The Entertainment Department is one of the key commissioning areas at Channel 4. Its commissioning brief is diverse and covers both studio entertainment, events, game shows and reality, across Channel 4 and e4 including: 8 Out of 10 Cats, 10 o'clock Live, Alan Carr, Chatty Man, Million Pound Drop, Derren Brown, Comedy Gala, Hit The Road Jack, The Bank Job, Home for The Holidays, The Mad Bad Ad Show

JOB PURPOSE

To oversee and editorially manage existing programmes and to commission original and innovative studio and location based entertainment (not scripted comedy). The role involves working creatively with independent production companies and liaising internally with many departments.

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Management responsibility for: none (no. of people/name of team if applicable)

Reports to: Justin Gorman

Position Title(s): Head of Entertainment

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Originate, develop and commission in peak hours innovative new programmes for the given entertainment slots
• Self-generate ideas and identify fresh territories and themes for exploration
• Independently initiate, develop, inspire and manage, positive, creative relationships with a wide range of Independent producers to ensure a steady supply of good ideas
• Identify and nurture, new on and off screen talent, from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds
• Manage and quality control a wide range of often challenging programmes - overseeing and managing any complexities that arise
• Broaden the range of Independent producers and on screen talent we work with
• Work effectively with other parts of the Channel - e.g. legal and compliance, marketing, press, scheduling and business affairs
• Ensure that programmes are effectively integrated with the Channel 4 multi platform objectives

JOB FACTORS

Technical & Professional Skills (Knowledge, Skills, Education & Experience)
• Must have worked in a creative role (probably as series producer / executive producer ) in a television production environment making entertainment shows which demonstrate a strong synergy with the Channel 4/E4 entertainment and comedy sensibility
• Strong experience of financial, legal and compliance issues around television production
• Good understanding of how the budgets are planned for a television programme and how this relates to the commissioning process.
• Deep insider knowledge of trends in entertainment and comedy in terms of programmes, productions, on and off screen talent and the ability to contribute to the departments overall strategy
• Good relationships and contacts within the world of entertainment and comedy television production
• The ability to demonstrate a high degree of editorial judgement in the execution of programmes, exceptional personal integrity and insight into the Channel 4 brand and values in relation to the programme genre
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills
• Good standard of education, prefer educated to a degree level

Autonomy/Judgement/Decision Making

• Job requires decision-making concerning a broad variety of matters within own work area and priorities are set by the job holder
• Work concerns making decisions involving potential risks.
• Guidance on work issues is typically met by bouncing ideas and issues at weekly departmental meetings and with relevant heads of department across Commissioning.
• Constraints on doing the job are financial for example, not having enough money to commission a specific show, being outbid on a project by a rival broadcaster

Managing Resources

• Oversees the process of producing a programme after it is commissioned through a creative process in the development, production and post production stages
• Determines budgets for projects alongside Commercial Affairs with overall responsibility resting with Commissioning Head
• Will manage day to day an Editorial Administrator or Assistant and may take responsible for their recruitment or performance management including appraisal

Relationship Management

• Conducts and maintains good relationships with independents producing programmes for the Channel. Networking is a significant part of the role.
• Keeps abreast of all new talent in entertainment and comedy and stays one step ahead of immediate competitors
• Required to handle conflicting viewpoints and gain consensus for the Channel during the editorial process of commissioned programmes with independents

Complexity/Problem Solving

• Job holder may face a number of unpredictable and unique problems e.g. a ground breaking show may raise problems across the spectrum of editorial, legal, press, marketing, publicity and independent company liaison
• High degree of creativity required when developing ideas and problem solving with highly demanding and unpredictable talent and production companies on programme content
• Role holder will need to assess the impact of any contentious material on the general public

Business Impact/Strategic Perspective

• Role impacts on short to medium term business targets and plans for programmes at least a year in advance whilst maintaining the flexibility to act swiftly on exclusivity deals, cultural climate, trends and opportunities
• Entertainment forms an important part of the Channel's programming strategy and so impacts heavily on the perception and reputation of the Channel, its ratings and advertising
• Legal, compliance and financial issues e.g. OFCOM regulations on programming have a huge impact on the role