Development Executive, Drama; Scripted Content; English Services

Position Title

Development Executive, Drama;
Scripted Content (English Services)

Permanent

English

English (First Official Language), English (Reading), English (Speaking), English (Writing)

At CBC/Radio-Canada, we create content that informs, entertains and connects Canadians on multiple platforms. Our successes and accomplishments are driven by embodying and upholding values, which include creativity, integrity, inclusiveness and relevance.

Do you think you have the ability and drive to keep up with this exciting, ever-changing industry? Whether it be in front of the camera, on air, online or behind the scenes, you would be joining a team that thrives on making connections and telling stories that are important to Canadians.

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CBC’s Scripted Content division is home to high-impact, award-winning Canadian dramas, comedies and feature films. This is a role for someone who wants to grow their creative skills and apply those skills to help shape high-quality, relevant and impactful Canadian content. Under the direction of CBC’s Director of Development, Drama, they will play a pivotal role in the ongoing collaborative evaluation of pitches, initiation of new development projects, and creative management of series throughout the development cycle, while also representing and conveying CBC’s creative interests to the independent production community.

Proactive in sourcing new opportunities for development including adaptations, IP, and talent across a variety of entertainment genres and platforms. Evaluates pitch and development materials in terms of their creative strengths, relevance, series design qualities; overall "doability" (producer, writers, cast, key crew, budget); ability to draw audiences (including new viewers) to prime time slots and CBC Gem; their related cost factors and the potential creative risks and reward.

Works with the development team to negotiate creative changes with producers, editors and story executives. Writing creative notes that express strengths and weaknesses in a constructive way for pitches, scripts and bible or format documents based on core story elements: character, structure, plot, tone and thematic resonance. Is able to express constructive creative feedback in both verbal and written forms. Doing written coverage on pitches and scripts.

Participates in committee meetings, planning meetings, festivals and workshops; travels to same;
Represents the corporation as required on juries and panels;
Gives or participates in workshops for film schools and seminars. Keeps abreast of all relevant competing network television programming, Canadian talent, and issues in culture, broadcasting and current affairs.

Candidates may be subject to skills and knowledge testing.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

• University degree or equivalent.
• 5 years relevant experience (includes internships, job shadowing and learning spaces - e.g. BIPOC workshops).
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity and a connection to equity-seeking communities across Canada is key.

• High level of creativity required. Must be able to provide imaginative and effective suggestions and input on scripts. Decision making in these areas requires instinct and intuition, as well as knowledge.
• Keen eye for talent at all experience levels, with an eye towards discovering fresh and exciting new projects and opportunities for the CBC Drama team. Experience sourcing and packaging IP a plus.
• Must read and absorb high volumes of material; view and provide feedback. Must be able to respond very quickly with notes and potential solutions. Requires constant juggling of a large number of projects at various stages.
• Understands screenwriting and post-production techniques in order to give notes on character development and scripts.
• Knowledge of content and industry trends related to Drama series programming, in Canada and around the world.
• Knowledge of creative personnel: e.g. Canadian…