Commissioning Editor at Multichoice Group | March 2024

Purpose of the Position:

To plan, develop and commission Creative Reality and Entertainment, Advertiser funded and scripted content for local productions that achieves set objectives and manage productions.

Key Performance Objectives:

Content Creation

• Develop innovative new programmes taking into consideration the Channels positioning and strategy
• Spot new trends in content and specific genres, new territories, and approaches to contemporary programmes
• Ensure commissioned content achieves set ratings.
• Ensure programming meets targets for audience ratings and is commercially viable.

Managing Commissioning Process

• Write commission brief according to channel strategy
• Commission content briefs to Industry
• Review and assess programme proposals.
• Invite production houses to pitch proposals.
• Select successful proposals in alignment with channel content strategy.
• Provide feedback to production companies

Manage Productions

• Ensure that programmes are produced to the highest standard and are cost-effective.
• Spot check and give editorial input on all programmes at online and offline stage.
• Manage all productions houses strictly to contractual deliverables and ensure all contracts agreements are signed prior to production
• View and give editorial input on all programmes at online and offline stage.
• Approve scripts and shooting and casts for all programmes.
• Take overall editorial responsibility for programmes, ensure that programmes satisfy M-Net editorial standards
• All episodes and promos are considered against BBCSA standards and assessed for risk within target audience
• Ensure producers deliver programs and promotional material as per agreed schedule
• Approve all final programmes for broadcast
• Ensure content is delivered on time for multiplatform

Content Acquisition

• Acquire content that is in line with the channel strategy
• Receive and review solicited and unsolicited proposals for licensing
• Give timely feedback to producers on whether the content will be acquired or not
• Manage the administrative processes relating to content acquisition

Manage performance of commissioned Programmes

• Monitor commissioned programme performance against set business targets.
• Develop contingency plans where improvements are required

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Degree in Film and Television/ /Scriptwriting
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as an executive producer, series producer or commissioning
• Extensive entertainment and broadcasting Industry knowledge and experience
• Proven record in delivering successful large reality and/or scripted entertainment content.
• Proven record in developing successful local reality formats, scripted series and general entertainment series.
• Extensive understanding of audiences
• Deep knowledge of current and future content trends in multiple markets and platforms
• Managing large production budgets
• Knowledge / understanding of the relevant film classification, broadcast regulatory and censorship board requirements