Assistant Script Editor job description

To provide editorial and research support to the script team (including Script Editors, Producers, Story Producer and Series Script Editor). To be responsible for script and serial continuity and provide support, wherever needed, across the whole range of output.

To ensure that commissioned scripts are of the required standard, conform to the editorial brief and are available for use at the appropriate time.

To advise on all script related matters associated with the production, and to manage the relationship between the writer and the production.

To generate creative ideas and story ideas of the highest standard consistent with the programme.

To be responsible for providing writers with sufficient information to enable the editorial brief to be met in respect of style, content, form and any other special considerations.

Where necessary to restructure and generate new storylines within your scripts.

To turn drafts around quickly and creatively and to ensure all deadlines are met.

Where appropriate, to refer to the Series Script Editor to resolve doubts or competing views that may arise in relation to the script at any time.

Co-ordinate and communicate all script changes to those concerned.

Assess all scripts in order to ensure the continuity of research in story lines and the accuracy of any factually based dialogue. Keep a close eye on serial continuity ensuring the consistent treatment of established characters and continuity within the story line and episodes.

Alert Script Editors and Writers to any difficulties or inconsistencies which may arise from such research/discontinuity and to suggest solutions.

Ensure that draft scripts are checked for inaccuracies and to advise Script Editors/Writers accordingly.

Undertake all necessary administrative tasks including where required the compilation and distribution of an accurate Transmission synopsis of each episode and prepare billings for listings magazines.

Assist the Script Editors in ensuring that all negative checks (e.g. brand names) are completed and that all reasonable action has been taken to avoid copyright infringement, libel and defamation.

To provide additional research when required.

To provide holiday cover for script editors
To Script Edit a number of episodes with the series

To Script Edit a ‘shadow script’

To organise Writers events.[cont right]

Practical experience of television production and a demonstrable interest in television drama.

Experience dealing with drama script writers.

A confident Researcher, with research experience, and evidence of an inventive, rigorous and pro-active approach to research. Enthusiasm for telephone and face-to-face research.

Experience of script reading and writing script reports with an ability to demonstrate sound editorial judgement and sensitivity, both verbally and on paper.

A broadly based knowledge and a familiarity with conventional and specialised sources of information and research techniques. An understanding of script writers and the script writing process, including new writers. Experience of working with writers under pressure

An understanding of and the ability to interpret editorial intentions, and to contribute to the generation of ideas and the resolution of script problems.

Experience of establishing and maintaining office and administration systems. The ability to communicate information effectively to a wide range of production and non-production personnel, internal and external to the BBC.

Experience of handling confidential and/or controversial information with tact and sensitivity.

Familiarity with office and information technology.

An enthusiasm and interest in popular entertainment. A passion for drama: television, film, theatre and radio;

An understanding of copyright law, Writers Guild agreements, contracts and the legal implications of the production process.

An awareness of the financial consequences of editorial decisions.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
 
Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relations with with a wide range of contacts.

High degree of motivation and ability to set own priorities and be self-directing.

The ability to adopt a flexible approach, manage a variable workload and adapt to the different styles of the various writers and Production teams, and to work simultaneously on different scripts and story line ideas.
 
An ability to juggle workload in order to provide practical support to more than one project and more than one person at a time.

Politically aware, and ability to act with tact and sensitivity.

Effective time-management and organisational skills and the ability to exercise initiative and work independently.

Resilience and stamina to sustain performance when under pressure from tight schedules, deadlines and conflicting priorities.

The ability to establish quickly the intentions of Producers and convey these to the writer(s).

An ability to empathize with writers.

The ability to generate creative production ideas, treatments and formats.
 
Concern for Results - is highly self-motivated and enthusiastic in carrying out research and producing high quality work. Is constantly seeking to improve previous levels of performance.