Head of Development
London
The Head of Development will be responsible for the execution of the Film4 development strategy and overall activity on the Film4 development slate. They will oversee editorial notes on projects in development and co-ordinate the work of the Film4 Development and Production Executives with their own so that the numerous submissions, competitive talent tracking and curation of the development slate are well covered.
They will work closely with the Head of Creative and the Senior Commissioning Executives to make sure the Film4 development slate has a sufficient number of high quality projects annually for the Film4 team to convert into production. They will be responsible for managing and running the Film4 development slate, identifying gaps, helping the development team in assessing all new project ideas that come into Film4, and working with the Film4 Management team to continue to build Film4's future.
They must be able to work independently and generate fresh approaches and new territories for Film4 to explore in feature films; maintain established relationships with production companies, writers, and directors; and continue to build relationships with a diverse range of talent new to Film4.
The role requires the ability to:
• Manage and quality control a wide range of often challenging development projects - overseeing and solving any complexities that arise
• Give creative feedback to producers and the team that will progress Film4 slate projects toward production
• Independently initiate and develop positive, creative relationships with a wide range of producers, directors and writers to ensure a steady supply of the strongest ideas
• Brief and inspire production companies and speak on public platforms
• Oversee the submissions process to help the team respond efficiently
• Represent Film4 nationally and internationally at markets and festivals
• Work effectively with other parts of the Channel - e.g. legal and compliance, marketing, press, other commissioning areas such as arts, specialist, factual etc
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• The successful candidate must have a proven track record in scripted development, having overseen projects from script stage into production.
• Must have experience in handling a large portfolio of projects and shown the ability to curate a balanced and diverse slate.
• Must have a proven track record of demonstrating creative flair, strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Must have sound editorial judgement and a keen understanding of Film4's aims and ambitions editorially
• Tact and diplomacy especially under pressure
• Fast and reliable response to scripts and a high turnover rate
• Confidence in working independently and autonomously
• Good range of contacts in UK and international film industries
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of recent developments in the UK film industry in particular
• Proven experience in the scripted film and TV industry