JOB DESCRIPTION. Department: Radio 3. Introduction

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION Designation: Producer, BBC Singers Division: Radio Department: Radio 3 Grade: 7-9D Contract: Continuing Base: London Introduction The content making job family in Radio consists of three principal roles: editor, producer and assistant producer (production co-ordinator is part of the production management job family). Within that family sit three of the BBC s Performing Groups, of which the BBC Singers is the only fulltime professional choral group in the UK. This role sits at the heart of the BBC Singers, planning and producing all of the broadcast output of the group, and engaging with the extensive learning programme. You will report to the General Manager, BBC Singers, with a dotted line reporting to the Editorial Team of R3. You will be required to forge and maintain an effective relationship with the BBC Singers, as well with as its staff conductors, guest conductors, composers, soloists and other contributors as appropriate. The role is central to the work of the group BBC Singers and you will be responsible for devising and delivering programmes and other forms of content within the strategies and budgets set by, in turn, the Radio Group, R3 and the BBC Singers. You will be expected to be familiar with the internal and external guidelines and legislation as they affect the genres within which you work and to keep your training and knowledge of specialist areas up to date. You will on occasions be required to supervise the work of other producers, assistant producers and production co-ordinators. You may also be required to direct the work of studio managers and other technical staff as well as that of professional contributors such as actors, writers, musicians and others. As a BBC Producer, you are accountable for the compliance of programmes with the BBC s editorial guidelines and the law and within the context provided by the editorial guidelines they exercise editorial judgement and authority in determining when programmes are fit for transmission and in which circumstances they should refer up. Context The BBC Singers is one of six professional performing groups with the BBC, and one of four that sit within the Radio Group, the other being the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestra, both in London, and the BBC Philharmonic, based in Salford. The Singers engage in a wide variety of activities that produce around 38 own-generated programmes a year for R3, from a variety of promotions, engagements, studio concerts and other activities, in addition to the BBC Proms each year. Radio 3 offers a wide range of music and cultural programming. The station s core proposition is classical music; however its remit also covers Jazz, World Music, drama, the arts and ideas, and religious programming and the BBC Singers may engage with any of these strands as required.

2 Dimensions This role develops and makes creative content and you are responsible editorially for the planning, compliance and production of the content, upholding the key values of fair dealing, accuracy, impartiality, trust and integrity. This content may be for a radio programme, or for mobile, websites, the iplayer, EPGs and other multiple platforms. This involves finding new ways to connect with audiences and identifying interesting content and formats. You will line-manage the full-time Production Controller / Assistant Producer and be responsible for managing the budgets of the programmes you create for R3, in consultation with the General Manager, Choral Manager and finance team of R3. Producers are responsible for ensuring the programmes and content they produce complies with all relevant BBC and external (e.g. Ofcom) guidelines and legislation. They will refer up on matters of potential controversy and for editorial advice. The Producer, BBC Singers is, in collaboration with the staff conductors and the needs of R3, the de facto artistic leader and a key ambassador for the Group. The role combines a high level of artistic planning with the capacity to produce programmes for broadcast and dissemination in a wide variety of formats. You will seek opportunities to promote the work of the BBC Singers internally and externally through concert activity, partnerships, new media and other appropriate outlets. Planning/Management: Devise interesting, creative and challenging programmes of choral music which engage the interest of the BBC Singers and exploit its abilities, collectively and individually, ensuring R3 s editorial and broadcast requirements are in alignment, and satisfying our diverse and growing audiences. Liaise with appropriate R3 strand Editors to propose and manage programme ideas, attending Editor meetings as required. Ensure that planned repertoire is always appropriate for the agreed vocal forces for the project (18vv, 22vv, 24vv or more) and will not place undue vocal strain on the group. Budget programmes and other activities (artists/schedules/repertoire), liaising with the Choral Manager and other colleagues as appropriate. Work closely with the Choral Manager on the management of the BBC Singers diary, scheduling the Singers with a keen eye on balancing workload with vocal health and general well-being of the collective and individual Singers. Manage and meet agreed deadlines in order that other members of Singers unit (managers, librarian, marketing team, concert publications) have information necessary to be able to complete their own work. Good personal time management is essential. Regular, efficient, communication with other BBC Singers unit staff in order to ensure that all information and planning decisions are disseminated promptly and efficiently. Attend and input into all meetings as may be required internally and externally. Ensure information is inputted accurately into BBC IT systems (Proteus, OPAS) in a timely fashion. Attend vocal auditions and liaise with the Choral Manager and Assistant Choral Manager on casting solos from within the group. Liaise with external conductors, soloists, composers and other contributors about plans and schedules. Advise on the commissioning plans for the BBC Singers, ensuring a rolling programme of new works is planned and budgeted, whilst maintaining close contact with the main choral music publishers. Maintain excellent personal relations with the group and individual members. Line-manage the BBC Singers Production Co-ordinator. Production:

