Doctor Who Series 5 Producer- Job vacancy/description

With the casting of the Doctor now finalised, the Doctor Who Production Team are now in the process of recruiting the next full-time producer of Doctor Who to fill the role vacated by Phil Collinson. Interviews for the position take place in February, with the successful candidate assuming the role from April this year for pre-production on Series Five. The initial contract runs through to June 2010.

The role of the producer in Doctor Who is cloudy at times, and there is far more to producing a television show than one might expect! The role and comprehensive responsibilities, as featured in the official job advertisement, are outlined below.

JOB SPECIFICATION:
- To be accountable for the delivery of productions on time and within the agreed editorial brief and production budget.
- To contribute to the continued development and implementation of the editorial vision for Doctor Who.
- To produce high quality, cost-effective drama within the framework of BBC Editorial Guidelines and Corporate objectives.
- To encourage, foster and develop creative talent and ability on behalf of Wales Drama Department.
- To ensure that the production values of Doctor Who are competitive with standards globally.

MAIN DUTIES:
- To be involved in the assessment of scripts in conjunction with the Executive Producers, Script Editors and Writers, and to balance editorial/artistic aspirations against cost.
- To be responsible for the construction of a full production schedule and budget in conjunction with the Associate Producer, Production Accountant and others as appropriate.
- To be responsible for the choice, negotiation, control and co-ordination of required production facilities, technical resources and staff and their cost-effective deployment including the work of the Associate Producer and Production Accountant assigned to the production.
- To be responsible for all required production staff and crew; to ensure that they possess appropriate qualifications (e.g. electricians), experience and safety expertise, and are appointed in line with BBC Editorial Guidelines and employment policy.
- To refer to specialist support departments as necessary e.g. HR Direct
- To ensure that scripts are finalised, in conjunction with the Head of Drama, Executive Producer, Director, Writer and Script Editor, so that dramatic standards of the required quality are achieved, within the legal, budgetary and timescale constraints.
- To ensure that on-screen content reflects the diversity of British society and that ethnic and other groups are portrayed appropriately, in line with BBC Editorial Guidelines.
- To be involved in casting and appointments of Directors.
- In conjunction with the Associate Producer and Drama Safety Rep(s), to ensure that all staff have undertaken the interactive health and safety training module, prior to commencement of the production.
- To be accountable for the maintenance of health & safety standards throughout the production process.To generate creative ideas for all aspects of the production. To monitor production values and artistic standards and to balance these aspirations with costs.
- To ensure that day-to-day production expenditure is monitored in conjunction with the Associate Producer and Production Accountant.
- To assess the impact of decisions affecting the budget and schedule, to monitor expenditure levels, revising production schedules and managing expenditure as necessary within the budget.
- To establish and maintain contact with co-producers, and the BBC Wales New Media Production Team, and Doctor Who Confidential ensuring that their views and requirements are accurately represented and that contractual obligations are complied with.
- To ensure that all copyright, artist, freelance, supplier, and staff commitments and contractual obligations are met.
- To ensure that adequate insurance arrangements are in place in accordance with the BBC insurance scheme, and where possible, to take action to reduce the cost of any claims. To ensure compliance with the requirements of any completion bond companies or insurers.
- To assess rushes, to identify and resolve problems in conjunction with the Director.
- To provide leadership, motivation and support to the whole team; to facilitate an effective working relationship between the team and the Director.
- To manage staff throughout the production.
- To ensure staff performance is accurately and objectively monitored, recorded and communicated to the appropriate line manager or employer. To give feedback to individuals, to identify and resolve problems where
necessary.
- To be aware of the full extent of the financial and purchasing authority of the post, and to ensure that this authority is exercised in accordance with Network Television and BBC financial arrangements.
- To offer ideas/support to the Director, to attend when necessary, rehearsals, shooting and post-production. When filming overseas, to attend location(s) and ensure that shooting complies with the laws, regulations and customs of the host country.
- To stimulate press and media interest in the production, authorising journalists and photographers agreed access to filming in conjunction with BBC Press and PR departments, BBC Wales Brand Team and Head of Drama.
- To be responsible for the delivery of the finished programme within all BBC editorial guidelines.
- To ensure that production documentation and agreed delivery materials are completed and passed to appropriate areas as required by the BBC and co-producers within the agreed delivery schedule.
- To manage the immediate and longer term public response effectively, particularly where the production may result in controversy.