Trainees for ITV Granada - Trainee Reseracher Dev

Job Title: Trainee Researcher
Department: Granada Factual North (Manchester) ‘Tonight with Trevor McDonald’
Status: Staff or FT contract or Freelance or Placement
Based at: Manchester
Reports to: Production Team
Any Direct Reports: None
Job Purpose:
Generally, to support the Production teams, gaining the knowledge, skills and experience over the period of the traineeship to contribute ideas, secure contacts, sources and appropriate contributors and archive as well as writing relevant material / briefings and translating them into appropriate proposals and/or films.Specifically, this project will be working on programme ideas, treatments and projects in development. An academic qualification and proven interest in either history, popular culture or science is essential. A successfully completed accredited NCTJ course is desirable.

Accountabilities and responsibilities:

1. To gain the ability to research and provide clear, concise briefs, treatments, proposals and scripts of a high quality and an appropriate style to an acceptable standard.
2. To gain the ability to provide in-depth background / subject research ensuring complete accuracy and critically evaluating the relevance and suitability of information to an acceptable standard.
3. You will have a creative interest in and an understanding / general awareness of documentary output across the networks and the ability to identify (and secure) the people and stories we’re looking for.
4. To gain the ability to identify and obtain appropriate footage, stills and music ensuring appropriate permissions, releases and licences are obtained to use the material and that the material is relevant and cost effective.
5. To gain a working knowledge and understanding of Granada Factual North and ‘Tonight with Trevor McDonald’.
6. You will need to demonstrate original and accurate research skills, an eye for a strong story, attention to detail and real tenacity in pursuing your ideas as well as being able to work under pressure to strict deadlines.
7. To help in the initiation and development of ideas.
8. To assist with routine editorial administration as required.
9. To assist Producer/Directors, and other members of the production team, as required.
10. In collaboration with PM / PC and production team, set up location filming both nationally and internationally as required.
11. In collaboration with PM / PC, monitor and control expenditure on resources and copyright material.
12. Identify and secure suitable guests and contributors and give them a relevant briefing on arrival, as required, as well as dealing with the general public both in terms of programme participation and general programme enquiries.
13. To organise interviews for studio and location filming with guests, celebrities or any other contributors in a timely and professional manner.
14. Understand and adhere to the legal constraints affecting programme-making and on-line production including compliance issues in collaboration with appropriate editorial judgement.
15. To attend appropriate training courses and implement Granada’s Health and Safety policies / initiatives to ensure safe working practices at all times.
16. Obtain necessary rights and clearances in writing along with completed final paperwork as required.
17. Good organisational skills with the ability to think laterally, prioritise workload, work to deadlines and react positively to situations at short notice.
18. The ability to operate within financial constraints.
19. The ability to resource an audience that reflects the diversity of the viewers.
20. The ability to realise ideas visually.
21. A proven experience of creative scriptwriting.
22. A proven understanding of how to use technical equipment and an on-going interest in new developments within the industry.
23. A wide general knowledge and interest in people and events.
24. To gain experience of preparing production material for external use that is relevant and adheres to legal constraints.

Person Specification: Skills, Knowledge, Experience relevant to the job either essential or desired.

1. An ability to demonstrate enthusiasm, broad general knowledge and specific experience in documentary research. You will have a flair for writing – be it persuasive, passionate and always factual.
2. An ability to communicate effectively with all people within and outside the organisation, both verbally and in writing as appropriate.
3. An enquiring, imaginative and analytical mind with the ability to pay attention to detail as well as take an overview of the situation.
4. An ability to accurately assimilate technical skills quickly.

5. Experience of working alone or as part of a team, maintaining good working relationship and know when to refer to others.

6. An ability to perform in a flexible manner and travel when necessary, adapting to changing priorities and circumstances as appropriate (this may include working flexible hours to complete the programme within schedule or weekend working depending on transmission times/rehearsals and to cover leave or working at other sites).
7. The drive, commitment and enthusiasm to perform effectively and creatively as well as to set and achieve stretching goals appropriate to programme needs.
8. Proven experience of good and thorough computer and basic keyboard skills including Microsoft Word and Excel as well as familiarity with search engines and databases.
9. You will have good communication skills and a persuasive telephone manner.

Please note all trainees must be from the North West region. The trainees will be paid on an hourly rate at £5.35 an hour.

Daisy Ashton
Project Co-ordinator
Northwest Vision + Media
Room G082, BBC
Oxford Road
Manchester
M60 1SJ
Telephone: + 44 (0) 161 244 4642
Fax: + 44 (0) 161 244 4198