3 Devise, research, plan and programme concerts, studio recordings and other engagements, internal and external, appropriate to the editorial or other artistic requirements of Radio 3 and other interested parties, and suitable for the vocal forces budgeted for the project. Liaise with SMs/OBs and other technical staff over technical requirements for recordings/ broadcasts, and any other issues arising. Liaise with BBC Music Library over publishers/editions of selected repertoire: researching and advising on appropriate editions, working in collaboration with senior librarian, BBCSO. Introduce each new programme to the Singers, outlining the repertoire and the reasons for its choice, the nature of the project and the outline details of the broadcast, in order to engage them fully in the project. Attend rehearsals and liaise with conductors/players/singers about issues arising (practical, logistical and musical) and feeding these back to the other members of the production team. Liaise with presenters about their script and spoken content for Radio 3 broadcasts and, where necessary, writing the scripts in full or in part. Devise, record, produce and edit packages/features/speech content for concert intervals and concert presentation as well as other broadcast output and for website use. Take responsibility for health and safety of radio productions, completing and signing-off Risk Assessments Edit studio recordings and, where appropriate, CDs; deliver audio for broadcast, to deadline and in agreed format, editing and/or re-versioning for repeats, as required. Complete postproduction paperwork and supply information to producers receiving BBC Singers content. Managing commissions/new works: Seek appropriate partnerships for co-commissions; liaise with composers over all aspects of new commissions. Manage unsolicited scores and selecting those suitable for performance in occasional workshops. Commercial recordings: Proposing repertoire (to Signum and other interested recording companies) for CD recordings. Devising/producing/editing recordings; advising on art-work and booklet content; proofreading. Managing broadcasts of dual-purpose recordings, to contractual deadlines. Seeking broadcast and other opportunities to promote new recordings, both on Radio 3 and externally. Liaising regularly with BBC Music Magazine to propose suitable projects for cover CDs. Preparation and delivery of audio, to agreed deadlines and editorial brief, for such recordings. Touring: Liaise with the Tours Manager and the Choral Manager to identify possible touring opportunities, advising on schedule and repertoire, and creating programmes as required for UK and overseas external promoters. Develop a network of contacts to help create opportunities for touring and external engagements. Write programme and promotional notes and copy as may be required for internal and external publications. Seek opportunities to promote the work of the Singers through the specialist music press). Regular liaison with EBU contacts to seek opportunities for BBC Singers contributions to EBU broadcasts and special seasons. Arrange, organise and oversee workshops for composers and conductors, which may be at our home base, elsewhere in the UK or overseas. Liaise with BBC Singers Learning Manager to create suitable projects for schools, creating, mixing and recording content for broadcast

4 The Producer, BBC Singers, is expected to Plan, create, manage and deliver content Take editorial responsibility for the planning and production of content on multiple platforms, in accordance with BBC and external legislation and guidelines. Take sound editorial decisions and offer advice, support and guidance to production teams and know when to refer up Contribute and pitch ideas for programmes, packages, contributors, online content, events and interactivity. Identify contributors, including (but not limited to) conductors, soloists and composer, assess their suitability and secure their participation. Produce music and, where appropriate, speech content both for live and pre-recorded programmes and events and on multiple platforms. Interpret and implement creative briefs from senior staff or commissioners and to work within the resources allocated. Produce and deliver live broadcasts, events and outside broadcasts, collaborating with others to share ideas and knowledge. Operate broadcast equipment, portable recording equipment, self-operating studio equipment and digital editing and interactive systems always ensuring that the sound quality broadcast is of a high standard. Visit locations for proposed recordings or live transmissions and ensure the suitability and safety of the venue in consultation with relevant experts. Develop new content and ways of encouraging existing and potential audiences to engage with that content. Forward plan material for future programmes. Ensure all content accurately reflects the diversity of our society in line with diversity and portrayal guidelines. Ensure editorial and legal compliance (for example data protection requirements) at all appropriate stages of the production and post-production process including the clearance of rights and permissions. Respond to the audience either via , message board or other form of interactivity. Carry out the responsibilities of the producer role as outlined in Audio & Music s Health and Safety policy and guidelines. Plan and manage resources Manage budgets and resources and ensure that you and your team work within them, using BBC finance and business systems. Comply with all legal policy, editorial, scheduling and fair trading guidelines. Plan the effective use of resources such as studios and OBS and multi-platform content. Manage media assets Ensure that the broadcast content is stored in a way that allows future reuse on multiple platforms.

