Story Editor (Casualty Talent Pool)
Editorial, Production & Programming
Schemes
Cardiff, GB, CF10 4GA
Job Closing Date: 26th January 2025
THE ROLE
BBC Studios is a world-renowned content studio and channels & streaming business, powered by British creativity, with a reach that touches audiences in every corner of the globe.
We work with outstanding creative talent who are responsible for platform-defining shows from Strictly Come Dancing to Bluey, Eastenders, Casualty, Prehistoric Planet and Planet Earth III.
From BAFTAs to RTS Awards, BBC Studios is Britain’s most awarded production company and the only producer with three of the top ten shows on IMDB; we’re the home of bbc.com, the widest-read English language news website in the world; and the UK’s largest distributor of British content.
At BBC Studios Drama Productions, we’re passionate about developing and nurturing a creative and diverse workforce. We pride ourselves on providing some of the most supportive, hands-on editorial and production training opportunities across the whole of the UK.
Are you ready to consolidate your editorial experience and expertise in a role that allows you to take on more leadership duties and support junior members to develop their skills?
We look for Story Editors who have gained considerable experience in the story, script or research teams of a long running drama. In this role you will lead on story and storyline idea generation and development. You will know and understand editorial guidelines and be expert at balancing creative ambition with broadcasting compliance.
Working alongside the Story Producer, you will be responsible for the story document; the mainframe which our writers work from. You will lead the Storyliner and Assistant Storyliner to support you in amending, rewording and reversioning the document from 1st draft through to delivery to commissioning.
You will lead conversations with our script and research teams - taking on board their input, concerns and suggestions and making editorial judgement decisions about the best path to take.
You will work closely with our staff writers and ensure they write in alignment with the plan you have created. You will ensure the highest standards and have strong leadership skills to ensure the original vision is met. You will deliver notes and feedback clearly and effectively.
Importantly, you will be a fan of the show and have a good knowledge of current and past storylines.
If you are selected to be in the pool you will be considered when Story Editor positions come up on Casualty. Unfortunately being in the pool does not guarantee you will end up working with us. If you are offered a position on Casualty you will need to be based in Cardiff for the duration of the contract. Unfortunately we do not cover expenses for this.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
* Generate and write the story planning document to the highest standard to strict deadlines, under guidance from the Story Producer
* Create, develop and write story ideas and storylines to strict deadlines, in a variety of formats of the highest standard, consistent with Casualty
* Confidently adjust and rework the story document to incorporate notes and changes, taking the document from first draft through to commissioning document
* Work with Story Team to seek out new ideas for possible story and character material
* Research potential storylines, producing the Research Document, and maintain warm relationships with our advisors
* Attend long term story conferences, story meetings, planning and commissioning meetings and be involved highly effectively in discussions as required.
* Be fully aware of the importance of diversity, how on-screen content reflects a diverse society, and to ensure diverse groups are portrayed accurately and appropriately, in line with BBC Editorial Guidelines
WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
* Experience as a Script Editor, Story Editor, Storyliner or Writer, preferably on a long running drama
* Enthusiasm, demonstrable interest and understanding of the Continuing Drama genre, especially Casualty
* A thorough and demonstrable understanding of character, story and structure
* Ability to write clear, concise and unambiguous prose in keeping with the Casualty in-house style
* Proven ability to persuade and influence and resolve differences in professional opinions. An ability to take several different opinions in a story meeting and reach a common ground
* Awareness of the financial impact of different storylines and an understanding of cast budgets
STORY TEAM TALENT POOLS
The Casualty story team is essential to the show's success. Awarded the best British soap by BAFTA this year, we have increasingly high standards and want to work with exciting, innovative story talent who are as passionate about the show as we are.
These talent pools are an opportunity for us to reach out and engage with people who want to work in our story team.
If you are successfully selected to be in the talent pool it doesn't mean you will definitely end up working with us unfortunately. Being in the pool means you will be considered when opportunities come up.
If you are invited to work on Casualty you will need to be based in Cardiff for the duration of the contract, or live within a commutable distance. Unfortunately we don't provide financial assistance for this or cover expenses.
LIFE AT BBC STUDIOS
We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours.
The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce, that represents the audiences we serve, and encourages applications from candidates from any background, especially people from diverse communities. Equity of opportunity is important to us, and we endeavour to make our processes equal, fair and meritocratic for everybody.
BBC Studios puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do both onscreen and offscreen, including delivering against the BBC Group’s science-based Net Zero targets.
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
Contract: Talent Pool (If offered, contract length and type may vary)
Location: BBC Roath Lock, Cardiff
NEXT STEPS
We appreciate your interest in this position and understand how important this opportunity is to you. Due to the high volume of interest we may need to close the application period earlier than anticipated. This step is necessary to ensure we can provide a high level of attention and service to all applicants. Thank you for your understanding.
REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT
As a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply please contact us on reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
DISCLAIMER
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
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