The Head of Development is responsible for securing commissions with broadcasters, originating new concepts and formats for the Company, and developing possible co-production opportunities.
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Working Life
The Head of Development is responsible for securing commissions with broadcasters, originating new concepts and formats for the company, and developing possible co-production opportunities with other production companies (national and international). In many cases, the role extends to researching the international TV format market for licensing opportunities.
The position also involves identifying and engaging with new talent, especially– but not exclusively – writers and originators, as well as owners of intellectual property in the gaming, print, and web publishing sectors.
The Head of Development must have a deep understanding of the types of factual and entertainment programming that appeal to the company’s target broadcasters.
A knowledge of content successes and emerging trends in culturally relevant international broadcasters is also important.
The role requires international travel to TV trade shows and the offices of overseas owners of TV shows and formats.
The Head of Development must also be effective at pitching and selling company-owned IP and formats to international broadcasters, distributors, and production companies.
Works with
- Executive Producer
- Producer
- Broadcaster
- Owners and originators of Intellectual Property
- Writer
- Talent
- Sales Agent and Distributor
- Legal and Financial Teams
Qualities - Head of Development
Is this role right for me?
To perform this role, you must:
Have a proven track record in recognising and interpreting broadcast TV trends in the factual and entertainment sectors.
Be skilled in the funding mechanisms for major non-drama TV series.
Be highly strategic with first-class communications, oral and written.
Be skilled in finding and identifying new talent – from writers and performers to concept developers.
Understand fully the commissioning and development processes.
Have established contacts and proven commercial relationships in the broadcast sector.
Be commercially aware and be able to prove a high level of negotiation skills.
Be familiar with all legal and contractual issues relating to commissioning, licensing, and the optioning of formats.
Interests - Head of Development
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Head of Development
Education Route: Heads of Development may have degrees in the legal, film/media studies, or a broader humanities background.
Career Path to Head of Development: Becoming a Head of Development typically requires several years of experience as a producer within a production company. Alternatively, senior roles at a studio or broadcaster, or a successful career as a legal professional specialising in the film or broadcast TV sectors, can also provide a relevant pathway.
Career Path from Head of Development: Creative Director, Commissioning Editor/Executive, Managing Director/Head of Content, Independent Producer.
