
Senior Development Producer, The Documentary Unit
Welcome to the exciting world of documentary production at the BBC! We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Development Producer to join our talented team at The Documentary Unit. In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape and develop high-quality, thought-provoking documentaries that captivate audiences around the world. We are looking for a dynamic individual with a strong track record of successfully pitching and developing original ideas, as well as a deep understanding of the documentary landscape. As a Senior Development Producer, you will play a key role in driving our creative vision forward, so if you have a passion for storytelling and a drive for innovation, we want to hear from you.
- Develop and pitch original ideas for documentary projects that align with the BBC's creative vision and standards.
- Conduct extensive research and stay up-to-date on current events and trends to identify potential documentary topics and stories.
- Collaborate with other members of the team to refine and shape ideas into compelling documentary concepts.
- Create detailed and persuasive pitch materials, including treatments, sizzle reels, and presentations.
- Utilize your strong network and relationships within the industry to source potential partnerships and collaborations.
- Identify and secure funding opportunities for documentary projects, including grants, sponsorships, and co-productions.
- Work closely with production teams to ensure smooth transition from development to production phase.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of existing documentary series and propose new ideas for improvement and innovation.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the documentary landscape, including emerging trends and competition, and use this knowledge to inform project development.
- Represent the BBC at industry events and conferences, as well as networking with potential partners and contributors.
- Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure all projects adhere to BBC's policies and procedures.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior development producers and production teams.
- Continuously seek out new and diverse voices to bring fresh perspectives to documentary projects.
- Foster a creative and collaborative work environment within The Documentary Unit.
- Maintain strong relationships with potential contributors, including filmmakers, writers, and experts, to ensure a pipeline of compelling projects.
Extensive Experience In Documentary Production: The Ideal Candidate Should Have A Minimum Of 8-10 Years Of Experience In Producing Documentaries, With A Proven Track Record Of Delivering High-Quality Content. They Should Have A Deep Understanding Of The Documentary Genre And Be Able To Demonstrate Their Expertise In Creating Compelling And Engaging Stories.
Strong Editorial Skills: As A Senior Development Producer, The Candidate Should Possess Exceptional Editorial Skills, With The Ability To Identify And Develop Unique And Original Ideas. They Should Have A Keen Eye For Detail And Be Able To Provide Insightful Feedback On Scripts And Edits To Ensure The Final Product Meets The Bbc's High Standards.
Proven Leadership And Management Skills: This Role Requires The Candidate To Lead A Team Of Producers, Researchers, And Editors, And Therefore, They Should Have Excellent Leadership And Management Skills. They Should Be Able To Motivate And Inspire Their Team To Deliver Outstanding Work, While Also Being Able To Manage Budgets, Timelines, And Resources Efficiently.
Strong Industry Network: The Senior Development Producer Should Have A Strong Network Within The Documentary Industry, With Established Relationships With Key Talent, Production Companies, And Broadcasters. This Will Enable Them To Identify Potential Co-Production Opportunities, Secure Funding, And Collaborate With Other Industry Professionals To Deliver Innovative And Impactful Projects.
Excellent Communication And Interpersonal Skills: To Succeed In This Role, The Candidate Should Have Exceptional Communication And Interpersonal Skills. They Should Be Able To Build Strong Relationships With Colleagues, Stakeholders, And Production Partners, And Effectively Communicate Their Ideas And Vision To Different Teams. They Should Also Be Confident In Pitching Ideas And Negotiating Contracts.
Budgeting
Research
Project Management
Editing
Script writing
Team Leadership
storytelling
Interviewing
visual storytelling
Pitching
Camera work
Documentary Production
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Leadership
Time management
Interpersonal Skills
creativity
Teamwork
Adaptability
Problem-Solving
Decision-making
According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Senior Development Producer, The Documentary Unit in London, UK is between £50,000 - £70,000 per year. This can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the specific company or organization the individual is working for.
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The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the public service broadcaster of the United Kingdom, headquartered at Broadcasting House in London. The BBC is the world's oldest national broadcasting organization and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees.

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