WHO YOU ARE

The International Distribution / Content Sales team is looking for an experienced format production manager to support its growing international formats business. VIMN owns and exploits - on its branded channels or via licensing to 3rd party clients - an extensive format catalogue which includes formats created and/or commissioned by its core channel brands MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network, Nickelodeon and Channel 5 UK. From the earlier pioneering days of The Real World to more recent incarnations like Lip Sync Battle, Jersey Shore, Ex on the Beach or Drunk History, our formats resonate with audiences worldwide and have a strong track record of success. Our format licensees have access to our unrivaled production "know-how" and the tools needed to successfully launch a local adaptation.

You're someone who is passionate about all types of programming, with several years' experience already and with a keen interest in the development/production process, marketing and branding.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

The International Formats Production Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of international format support and consultancy for two areas of the international business - (i) internal VIMN-owned channels and (ii) third party clients. They will be the "go to" person for all format information from original productions to local version adaptations. They will house and track integral information about the VIMN format catalogue, including formats clearance and rights summaries; develop and produce assets such as promotional reels; provide advice and guidelines on how a format may be adapted to specific region/culture; and monitor all local productions of VIMN formats.

This person will compile and author production bible information and disseminate production assets to 3rd party clients or VIMN channel executives. They will be key in overseeing local format adaptations, approving and advising on editorial format and brand guidelines, as well as local titles and graphics. They will build relationships with Viacom's original production teams so that they can source and support appropriate senior level production consultants when a format is sold or adapted by our local channels. The manager will organize and mediate consultancy calls between the production consultants and the clients, as well as occasionally acting as the lead production consultant themselves. Therefore, occasional on-site consultancy trips may be part of the role.

Additionally, this role will support the Head of Formats in managing key stakeholder / format creator relationships; ensuring that backend obligations are met. They may also be required, from time-to-time, to undertake format comparisons to identify or resolve potential infringement issues.

Furthermore, they will provide market intelligence/international trends/competitor information to the international sales team and VIMN channel executives, and act as a crucial link between Viacom's US (Domestic) programming teams and VIMN local channel network.

Ultimately, this person will create and manage a robust and streamlined formats production process from start to finish to ensure that all local adaptations are of the highest quality.

YOU WILL HAVE

Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Meticulous eye for detail and accuracy.
Previous experience at a similar level working within either (i) format distribution and/or production environment; or (ii) a non-scripted development environment.
A good understanding of the international TV formats business, including basic production techniques, the development process, and program/format rights & clearances.
Knowledge of key format suppliers and buyers, as well as a broad understanding of broadcast and digital landscapes.
The ability to interact effectively with Senior Management and stakeholders in a large global organization.
Strong diplomacy skills.
Commercial and cultural awareness.
Proficiency in Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and an understanding of graphics packages.
Some experience of scripting and/or editing programme trailers / marketing sizzles / taster reels.

YOU WILL BE

Self-motivated, proactive and able to work independently.
Passionate about TV formats and the role they play in the wider broadcast landscape.
A good team player, able to motivate and inspire others, and champion formats internally and externally.
Deadline orientated and prepared to work to tight/fluctuating deadlines and within different time zones.

NICE TO HAVEs

A second language.
Experience of different cultures.
Direct TV Production experience, eg. Show-runner, Researcher, etc.