Job Introduction
This role is within the BBC Film team, sitting in the Content division at the BBC. BBC Film is at the forefront of British independent film-making, developing a large slate of varied projects and co-financing up to fifteen feature films a year. Working in partnership with major international and UK financiers, sales agents and distributors, we aim to make strong British films with originality, range and ambition. We are committed to seeking out and developing new talent, as well as collaborating with some of the foremost writers and directors in the industry. We are always looking to find new ways to connect and collaborate with our audiences to deliver a unique voice on subjects that matter to them. The Commissioning Executive will work creatively at the heart of BBC Film.
The Commissioning Executive for BBC Film is a key member of the BBC Film Team. They will identify and lead on a range of BBC Film developments and productions, and executive produce where required, and sit at the heart of the BBC Film creative team.
As part of the BBC Film team you will work closely with the Director of BBC Film to find and commission high quality projects to develop and convert to production and, as required, executive produce for BBC Film. As a key priority you will find and encourage diverse stories and voices for BBC Film.
Main Responsibilities
• Work closely with Director of BBC Film to ensure the very best stories, writers, directors and producers are supported by BBC Film
• Work proactively to identify dynamic new material to develop for the BBC Film slate
• Find and encourage diverse stories and voices for BBC Film as a key priority
• Work closely with other departments in the BBC in identifying talent, ideas and partnerships
• Lead around specific areas of responsibility across the slate and tracking activities of the team
• Work to guide projects to the highest editorial standards through the development process
• Work closely with senior managers to ensure that high quality projects convert to production, and to executive produce to the highest standard, where required
• Understand the wider issues facing the UK Film Industry and help BBC Film navigate and respond to this changing environment
• Have a strong understanding of BBC values and represent BBC Film and its priorities accordingly at public and industry engagements and international film festivals
We are looking for someone to work closely with the Director of BBC Film and the wider team to shape the slate of the department as it builds on the success of recent years. The ideal candidate will be dynamic and thoughtful about the challenges and possibilities within the industry, and able to use their experience to spot new opportunities. You will have a thorough understanding of the UK Film industry, with an extensive network of contacts in the UK and abroad. You will have sound editorial judgement, excellent development skills and will also have strong production experience. You will be considerate, diplomatic and excellent at problem-solving. You will have a proven track record of identifying, developing and promoting talent, and have knowledge of and appetite for other creative disciplines, particularly literature, theatre, art, documentary and television. You will have a strong understanding of the domestic and international market, and the ability to identify ideas, films and talent that are ambitious, creative and attractive to a theatrical and BBC audience. A passion for film and the arts is essential. This is a senior role.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a fast-paced and creative team for an organisation that is inclusive, challenging and rewarding with the opportunity to shape the future of public service broadcasting and the UK and Global Film Industry.
Are you the right candidate?
• To have extensive creative industry experience, and have existing producer or executive producer feature film credits, or equivalent
• To have strong contacts in the UK and international film industry, and an understanding of the UK and international market and audiences
• To have strong knowledge and contacts across the creative industries such as publishing, theatre, television, art, documentary and the ability to recognise crossover potential
• Proven experience of identifying, developing and promoting talent, on and off screen
• A strong understanding of film production
• Proven experience of and confidence in supporting the end-to-end filmmaking process in a diplomatic, supportive and problem-solving manner
