Commissioning Editor
Various
The Comedy Department is one of the key commissioning areas at Channel 4. Its commissioning brief is diverse and covers all scripted comedy across Channel 4 and E4 including: Derry Girls, Catastrophe, Flowers, Chewing Gum, Game Face, The Windsors, Man Down, Lee & Dean, Stath Let's Flats and Friday Night Dinner.
The department is one of the smallest at C4. The team is tight knit, passionate, hard-working, challenging and collaborative. This job would suit a smart, confident, team player with a passion for scripted comedy who loves C4 and who wants to gain experience in a competitive genre at a broadcaster at an exciting juncture.
JOB PURPOSE
To oversee and editorially manage the department's programmes and to commission inventive scripted comedy shows. To help maintain C4's position as the best place for new and original comedy across the whole of the UK.
The role involves collaborating creatively with production companies, writers and on-screen talent as well as with the larger comedy team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• To develop, commission and editorially approve high quality narrative scripted comedies for C4 and E4.
• To do the above whilst meeting legal and compliance obligations.
• To do the above whilst meeting and managing budgets.
• To manage and quality control these programmes, overseeing any complexities, challenges and difficulties that arise.
• Initiate, develop, inspire and manage creative relationships with the production community to ensure a steady supply of good ideas and projects.
• Identify fresh talent to bring to the channel - on and off screen - from a diverse variety of perspectives and backgrounds.
• Manage the relationship between the Channel and the independent companies responsible for making our shows.
• Work effectively with other parts of the Channel - e.g. legal and compliance, marketing, press, online, scheduling and business affairs to make sure our shows are well supported.
• Ensure that programmes are effectively integrated with the Channel 4 multi-platform objectives.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
ESSENTIAL:
• Demonstrable experience of working at producer/executive producer level in scripted comedy production. Entertainment Producers with exceptional experience of dealing with comedy writing can also apply.
• Demonstrated significant experience of financial, legal and compliance issues around television production.
• Demonstrated understanding of how budgets are planned for a television programme and how this relates to the commissioning process.
• Must have a good knowledge of current television comedy and a clear understanding of C4's point of difference.
• A high degree of creativity is required in helping identify good ideas, scripts and writers.
• This creative approach must be combined with strong managerial skills when working with production companies, managing their relationship with the Channel and also liaising with other departments within Channel 4.
• 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
• Proven strong script editing skills essential.
• Good relationships and contacts within the world of comedy television production
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills
• Ability to self-start and take initiative.
DESIRABLE:
• Demonstrable experience of dealing with Co-pro partners and distributors
• Demonstrable experience of working with the digital sector, and an awareness and interest in emerging platforms
We are especially keen to hear from candidates open to working outside of London.