Development Researcher

ITV; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major broadcasting company in the UK is seeking a skilled Development Researcher to help drive the global formats pipeline. The successful candidate will have experience within a non-scripted development team, a strong understanding of the TV formats landscape, and excellent writing and presentation skills. This role demands creativity and versatility while supporting various tasks related to format development and events at ITV Studios.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in a non-scripted development team.
• Strong understanding of current TV formats landscape.
• Confidence in generating original ideas and adapting formats.

Responsibilities

• Design attractive format decks for pitches.
• Edit sizzles and promos.
• Research specific topics for format development.
• Contribute to brainstorm sessions.

Skills

Experience across a range of formats and genres

Excellent design skills

Strong writing skills

Knowledge of the unscripted TV landscape

Understanding of digital content and social media

Creative mindset with original ideas

Job description

Workplace: ITV White City, London

The role

We’re looking for a skilled Development Researcher to help drive the global formats pipeline across ITV Studios.

The successful candidate will have experience within a non-scripted development team and a strong understanding of the current TV formats landscape. They will be confident generating original ideas and adapting existing formats into fresh propositions for different markets, audiences, and platforms.

The role requires excellent writing and presentation skills, and the flexibility to work across multiple genres, from formatted factual to big studio entertainment, quiz shows to reality, and everything in between. Editing skills and knowledge of the international market are desirable.

The Creative Network sits at the heart of ITV Studios’ formats business. Alongside format development, the team supports the pipeline in a number of ways, including running events, delivering trainee schemes, and working closely with labels to strengthen and grow their slates.

As part of a small but agile team, the role calls for someone versatile, proactive, and comfortable supporting across a wide range of tasks.

Key responsibilities

Format Development:

• Design attractive format decks & write succinct treatments for pitches to linear & digital platforms
• Edit sizzles and promos for paper and produced formats in the UK and internationally.
• Bring new ideas for the team to pitch and contribute to brainstorms.
• Help shape existing IP to be taken to market.
• Provide in-depth research into specific topics.
• Use AI tools regularly for creative development and stay aligned with new AI updates and best practice.

Additional tasks:

• Help the team and labels maintain an accurate and up-to-date slate.
• Support labels by identifying catalogue titles that fit their briefs.
• Support the organisation and logistics of Creative Network events, and provide assistance on the day.
• Pull together branding and content for events and presentations.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Proven experience working across a range of formats and genres
• Excellent design skills, with a strong visual eye
• Strong writing skills, able to communicate ideas clearly and creatively
• Solid knowledge of the unscripted TV landscape
• A clear understanding of the digital content and social media landscape
• A highly creative mindset, with lots of original ideas and strong pitching instincts

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Basic editing skills, including cutting sizzle reels and short-form edits
• Proactive Collaboration
• Adaptable & Versatile
• Pro-active and Self-Motivated
• Confident and Articulate
• Imaginative and Curious