Development Researcher

VICE Studios is expanding its premium unscripted formats business and is looking for a Development Researcher to join its growing development team. We are building a slate of ambitious, returnable entertainment formats across competition, reality, studio entertainment and social experiment with strong hooks, distinctive visual identities and the potential to travel internationally. This is a hybrid role, with up to four days a week based in our Kings Cross office.

Contract length: 6 months

We’re looking for a curious, ideas-led Development Researcher with an insatiable appetite for content, culture and new ideas. This is a varied role offering the opportunity to become an integral part of a growing development team, working closely with senior creatives in the UK and US and gaining experience across the full development process, from initial research and ideas generation through to buyer pitches.

You will be involved in:

• Researching and contributing to original unscripted premium documentary, entertainment and factual entertainment ideas
• Keeping on top of new shows, formats, talent, trends and cultural conversations
• Researching concepts, talent and potential markets in the UK and internationally
• Bringing fresh ideas, references and creative thinking to the wider team
• Helping develop ideas from initial thought through to buyer pitch
• Working collaboratively with the UK and US creative teams
• Creating and assisting with pitch decks and presentations
• Using AI and emerging creative tools to support research, development and presentation
• Supporting the organisation and coordination of buyer and talent meetings
• Providing general development and team support as required

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for television, entertainment and ideas
• Has a strong knowledge of current shows, formats, talent and cultural trends
• Is naturally curious and loves researching and discovering new things
• Has some experience creating decks or presentations and a good visual and editorial eye
• Is AI savvy and excited to explore new creative tools
• Is highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks, deadlines and help manage diary planning
• Is a strong collaborator who enjoys working as part of a creative team
• Is generous with ideas, encourages others and actively contributes to a positive, ambitious creative culture
• Brings energy, enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to challenge convention
• Is confident communicating with colleagues, buyers and talent and is comfortable helping coordinate meetings

Previous development experience is helpful, but we are equally interested in someone with a genuine love of content in all forms, strong research, editorial or creative instincts who are looking to take the next step in their career.

This is an opportunity to join VICE Studios at an exciting stage of growth and help build a new generation of premium formats. We want ideas with ambition, originality and attitude, formats that feel contemporary, culturally relevant and unmistakably VICE. It’s a chance to work alongside an experienced creative team, contribute ideas from day one and gain valuable experience developing formats for both the UK and international markets.

We are committed to being an inclusive hirer and employer. If you require any assistance in submitting your application, or have any questions about reasonable adjustments you might need during the recruitment process, please contact us.