Job Title: Development Executive
Location: Prime Studios, 96 Kirkstall Road, Leeds LS3 1HD
Contract: Full-time, permanent (with 6 month probationary period)
Salary: £26,000 - £30,000 per annum depending on experience
Applications close: 9am, Monday 22nd July 2024
Interviews: w/c 29th July 2024
Start date: ASAP

Job Specification
The Development Executive is responsible for supporting existing projects, developing a varied slate of scripted programmes and delivering writer initiatives in collaboration with external partners. This role includes Script Editing for commissioned development and potentially into production depending on experience and workload.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in a similar role and an excellent understanding of story, structure and character either from education or professional training. They must have a good understanding of the scripted development process and a keen interest in television, scripts and story development.

The Development Executive must be proactive and able to work on their own initiative and will be expected to establish excellent relationships with writers, agents and commissioners. They must be able to think commercially with the ability to confidently pitch ideas and be tenacious to get projects over the line.

This role also includes day-to-day management of the Development Assistant.

To allow for the most creative workflow, the successful candidate will be expected to work alongside the existing small team from our office in Leeds on a full-time basis, with ad-hoc working from home only if required.

Main Responsibilities

Maintain an excellent awareness of the current TV landscape and commissioner briefings.
Develop and maintain excellent relationships with commissioners from all UK broadcasters and streamers.
Develop and maintain excellent relationships with writers and agents.
Identify new writers, projects and stories and develop these with the view to taking them onto the company's slate.
Running story conferences to develop series, episode and character arcs.
Working with writers to develop pitches and treatments.
Creating pitch decks and overseeing creation of sizzle tapes.
Script Editing for projects where a script exists or has been commissioned, ensuring notes are always given in a clear and positive way.
Pitching ideas to commissioners, with the view to securing script commissions.
Following up with commissioners to secure responses on project outcomes.
Deliver the company's writer initiatives in collaboration with external partners, including The Kay Mellor Fellowship with Leeds Playhouse.
Attending plays, festivals and networking events to increase contact base and identify new talent.
Day to day management of the Development Assistant.

Essential Criteria
A qualification in Screenwriting or other related field and / or professional training in story and structure for script development.
Demonstratable experience of working with writers and scripts.
Ability to forge and maintain excellent relationships with stakeholders.
Confident in pitching.
Experience and knowledge of Final Draft.

Desirable Criteria
Experience of running and / or attending Writersrooms.
Script Editing in production.
Experience using Canva software.
Video editing for sizzle tapes.