Commissioning process

The commissioning process

A director who occupies a key position in upper management works as a major figurehead in an organisation, typically overseeing and managing all functions in a specific area or department. He or she plans and implements department strategies and also takes part in the company’s overall strategic decisions and ensures that his or her allotted department(s) are working in accordance with such goals

Directors are appointed in a vast variety of industries and as leaders of a number of departments and functions including communications, IT, art and creative services, finance and accounting, advertising, medicine, sales, education, production and branding, among others

Typical salaries for this position vary from industry to industry. Jobholders in an IT department generally make around £80,000 per year, whilst those at the head of creative departments typically see a figure of around £70,000 a year. Financial department heads can command from around £40,000 a year to more than £100,000 annually, whilst those heading sales are likely to see figures in a similar range, though the average is significantly higher.

https://www.jobisjob.co.uk/director/job-description

Producers play an integral role in the television, film and video industries. In this role you will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution process.

You'll work closely with directors and other production staff on a shoot. Increasingly, you'll also need to have directing skills to take charge of all project operations. You'll arrange funding for each project and keep the production within the allocated budget.

Responsibilities

As a television/film/video producer, you'll need to:

•raise funding

•read, research and assess ideas and finished scripts

•commission writers or secure the rights to novels, plays or screenplays

•build and develop a network of contacts

•liaise and discuss projects with financial backers - projects can range from a small, corporate video costing £500 to a multimillion-pound-budget Hollywood feature film

•use computer software packages for screenwriting, budgeting and scheduling

•hire key staff, including a director and a crew to shoot programmes, films or videos

•control the budget and allocate resources

•pull together all the strands of creative and practical talent involved in the project to create a team

•maintain contemporary technical skills

•organise shooting schedules - dependent on the type of producer role and availability of support staff

•troubleshoot

•ensure compliance with relevant regulations, codes of practice and health and safety laws

•supervise the progress of the project from production to post production

•hold regular meetings with the director to discuss characters and scenes

•act as a sounding board for the director

•bring the finished production in on budget.

Salary

•Starting salaries for assistant producers may range from around £18,000 to £25,000.

•With experience, salaries can reach £40,000 to £55,000.

•Departmental heads can earn £60,000 to £80,000, plus benefits.

Fees for freelance producers vary considerably, depending on experience and whether you work on TV factual or dramas, or on feature films. For advice on pay guidelines for freelancers see the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU).

Salaries will also differ depending on the size of the company and the size and scale of the project. Salaried, permanent jobs with companies are becoming fewer, which may lead to financial insecurity. Employment is regularly offered on a self-employed or freelance-contract basis.

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/television-film-video-producer

The screenwriter is the writer of the script of a film. They create the dialogue, the characters and the storyline of a movie script. The screenwriter is often the most essential person in film production because no movie can start without some form of a script.

Like television writers, screenwriters often specialize in a particular genre. Comedy writers write comedy; drama writers write drama, science fiction writers write sci-fi and so on and so on.

A literary agent is an agent who represents writers and their written works to publishers, theatrical producers, film producers and film studios, and assists in the sale and deal negotiation of the same. Literary agents most often represent novelists, screenwriters and non-fiction writers. They are paid a fixed percentage of the proceeds of sales they negotiate on behalf of their clients.

The ideal candidate will have a sound understanding of the broadcasting industry and output across the whole of the BBC and its competition as well as excellent knowledge of the BBC’s editorial and commissioning processes. You will have thorough knowledge of editorial guidelines, BBC strategy and regulations relevant to programme making e.g. artists’ rights, copyright and insurance requirements.

http://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/commissioning-editor-television/7108

Commissioning editor:

The majority of commissioning editors begin their careers as editorial assistants, progressing through the ranks once they’ve gained relevant skills and experience.

Commissioning editors are employed by commercial book publishers and professional/academic publishers. Freelance work may be an option for editors with substantial experience.

Responsibilities of the job include:

·         negotiating agreements/contracts with literary agents/authors

·         planning, organising and monitoring the progress of projects

·         undertaking market research/investigating market trends

·         reading, evaluating and commissioning titles

·         liaison with authors, literary agents, marketing and production staff including designers and printers

·         supervising the work of editorial staff

·         attending book fairs

·         Writing reports.

Budgetary constraints, tight deadlines and long hours can make the work stressful at times.

Typical employers of commissioning editors

Commissioning editors are typically employed by publishing houses and academic publishers. Many jobs receive little advertising and, as a result, those that are advertised attract intense competition. Networking, job shadowing and speculative applications are essential. Part-time and temporary jobs can often lead to permanent work.

Vacancies are advertised in newspapers and publications such as The Bookseller and Print Week. Recruitment agencies also advertise opportunities.

Qualifications and training required

Although you don’t technically need a degree to become a commissioning editor, it will be helpful in your application and career path; entry into the profession without a degree is unusual.

A large number of editors are English graduates but any degree discipline is acceptable for entry into the profession. An MA in publishing, specialist knowledge or a science/languages background may be required for some opportunities. Several years of publishing, copy-writing, editing, journalism or media sales pre-entry experience are essential.

To find out how to get into a career in this area via a school leaver route, visit the media section of target careers, our website aimed at school leavers.

Key skills for commissioning editors

·         Enthusiasm

·         Adaptable

·         Able to work well under pressure

·         Capable of meeting deadlines

·         IT skills

·         Administrative skills

·         Verbal and written communication skills

https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/279021-commissioning-editor-job-description

The average salary for a Writer is £22,432 per year. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 10 years' experience in this field.