VP, Commissioning Editor - Drama

#WeAreSkydance on a mission to unleash the power of content… you in?
We’ve got the brands, we’ve got the stars, we’ve got the power to achieve our mission to entertain the planet – now all we’re missing is… YOU! Becoming a part of Skydance means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness. Together, we co-create moments that matter – both for our audiences and our employees – and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.

5 is one of the UK’s biggest public service broadcasters and is growing its drama slate across linear and 5’s streaming service. We're now part of Skydance, which gives us new creative ambition, bigger global reach and the backing to take bolder swings. We’re looking for a VP to own drama commissioning at 5 and shape what comes next.

The role

You’ll work closely with the Head of Scripted to find, develop and commission series and pilots from independent producers, then see them through development, production and post, representing 5’s creative interests throughout. The Commissioning team is responsible, editorially, for original programming for 5. The team receive pitches from independent production companies and select projects to develop and commission to pilot and series. They oversee the editorial elements of the commissioned programmes as they go through development, preproduction, production and post, representing 5’s creative interests.

What you’ll do

• Find and generate ideas for 5’s drama slate. 
• Review and respond to programming proposals.
• Read submissions and provide clear insight on their suitability
• Oversee all aspects of productions, including feeding back on scripts, casting, watching rushes, providing RC and FC
  notes, feeding back on grade, mixes, VFX.
• Focus on editorial concerns during both production and post-production
• Identify projects that will drive viewership and hit ratings targets on 5
• Communicate the drama brief to independent production companies and inspire them to bring their best ideas to 5.
• Keep up to date with what other broadcasters are doing and ensure that 5 is seen to push the boundaries
  of scripted genres.
• Nurture and maintain relationships to ensure that Skydance attracts the brightest talent both on and of screen
• Demonstrate an ability to get on with major talent, both onscreen talent and writers/directors/creatives.
• Drive ratings, revenue and reputation through commissions
• Build relationships with distributors and financiers that will help independent producers finance their shows for 5.
• Be alert to and suggest alternative sources of funding, whether co-production or governmental.
• Resolve business affairs and legal issues
• Develop new areas of scripted programming
• Work with Marketing on on-air and off-air promotions
• Regular liaison with production companies and talent to develop new ideas and areas of programming
• Awareness of diversity issues and making appropriate commissioning decisions
• Help to create the greatest possible workplace experience for employees.
• Drive the ‘One ViacomCBS’ approach, role modelling great teamwork and collaboration.
• Be an ambassador for all VCNI channels, internally and externally
• Help to embed the ViacomCBS values and foster a culture of inclusion

What you bring

• Experience of working within a broadcaster, with independent production companies, as a producer, Executive
  Producer or Creative Director
• Strong editorial judgment
• Experience of working with writers and other key creative talent, giving editorial notes at all stages of production.
• Good understanding of TV audiences and the TV landscape and how it’s evolving, as well as the TV/streaming
  landscape generally.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects at once in varying stages from development to production
• Strong capacity for creative problem solving
• Knowledge of drama funding both domestically and internationally
• Understanding of viewing targets, both linear and streaming

Why join us

• Real influence over a high-profile slate at a broadcaster that moves quickly
• Access to Paramount Skydance’s international network and resources

Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic studios, networks and streaming services, Paramount's portfolio of consumer brands includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, and Pluto TV, among others. Paramount delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry's most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions.

What We Offer:

• Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages. Check out our full list of benefits here:
• Generous paid time off.
• An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams.
• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.
• Explore life at Paramount:

Skydance is an equal opportunity employer (EOE)

We embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit. In line with the laws of the country or region in which the role is based, this includes consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, religion or belief, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, union status or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you have any difficulties in applying or require access needs arising from a mobility or any other impairment please let us know by emailing View email address on careers.paramount.com or calling 0207 555 1234. We can then ensure your experience and visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.