BBC Studios' Natural History Unit (NHU) is the leading producer of wildlife programming, creating award-winning content with a world class reputation. Our output ranges from ambitious landmarks for BBC One and iPlayer (Green Planet, Dynasties, and Planet Earth III) to children's programming (Deadly Dinosaurs and Andy's Adventures), as well as ground-breaking adventure, formatted, presenter led, feature docs and event programming such as Endangered for Discovery Channel, Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+ and live programming such as the BAFTA winning Springwatch for the BBC.

Following on from the success of the Green Planet, BBC Studios NHU is embarking on an ambitious new production focussing on the natural history of the planets most successful animals - insects.

We are looking for a Producer/Director, enthusiastic about the subject matter, to work on this major project.

The Producer/Director will:

Be highly creative and organised.
Have a proven skill for crafting engaging behaviour-rich and character led stories that reveal new insights into the natural world.
Have a proven understanding of the technical challenges around filming macro subjects and using sophisticated motion control.
Have a clear understanding of the constraints of budget and how to maximise its potential on-screen.
Have a track record of working collaboratively as part of a diverse team.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for the production and delivery of one episode.
To be involved in shaping the research of your film with your team and setting up filming, always working closely to the editorial brief of the Series Producer and Executive Producer.
The role includes involvement at every stage of the production process including research and pre-production; location and/or studio filming; and post production.
To work effectively to ensure all content is thoroughly researched and meets the BBC's editorial standards.
To plan strategically to ensure editorial aspirations align with budgets and available resources.
Oversee the health and safety of your team's shoots, often in highly specialized areas of filming.
To have a duty of care to the team, to the animals that you are filming, to the location where you are working and to the wider environment.
To be responsible for the offline and online edits of your programme, in the available time and within the allotted budget.
To write commentary script, direct commentary recordings and supervise post production, attending the dub and online as appropriate.
Oversee and manage associated digital content and other content required for publicity and promotion of the series.

Are you the Right Candidate?

Must have produced at least two major landmark behaviour-led films, ideally for a BBC commissioner.
Clear evidence of ambitious wildlife filmmaking and the skills, experience, and talent to deliver this ambition.
Evidence of strong directorial skills - including the filming of macro subjects in the wild and under controlled conditions.
An interest and experience in developing new visual techniques and utilising the latest technology to reveal new insights into the natural world.
Evidence of visual flair and strong and emotionally engaging, character-led storytelling.
Ability to work well in diverse teams which includes the managing and sharing of information and knowledge with editorial and production management colleagues in your team.
Experience of working closely with an editor.
The ability to react appropriately to client strategy/direction and to deliver to the changing requirements/brief of the commissioner.
A track record in the successful management of budgets.
Able to manage complex and remote shoots and be responsible for safety on location.
An understanding of the 'duty of care' to an individuals' wellbeing and a consideration of the mental health of your team.
Experience managing and considering complex Health & Safety issues.
Track record of confident and sound editorial judgements with respect to subject matter, contributors, content, presentation, legal and editorial policy, coupled with appropriate referral to EP's/SP's.
Knowledge of editorial guidelines and awareness of BBC and statutory policies and regulations relevant to programme making, familiarity with the BBC employment practices and policies such as diversity, equal opportunities, and health and safety guidelines.