(BBC Head of Drama Polly Hill)
Reposted from Broadcast
Update 03.03.16: Applications are now live. Click here for more info.
The BBC is on the lookout for two assistant script editors from diverse backgrounds to take up year-long contracts in its drama divison. The entry level jobs will be advertised next month and will encourage applications from those with a passion for TV, rather than solely seeking candidates with previous experience of the industry. The successful candidates will be mentored by the head of drama Polly Hill over the 12-month period to prepare them for the next stage of their career.
One role will be based in London and the other in either Salford, Glasgow, Birmingham or Cardiff, depending on the location of the successful candidate. The assistant script editors will spend six months working in production on either long-running drama or original drama – and the other six months in development. BBC head of drama north Hilary Martin is leading the initiative, alongside the BBC’s national heads of drama.
“Assistant script editor is a role that sometimes gets squeezed but it’s a really important role to learn your craft and one we feel could be a really amazing jumping off point for diverse talent” said Martin.
The BBC hopes that the candidates will progress into script editing roles following their fixed-term contract. “This is a new opportunity for new talent to break into the BBC and grow a career here,” she added.
SceneTV will be sure to let you know when the application process is live! Make sure you follow @Scene_TV on Twitter for the latest and sign up to the SceneTV mailing list here.
Can the BBC explain exactly what is meant by 'from diverse backgrounds'?
Pick me
I will put the Dye in your Verse
wite something to fit that production purse
story of a anglicised asian
from cradle to the hearse
I'll keep my eyes open, always wanted to work with scripts! I've always had a strong spot for 'getting to know' characters and I love dialogue writing
I'd definitely be interested in this post!
To whom this may concern. I have a passion for writing. Writing for Theatre and TV especially. I would like to discuss my skills further over the phone. Please consider me.
I am very interested in the script editor position
Hello,
I just wanted to know if I can apply for the script editor position even though I'm currently based in South Africa?
We believe it’s U.K. only but once BBC relase more information, we will post.
What tosh. What does an assistant script editor do? Sharpen the pencils? Hold the coats? Good writers need commissions, they don't start out as assistant writers, and good editors need to edit, not "assist".
"Good writers need commissions, they don't start out as assistant writers," That's not really true. Just this week I've been re-listening to Radio 4s brilliant 'Safety Catch' which was broadcast in 2007. It was written by Laurence Howarth and a certain John Finnemore chipped in along the way. Quality writers putting out material today – Finnemore and Miles Jupp to name two from the comedy world – have both worked as contributing writers, "assistant writers" if you will, to get where they are now. It's a process that seems to work within the BBC. I'd love to apply for this job, but I'm 53. Sorry, 52.
Can I echo the question about the definition of "Diversity"? If there are 2 position you can only be assess the diversity when the first one has been filled.
I'm confident my background is not the same as the person sat next to me, can we apply together?
So……I'm really interested in writing (I would as a freelance writer, have written a novel and write daily reviews of books and films) and think TV is awesome. I've just graduated with law degree and have read 100's of books. I do however have one huge disability…….I'm chronically and permanently a member of an ethnic majority. That's right, I have to confess to being a white male. Do I have a chance of getting this job?
As a comedian and therefore writer of comedy I would be interested to know more about this post. I am also an ardent TV watcher and have for some time now wondered about such opportunities.
Diverse backgrounds means Oxbridge.
will certainly keep an eye out for this as i think im coming from a very diverse background.
I'm passionate about writing scripts, I really enjoyed Team Writing For Television and Screen Writing classes during my Uni days at The University Of The West Of Scotland. My writing is so diversy, from an African point of view.
Hello,
I am very interested in this opportunity and would like to be considered for the position in Glasgow. I have a passion for writing and won a play writing competition in Florid when I was 12.
Hope to hear from you,
Lois Pickering
I've had a lot of life experience in loads of social circles from all walks of life been in bands worked and got a traid I started doing digital art 3 years ago I have 1.2 million following me. Very creative mind been through a real life changing experience and need a new life changing experience
I am definately interested in this post !!Not from the Industry in any way …that has to be a postive surely ..
yes i am definately interested in this post!!!!
I studied drama and film at Glasgow University many yonks ago and wrote and directed for the stage. I have progressed through Theatre in Education, community development, manager of HIV community Services and now a Project Manager in Public Health but have never lost my creative heartbeat and joy of generating scripts for production. I would enjoy the challenge of working in a new medium and I am confident in my transferable skills, FionaRose Thomson
I am a trans-bi-gender queer disabled Muslim of black Asian origin. Hire me already!
I am very interested in this post
Any news on when the positions will be advertised? Thanks 🙂
When would I be able to apply for the position and can I apply through SceneTV?
Howdy,
I've worked on over 50 commerial and music video shoots on set, am experienced in house as a Production Runner/Jnr PA and have a degree in Journalism. My written in English is strong and my mind humorous.
Allow me to put finger to key for thee!
Best,
S Carter.
Carterdsamuel@gmail.com
I would like to know about the assistan script editors for BBC. Thank you!