Researcher Job Spec.

Genre - Factual/Historic Entertainment

Working Area - Bath/Bristol, South West

Contract Duration - 9 Months

Application Deadline - 9th November 2007

Salary - 14,000

Job Description - Researcher, A Saxon Bath
BBC Bristol
9 Month fixed term contract / Attachment

We are looking for an experienced researcher, preferably with experience in historic programming to develop programme ideas and historic knowledge to be presented to decision makers. You'll have to quickly establish a rapport with production and contributing personnel and be able to access varied information using contacts and a variety of different sources.

Aim of the job

After being briefed by The Producer, you will carry out detailed historic research and check contributor availability and arrange times for interviews.etc to be shot.

Key Responsibilities And Professional Knowledge And Skills

• Be able to originate and develop programme ideas, using your own knowledge.
• Be able to understand industry requirements and to quickly gain confidence of key talent and nurture it.
• Be able to quickly research and check facts and present your findings to decision makers.
• Must be able to work within relevant legislation and regulations.
• Have a good understanding of the BBC and the ways in which it works.
• Be able to identify relevant data, contributors, locations and archive materials and compile them to meet the requirements of the producer.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Precise attention to detail and methodical approach to work.
• Ability to conceptualise ideas.
• Ability to think visually.
• Initiative and problem solving skills.
• Endless energy and determination.
• Advanced IT skills.
• Diplomacy and sensitivity when working with writers, producers, actors, presenters, other contributors and crew members.
• Current knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and associated procedures, including Copyright, Data Protection, Public Liability, etc. and how to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Typical Work Activities

• Meeting with producers, directors, presenters and writers to discuss the research needs of a programme.
• Generating new programme ideas.
• Sourcing and researching facts, figures and information using the internet, film and tape archives, specialist collections, picture libraries, museums and government departments.
• Conveying findings accurately to others in report form and briefings.
• Updating scripts and editing news reports.
• Researching and booking appropriate people and locations.
• Booking resources, facilities and freelance staff.
• Providing administrative support, such as typing, answering the phone and dealing with contracts.
• Briefing scriptwriters and presenters on topics.
• Sourcing copyright for literary and music sources and gaining clearance for any materials used.
• Negotiating broadcasting rights.
• Tracking down film, archive and video tape.
• Finding interviewees and conducting initial interviews.
• Finding members of the public for a vox pop response to current events.
• Directing a small shoot and doing straightforward editing.