Trainee Researcher

Trainees- Fixed Term - Full Time- London, GB, WD6 1JF- BBC Studios Productions- Job Closing Date: 12/10/2024**THE ROLE**:
**Extend**:
**Job Introduction**:
Do you love investigating topics and digging into detail? Are you a fan of EastEnders and are keen to learn how the show commits to its accurate and authentic representation of the varied issues it tackles?

EastEnders is a multi-award-winning soap broadcast four times a week. It currently ranks as one of the most watched TV dramas in the UK tackling many controversial and taboo issues previously unseen on television in the UK.

You will gain an invaluable insight and hands-on experience in the skills required to interrogate and fine tune storylines and scripts by identifying potential issues and generating practical and suitable alternative solutions to ensure authentic and accurate storytelling, while preserving the essence of the original intention of the script or story.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about social issues and committed to learning and embracing all the opportunity at EastEnders has to offer. This role is perfect for anyone looking for a first step into the world of researching and/or scripted drama and has a real creative flare for all things editorial.

**Main Responsibilities**:
The role of the Trainee Researcher reports to the Research Script and Story Teams and will be guided by the Senior Researcher before actioning decisions.

As a Trainee Researcher you will learn the following and, as your skills develop, aim to take on some or all of these duties:

- Support Research, Story and Script teams to test potential storylines and character developments for consistency and credibility
- Read storyline material to identify and report on possible areas of research, and issues, detailing every side of the argument
- Assess all scripts to ensure the continuity of research in story lines and the accuracy of any factually based dialogue
- Alert Script Editors and Writers to any difficulties or inconsistencies which may arise from research, including suggesting ideas and possible alternatives.
- Where appropriate and advised by the Senior Researcher, refer to the Script Producer to resolve doubts or competing views that may arise in relation to the script at any time
- As you build up your level of experience and duties, you will learn to produce clear and concise monthly story documents with sufficient detail to ensure clarity for writers and all departments within production
- Identify, and where necessary, assist with establishing and maintaining relationships with experts in specific fields, including awareness of any potential fees and initial negotiation of payments where appropriate
- Arrange and conduct your own research meetings with expert advisors, make notes and write reports based on the information you receive
- Ensure close co-operation and communication with all departments at EastEnders and work with transparency, keeping co-workers informed of the progress of workflow
- Attend, as necessary, all planning and commissioning meetings
- Attend story meetings and, when permitted by the team, give research notes and ideas to support stories
- Stay up to date with current affairs and social and cultural movements particularly as they pertain to London and look for opportunities to feed this information into story
- Undertake all necessary administrative tasks required for the department and team

We’re looking for applicants who have a keen and active interest in the world of TV production and are passionate about the power of storytelling. You will be a hardworking creative, keen and willing to learn, and are looking for their first step into the world of scripted storytelling.

An enthusiasm for research and soap - especially EastEnders - is essential.

We would ideally also require the following:

- Demonstrable interest in working in TV drama. This can be evidenced through work experience, reading and writing scripts and general passion and enthusiasm for the medium
- Experience of establishing and maintaining office and administration systems
- Understanding of handling confidential and/or controversial information with tact and sensitivity
- An ability to horizon-scan potential problems and evidence of how you have positively resolved issues in the past with this type of approach
- Ability to prioritise a workload and evidence of juggling several deadlines simultaneously

**Package Description**:
Contract: 12 Month FTC /Attachment

Band: A

**Salary**: £22,000

Base: BBC Elstree Centre, Borehamwood

**Please note that this is a standard Studios Production contract and potentially can involve up to 55 hours per week**

**Life at BBC Studios**:
BBC Studios Drama Productions is renowned for bringing audiences together week after week. We are the creative powerhouse behind award-winning Drama such as EastEnders, Silent Witness, Father Brown and Sister Boniface to Casualty, River City, Pobol y Cwm and Anfamol.