Commissioning Editor: Scripted and Reality at MultiChoice

Job description

M-Net Channels seeks to appoint a suitably qualified individual to assume the role of Commissioning Editor: (Scripted and Reality) on a permanent basis, to oversee a variety of local content for television and feature films. This position reports to the Head: Local Productions and Independent Films and will be based at our offices in Randburg.

STRATEGIC OUTPUTS

• Provide Development expertise for the reality (international format and docu-reality genres) and high end scripted genres within the department
• Part of the development phase (research & development)
• Attend quarterly review meetings for reality and scripted
• Attend mid-point review meeting for 13 part or 26 part high end drama series and Reality
• Provide Content DNA guidance across all the content produced for the M-Net Channels
• Manage the budget with the Head of Local Productions and Independant Films.
• Work closely with Head of Local Productions and Independant on ensuring that the strategic objectives are met
• Approve the Briefs upon the agreed direction
• Act as a script editor/editorial advisor on programs for broadcast, providing comprehensive feedback on all scripted and reality content.
• Liaise with producers, writers and development executives from our studio partners
• Take overall editorial responsibility for programmes, and ensure that programmes are delivered as commissioned

OUTPUTS

• Commission Content Briefs to Industry
• Receive instruction from Head of Local Productions and Independent Films (Understand requirements)
• Write brief according to requirements.
• Submit 1st draft to Head of Local Productions and Independent Films
• Amend draft where necessary
• Conclude final draft and submit to Head of Local Productions and Indpendant Films
• Receive proposals
• Log and respond to proposals
• Set up reading meeting (Time and Criteria)
• Shortlist proposals
• Co-ordinate "Pitch" sessions
• Draft report with recommendations and submit to Head of Local Productions and Independent Films
• Letter of Intent (to Commission) - format a question

Contract Production Company

• Meet with Production House to discuss T's and C's
• Budget, Tech specs, Marketing, Schedule, etc
• Discuss agreed deliverables with Head of Local Productions and Independent Films and CD
• Load onto contract management system
• Receive draft of contract from legal
• Review and send to Production House
• Finalise contract with Production House, Legal, Manager, Director

Manage the Production

• Manage Production contract
• Budget, specs, delivery of tapes, editorials, etc
• Conduct/Host/Attend regular internal status meetings
• Have regular interface with production house
• Ensure 360 Commissioning process

Manage Internal and External Stakeholders

Production House, Finance, Marketing, Legal, Suppliers, Mobile, Online, SMS, International Sales, Media Sales, Multichoice, Viewers, Scheduling, TX, EPG

• Provide and receive info to/from stakeholders (according to schedule)
• Regular follow up/feedback
• Be conduit between parties (from time to time)
• Manage Performance of Commissioned Programmes
• Review and monitor programme performance vs. target
• Amend production/programmes, where possible, to meet performance targets
• Terminate/red flag non-performing programmes
• Inform necessary parties/systems of repeats

Research Industry Trends/Changes

• Investigate/Review alternate programmes/channels/trends
• Report on alternate programmes/channels/trends
• Proactively present/discuss new ideas

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• A degree or national diploma or degree in TV/Media/Scriptwriting/Drama
• A minimum of 5 years’ television production experience and script writing
• Ability to act on research and to understand local and global broadcast trends
• Extensive knowledge about TV broadcasting, high end scripted, reality and entertainment genre
• Legal and financial understanding and experience
• Computer literacy (Excel critical, Word and PowerPoint); familiarity with SYNERGY an advantage

COMPETENCIES

Personal capabilities which are critical to the production of quality outputs are:

• Strategic Thinking
• Ability to manage projects
• Scriptwriting, Story-lining and Script-editing
• Post-production experience is an advantage
• Creative flair
• Planning and Organising
• Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
• Interpersonal Skills
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Attention to Detail
• Deadline Driven
• Team Player
• Problem solving Skills
• Administrative Skills