5 Be responsible for the sign off of all content associated with the audio both pre and post transmission Maintain and manipulate programme content held on server based digital systems as required by programmes or networks. Liaise with Talent Rights Negotiation and other BBC contract negotiators where required and ensure copyright and contracts adhere to BBC regulations. Manage the performance of production areas Oversee the work of broadcast assistants, studio engineers and other producers where required. Develop and manage positive working relationships with staff, contributors and talent and be able to give constructive feedback. To be an effective and committed team player. Work flexibly with teams in the division and the BBC, building and maintaining collaborative relationships. Manage the performance and recruitment of teams or individuals as required as well as lead a team and schedule other staff. To plan rota and schedule teams where necessary. Support and work in accordance with the BBC s policies on people management and diversity. Be a role model for the BBC values. Drive continuous improvement Look for and suggest improvements in the making and delivery of content and to be open to feedback and use it to inform future systems and ways of working. Contribute to the development and implementation of the network and department s strategy and policy, working closely with the management team Knowledge, skills and experience The Producer, BBC Singers will have: A passion for choral music and choral singing underpinned by an extensive knowledge of the repertoire and those who operate within the choral world, nationally and internationally. Demonstrable knowledge of BBC Radio s output and that of its competitors. Demonstrable passion for broadcasting, and knowledge of those subjects which fascinate, entertain and appeal to this audience. Innovative and imaginative approach to programme ideas and able to motivate colleagues to take creative risks within parameters Sound editorial judgement and an in-depth understanding of BBC and external policy and guidelines and an understanding of media law Enthusiasm for radio and appreciation of how audiences use digital media and platforms. Excellent contacts and ways of finding content from different sources. Knowledge of techniques of audio and content production and its use on multiple platforms.

6 Proven ability to originate and develop creative ideas which engage diverse audiences in a demanding creative environment. Experience of writing clear and concise material which may be used for briefs, scripts, and digital platforms. Ability to enter metadata accurately into relevant business or broadcast systems. Experience of operating editing, workshop and studio equipment and a willingness to learn new techniques as required. High quality editing skills for content for use on different platforms. Strong technical skills to produce and record broadcast quality content in a range of digital environments, whether self-ops, on location, on desktops or in workshops as required. A proven ability to deliver programme content on time and in a timely manner as required by the Choral Manager and other members of the team. Seek guidance from experts where appropriate e.g. Interactive or Resources colleagues Ability to manipulate data and audio effectively between systems and upload audio, video and text into interactive systems. Strong computer literacy and ability to learn new production technologies and adapt to new ways of working. Attention to detail on all aspects of production. Ability to manage production budgets and resources effectively. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a variety of people and teams Ability to work flexibly and adapt to new ways of working. Competencies Editorial Judgement Makes the right editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC s agenda, and the requirements of A&M Production and the networks. Subject Knowledge: Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the agenda relating to the area. Specialist knowledge may be required Planning & Organising Thinks ahead in order to establish an effective and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines and resources requirements. Analytical Thinking Able to simplify complex problems, process projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Creative Thinking Able to transform creative ideas/impulses into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.

7 Communication Ability to get one s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information. Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas in an understandable and engaging way. Influencing and Persuading Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behavior change. Managing Relationships and Team Working Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Highly effective team player. Understanding Diversity Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC; takes a balanced approach to discussing and taking action on diversity issues; articulates how individual differences can benefit the BBC. A job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.