Scripted, Director of Development, Drama (English Services)

CBC/Radio-Canada•Toronto, ON

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a pivotal creative role that works closely with and reports to the Executive Director (ED), Scripted Content to guide and shape the strategy of the development of scripted drama at CBC. It is responsible for driving and overseeing the quality and breadth of the drama development slate. This is a senior level job that requires a proactive mindset and the ability to drive towards ambitious goals with a team. It requires ongoing engagement with the Independent Production community, the ability to manage and inspire a team and work effectively within a complex large organization. Works very closely with the Director, Current Production, Drama, to guide and shape the output of drama at CBC. Evaluates pitches and proposals for new drama series – event, limited and ongoing -- for their ability to draw audiences to CBC’s streaming and linear platforms; their related cost factors; their distinctiveness and diversity; their potential creative risks and rewards. Oversees Executive in Charge of Development, Drama, and Development Manager, Scripted, in the selection of competing proposals for development based on: dramatic strengths; talent attachments; uniqueness; series design qualities; overall "doability" (producer, writers, cast, budget). Develops, with the team and with the direction of the Executive Director, new prime time dramatic ongoing series and event series in all dramatic genres (contemporary, historical, book adaptations, comedic, supernatural, procedural episodic, serialized, etc) from the concept proposal stage to final deliveries of program scripts and series bibles. Advises on and contributes to the selecting of writers and story editors and consultants for development projects. Negotiates script and series design changes as required with independent producers and development executives. Reviews and recommends development budgets for ED approval. Works closely with the Business and Rights team at CBC. Participates in greenlight meetings and preparation process and advises ED and General Manager, Entertainment, of the strengths and merits of various projects vis a vis suitability for order. Works closely with Director, Current Production, Drama, and Production Planning to ensure the smooth transfer of projects successfully greenlit into production. This position requires a strong focus and demonstrated skills in Talent Development. The role will require involvement/oversight of CBC partnered programs such as Access CBC and ISO/APTN. Incumbent will need strong industry relationships and a track record of successfully bringing ideas from early to completed development. This position will attend industry conferences and festivals as needed. Represents the corporation as required on juries and panels; Gives or participates in workshops for film schools and seminars. Keeps abreast of all relevant competing network television programming, Canadian talent, and issues in culture, broadcasting and current affairs.

Requirements

University degree or equivalent.
10 years relevant experience.
Strong knowledge and understanding of, and/or connection to underrepresented communities across Canada.
Cross-Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Senior level experience in story editing and delivering written and verbal notes with sensitivity and clarity.
High level scripted development work – finding and developing new voices, knowledge of IP sourcing and creative team building.
Managing a team.
Deep network of professional relationships in storytelling and creative industries.
Experience in production of high quality dramatic series, films or other narrative audio-visual material.
Creative decision-making under rigorous timelines with multiple stakeholders.
Knowledge of dramatic programming in Canada and around the world as well as films, books, plays, podcasts, etc.
Knowledge of Canadian screenwriters and potential screenwriters (such as playwrights), actors, comedians, story editors, directors, producers, editors, etc.
Knowledge of network creative mandates and audience targets.
Knowledge of network business parameters and practices: working with in-house departments to monitor cost related factors and possible legal issues in scripts (e.g. copyright issues, sponsorship).
Knowledge of Canadian Television, Digital & Film industry; production companies, their employees and histories; past and current Canadian television series, movies, short films; broadcast industry "politics" such as CRTC guidelines and broadcast licenses; some familiarity with funding issues such as tax credits, etc. across Canada.
Knowledge of marketing and promotions techniques and campaigns.
Experience speaking at public functions such as press conferences, professional juries and seminars, etc.
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a very wide range of individuals such as producers, writers, directors.

Responsibilities

Guide and shape the strategy of the development of scripted drama at CBC.
Drive and oversee the quality and breadth of the drama development slate.
Engage with the Independent Production community.
Manage and inspire a team.
Evaluate pitches and proposals for new drama series.
Oversee Executive in Charge of Development, Drama, and Development Manager, Scripted, in the selection of competing proposals for development.
Develop new prime time dramatic ongoing series and event series from concept to script delivery.
Advise on and contribute to the selection of writers, story editors, and consultants.
Negotiate script and series design changes with independent producers and development executives.
Review and recommend development budgets.
Work closely with the Business and Rights team at CBC.
Participate in greenlight meetings and preparation process.
Advise ED and General Manager, Entertainment, on project suitability.
Ensure smooth transfer of projects into production.
Involve/oversee CBC partnered programs such as Access CBC and ISO/APTN.
Attend industry conferences and festivals.
Represent the corporation on juries and panels.
Give or participate in workshops for film schools and seminars.
Keep abreast of competing network television programming, Canadian talent, and issues in culture, broadcasting, and current affairs.