Position Title: Development Producer
Division: CEEMEA
Location: Warsaw
Department: Channel Management
Reports to: Head of Channels, Central Europe
Grade: Band 06
General Summary:
We are looking for a talented Development Producer with demonstrable development experience to join the Programming department to source, originate, write and research proposals for the Discovery portfolio, primarily for Discovery Channel & TLC Poland.
Working to the Head of Channels, the role will work closely with Polish producers as well as International companies and distributors to source and develop new ideas and/or formats and nurture on-screen talent.
With a passion for programming the Development Producer will have a good understanding of what makes great Factual and Factual Entertainment viewing, as well as strong links within the production and development community in Poland and a proven track record developing ideas for broadcast in Poland.
The job will also involve some Executive Producing responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
• Working with Production and Development department to identify development needs, the Development Producer will ensure the Network’s commissioning strategy is communicated to the appropriate producers.
• The Development Producer will thoroughly research and manage all proposals and submissions from the independent production community, including treatments, taster tapes and pilots.
• Working closely with the Production and Development department, the Development Producer will use their knowledge of the commissioning strategy to identify runners and riders for review and potential greenlight.
• Working closely with Production and Development department, the Development Producer will ensure all submissions are directed through the correct channels and, where necessary, the correct responses and notifications are given in a timely fashion.
• The Development Producer may also, where required, be responsible for self-shooting and cutting taster tapes for internal development projects and/or internal screenings.
• In conjunction with research department, the Development Producer will identify and lead any research project pertaining to production and development, including focus groups, deep dives, etc.
• Completing necessary paperwork and administration to ensure organized systems are in place, in collaboration with Business Affairs, the highly organized Development Producer will be responsible for obtaining and/or managing the necessary rights and permissions as appropriate to the idea, treatment and taster tape
• Leverage production contacts to ensure we are always meeting fresh production talent, including but not limited to taking meetings with new or less well-known independent producers.
• Maintain strong relationships with Agents and ensure the department has access to the best talent – both existing and new faces.
• Keeping up to date via newspapers, magazines, and social media to identify possible new talent and potential programme ideas.
• Oversee (paid and unpaid) Development projects with independent producers and ensure we have all the materials required for review and/or greenlight.
• Working closely with the Channel Team, and other key stakeholders, the Development Producer will source, identify and develop opportunities that raise the profile of the Networks’ content so that it has real impact and resonance.
• The Development Producer will leverage their existing production and development links and strong network within the independent production sector to ensure the Production and Development department have a good knowledge of current trends and productions.
• The Development Producer will maintain a strong awareness of current programming and development in both local and global markets and communicate this effectively to the Programming Teams and the Production and Development Department.
• Work with Programming Teams to ensure synchronization of strategy and good working knowledge of acquisitions and output deal slates.
• Where required, to provide editorial support on productions and serve as Executive Producer.
Requirements:
• The Development Producer will have considerable experience and the proven ability to provide clear, concise briefs, treatments and proposals of a high quality and an appropriate style.
• The Development Producer will have proven experience developing and making factual and/or factual-entertainment programs at a level of Producer, Series Producer or Exec Producer.
• Strong production Track Record
• Working on their own effectively, the Development Producer will have experience of entirely setting up and organizing shoots, recce’s and research trips.
• The Development Producer will have demonstrable experience of being responsible for ensuring safe working practices are in place during shoots and the observance of health and safety regulations, completing necessary risk assessments when required.
• The Development Producer will have an ability to perform in a flexible manner, adapting to changing priorities and circumstances as appropriate.
• Familiar with programme research and ratings data both locally and globally and evidence of putting audiences at the heart of all content, and ensuring that production companies understand the importance of this.
• An ability to work collaboratively with senior management.
• A demonstrated drive and ambition to grow within the role and aid the growth of the department within the business.
• Manage the relationship between the department and key stakeholders within the company – Production Management, Business Affairs, PR, Marketing, Brand Partnerships and Adsales.
• Manage AFP and Product Placement deals and contracts.
• Fluent in Polish with good English.
Metrics:
• Ensuring programming is prepared for scheduling within deadlines crucial to channel impacts.
• Delivery of high quality programming that drives PR and, where appropriate, ratings as well as critical appreciation from Channel Partners and Central Europe management.
• Assessing and developing original content ideas.
• Ability to oversee the full production process with both editorial and administrative input.