Vacancy at Africa Magic for a Commissioning Editor, 6th April 2017
Africa Magic - The AfricaMagic channels provide
television programming that speaks to the African heart! dedicated to
African programming made by Africans - from soaps and drama series to
lifestyle shows and movies.
We seek to appoint a suitably qualified & dedicated individuals, to fill the position below:
Job Title: Commissioning Editor
Location: Lagos
Job Description
- The position will be based at our facilities in Lagos, Nigeria and the successful candidate will report to the GM: Production.
Context
External factors which influence the work environment, taking future conditions and strategic requirements into account:
- Multi-channel environment
- Market expansion/new ventures
- Multicultural environment
- Fast paced Digital broadcasting environment
Customers
External and internal individuals or groups to whom products, services, programs and information must be provided:
- DStv subscriber base
- Channel Heads
- DStv Media Sales
- Finance
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Suppliers (Independents and Production Houses)
- MultiChoice
Strategic Outputs
- Provide Development expertise for the scripted genres within the department:
- Part of the development phase (research & development)
- Attend quarterly review meetings for long running series
- Attend mid-point review meeting for 13 part or 26-part Drama series and Reality
- Provide Content DNA guidance across all the scripted and non-scripted content produced by Africa Magic channels
- Manage all commissioned project budgets with the Head of Production
- Work closely with Head of Production on ensuring that content strategic objectives are met
- Approve Scripted and Non-Scripted briefs based on agreed direction
Outputs
- Draft Content Briefs to Industry for commissioning purposes
- Receive instruction from Head of Production (understand requirements)
- Receive, log and respond to unsolicited proposals
- Set up review meetings with content team (Time and Criteria)
- Shortlist proposals and discuss with Head of Production
- Send pitch letters to producers of shortlisted proposal
- Co-ordinate "Pitch" sessions with external parties and content team
- Submit 1st draft to Head of Production for review and review if necessary
- Conclude final draft and submit to Head of Production
- Submit for publishing through relevant media (print, online, social media)
- Draft report with recommendations and submit to Head of Production
- Letter of Intent (to Commission)
Contract Production Company
- Meet with Production House to discuss Terms and Conditions:
- Budget, Payment Schedule, Delivery Schedule, Technical specifications, Marketing , Production Schedule, etc.
- Discuss agreed deliverables with Head of Production
- Load onto contract management system
- Receive and review draft contract from Legal
- Send contract draft to Production House
- Finalize contract with Production House, Legal, Channel Head, Regional Director
Manage the Production
- Manage Production contract:
- Budget - review periodic cost reports, review production
delivery specifications (production value/production quality), provide
delivery formats (file/tape), implement and manage editorial
requirements, etc.
- Conduct/Host/Attend regular internal status meetings
- Implement weekly status meetings with production house
- Ensure 360 Commissioning process
Manage Internal and External Stakeholders
Production House, Finance, Marketing, Legal, Suppliers, Media Sales, Viewers, Scheduling, TX, EPG
- Provide and receive info to/from stakeholders (according to schedule)
- Regular follow up/feedback on in-house budgets for forecasting purposes
- Manage regulatory matters relating to programme content
- Ensure that sponsorships and barter agreements are manage and all exposure elements are implemented
- Manage Performance of Commissioned Programmes budgets vs agreed delivery requirements
- Review and monitor programme performance vs. target
- Amend production/programmes, where possible, to meet performance targets
- Red flag non-performing programmes with the view to take corrective action or terminate
- Inform necessary parties/systems of repeats
Research Industry Trends/Changes
- Investigate/Review alternate programmes/channels/trends
- Report on alternate programmes/channels/trends
- Proactively present/discuss new ideas
Experience and Qualifications Required
- A Degree in TV/Media/Script-writing/Drama
- A minimum of 3 years commissioning or producing scripted and non-scripted content
- Extensive knowledge about TV broadcasting
- Legal and financial understanding and experience
- Understanding of Regulatory requirements
- Computer literacy (Excel critical, Word and PowerPoint)
Competencies:
- Personal capabilities which are critical to the production of quality outputs are:
- Strategic Thinking
- Scripted and non-scripted content experience (working on television shows, variety, magazine, reality, dramas and/or soaps)
- Interpersonal Skills
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Attention to Detail
- Deadline Driven
- Team Player
- Ability to mentor and lead
- Planning and Organizing
- Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
- Problem solving Skills
- Administrative Skills