment and Reality, helping to prepare strategy documents, conference speeches; commissioning forms for business sign-off; awards submissions; identifying clips for showreels, trails etc.
Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)
18. An established industry figure who has a reputation for delivering exceptional programming – your track record will speak for itself.
19. Considerable experience in entertainment and reality with significant producer experience, series producer level and above.
20. A proven track record of developing and producing successful entertainment and reality programming.
21. In-depth knowledge of the broadcast landscape and extensive range of contacts in terms of key independent and ITV Studios suppliers, on and off-screen talent.
22. A clear understanding of editorial policy and compliance issues.
23. A keen understanding of what projects would work for ITV and an understanding of our audience.
Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)
24. An excellent communicator who can develop and maintain relationships with all relevant UK and international producers and broadcasters, acting as an ambassador for ITV.
25. An ability to think creatively and imaginatively within the mainstream and expert knowledge of entertainment and reality formats.
26. A clear understanding of editorial policy and compliance issues.
27. An ability to identify key trends and issues, to anticipate problems and deliver solutions.
28. Ability to retain focus on long-term objectives and retain a detailed grasp of day-to-day issues.
29. Clear and proven understanding and knowledge of all compliance responsibilities and procedures, Legal and ITV Trust issues.
30. Clear understanding of ITV Health and Safety and Risk Assessment policies and responsibility.
31. Commitment to diversity in all its forms, on and off screen and the ability to demonstrate a proactive approach to reflecting a cross-section of communities.
32. Enthusiasm for developing content online as well as on screen where appropriate.