Screen Programme Producer

SXSW London is looking for a dynamic creative thinker and organisational powerhouse with a deep knowledge of the film and TV industry to be their Screen Programme Producer.

This is a key role that will encompass strategic planning, production and programming, working closely with the Head of Screen to deliver a cutting-edge, bold screen programme that responds to the creative vision of the festival, as well as maintaining industry and filmmaker relationships and lead on programme management, making sure the Screen programme is streamlined from concept to execution.

Role details

• Full-time
• Permanent
• Some weekend and evening work may be required
• For more details about SXSW London, please visit their website.

Role responsibilities

Programming:

• Work closely with the Head of Screen and the Screen programming team on sourcing, viewing and discussing films, series, short films and music videos to curate, schedule and produce a dynamic, cutting-edge programme.
• Work closely with the Head of Screen on film, series and tracking completed and soon-to-be completed films from filmmakers, sales agents and distributors.
• Actively participate in festival meetings, programming discussions with the Head of Screen, Programmer, Shorts Programmers, wider SXSW London festival team, programme partners and freelancers.
• Work with the Head of Screen on the scheduling of Screen programmes across the SXSW London campus of venues and any other related activities.
• When required, first or second-viewing screeners and submissions and feedback on them.
• As required, attend screenings, film festivals and relevant events to source film and series programming.
• Work closely and collegiately with the wider SXSW London programming teams to ensure curatorial consistency across the festival.

Programme Management:

• Develop, research, manage, track and oversee information and data systems relating to the Screen programme (including managing viewing requests and film festival reports), working closely with the Head of Screen.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with key internal and industry stakeholders on behalf of SXSW London.
• Manage film and screener requests from distributors, sales agents, producers, as well as viewing notes from festivals to ensure that all viewing is covered and discussed by the Programming team.
• Oversee the submissions process, including tracking entries, corresponding with filmmakers, managing the relevant platforms (FilmFreeway, FilmChief) and ensuring that all films meet the festival’s technical and artistic criteria.
• Working with the wider programming team to ensure all information is up to date for internal reporting systems.
• Maintain and administer budgets, working closely with the Head of Screen and the Finance team to maintain accurate budget records and produce post-project accounts.
• Coordinate production planning and logistical delivery of the Screen programme in close collaboration with SXSW London’s Production team at all stages through curating, planning and delivery.
• Work with the print transport manager and SXSW London’s Technical Production on ensuring that all film and event material are delivered correctly and in a timely manner.
• Oversee the ticketing and box office systems are set up appropriately, including reporting and reconciliation.
• Design and manage systems and hospitality provision for visiting filmmakers and film talent including guest badges/ticketing, on-stage presentations (Q&As, Keynotes, Introductions), hospitality, security, transport, accommodation and translators as needed, working closely with SXSW London’s Production team to ensure that the filmmaker and guest experience is outstanding.

Partnership Management:

• Support the Head of Screen in maintaining significant Local Authority, film industry and venue relationships.
• Working with venues and SXSW London’s Technical Production partner to ensure good flow of information for planning, scheduling and delivery of the festival.
• Support the management of programme partners and guest curators, ensuring the needs and ambitions of collaborators are understood and embedded in festival delivery.
• Collaborate with the SXSW London commercial partnerships team as required.
• Work strategically and collegiately with all SXSW London departments.

Marketing & Press:

• Produce engaging copy to promote the Screen programme in line with the SXSW London brand and tone of voice.
• Gather, processing and sharing appropriate programme marketing collateral.
• Work with Marketing teams to ensure that all promotional aspects and deliverables of Screen reflect the creative vision and communications strategy of SXSW London.
• Maintain clear reporting on activities for the screen programme, supporting the Head of Screen for presentations to Board, Partners and Festival management

Other:

• Actively seek to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as a fundamental objective across all music festival activity in relation to the duties of the post.
• At all times to carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to the Festival’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Health and Safety Policies.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the role.

Person specifications

• Excellent knowledge of film culture, the film and TV industry and related organisations.
• Preferably 4-6 years experience in film, series or public programming, either in a festival or cinema environment.
• Passion for and knowledge of a broad range of international cinema and TV.
• The ability to identify potential audiences and make programme selection beyond the realm of personal taste.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills with a track record of establishing and managing successful partnership agreements and contracts.
• Demonstrable experience in scheduling film and TV programmes and events.
• Proven ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines and to manage huge amounts of information in a fast-faced festival environment.
• Strong operational skills and experience in delivering large-scale events.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across different disciplines.
• Experience setting up and managing internal and external relationships and partnerships.
• Confidence and skill in leading and contributing to meetings with senior management, programmers, programme partners, distributors, industry leaders and marketing professionals across the creative industries.
• Proven track record of working with film organisations filmmakers, agencies, creatives and collectives to deliver ambitious events and new projects.
• Experience managing small teams, external contractors and freelancers.
• Awareness of cultural and political sensitivities that exist in public programming.