Trainee Development Researcher
Description
Do you want to work in Unscripted TV? Do you live and breathe content – TV, YouTube, TikTok, Netflix?
Are you bursting with brilliant ideas for new shows and enjoy critiquing existing ones? Tinopolis Unscripted (Mentorn Media and Firecracker Films) is looking for a Trainee Development Researcher, to join the team and play a crucial role in generating and supporting new programme ideas, conducting research and assisting the development team in bringing creative concepts to life.
This is an entry-level position, offering hands-on experience and insight into the TV industry, and is ideally suited to individuals with a passion for television, storytelling, and creative research. It will be a fixed term contract of 6 months’ duration.
Main Responsibilities
• Support the development team in brainstorming and researching new programme ideas for a range of genres, including factual, entertainment, documentary, and reality TV.
• Contribute creative ideas to team discussions and brainstorms.
• Conduct in-depth research on topics, contributors, and formats to help shape pitches and treatments.
• Source information, statistics, images, potential contributors, and archive material for development proposals.
• Assist in writing, editing, and formatting pitch documents, presentations, and treatments in a clear and engaging style.
• Monitor trends in television, digital media, and popular culture to identify gaps and opportunities for new programme formats.
• Support with the organisation of development meetings, including preparing agendas, taking notes, and following up on action points.
• Undertake administrative tasks such as managing development databases, logging research, and maintaining contributor records.
• Assist with the creation of taster tapes, sizzle reels, and visual materials, as required.
Key Skills and Attributes
• You must live and breathe content and have a passion for storytelling and popular culture.
• A creative thinker and prolific ideas generator. What is the next big TV trend?
• A confident communicator with the ability to ‘sell’ your ideas.
• Strong writing skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to find and verify information quickly and accurately.
• An interest in and knowledge of social and digital platforms, trends and creators/influencers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and basic familiarity with editing software is an advantage (Premiere/Canva)
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently when required.
• Good organisational skills, able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to learn on the job.
Qualifications and Experience
• We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who can demonstrate they are the person for the job. A degree or equivalent experience in Media, Journalism, Broadcast Production, or a related field is desirable but not essential.
• Previous experience in television, media, or creative environments (including student or voluntary projects) is advantageous.
Career Development
This role offers a valuable entry point into the television industry. Successful trainees can progress to development researcher and other editorial roles within production companies or broadcasters, gaining further experience in programme development, production, and content creation.
Location and Working Arrangements
This paid traineeship is offered on a hybrid basis, with three days per week working from our production office in Hammersmith. Flexibility regarding working hours may be required, especially around deadlines and pitch preparations.
Diversity in Television Production
We value diversity and believe it drives creativity and innovation. At Mentorn and Firecracker, we strive to represent a wide range of voices and perspectives in our programmes and behind the scenes. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply and help us create content that reflects the audience we serve.
What’s next
To apply, please send the following:
1. In your own words, tell us what your favourite unscripted TV show is at the moment and why you love it so much? Is there anything you would change about it and why?
You can do this in written form (no more than 500 words) or video form (no longer than four minutes).
2. Your CV and a covering note letting us know why you are the person for the job.
Closing date: Friday 10th April 2026. Please note that due to the large number of applicants, you will only hear back from us if you have been invited for an interview. Interviews and assessments for the role will run from 20th April
Start date: Negotiable, but approximately Monday 11th May 2026Company Name
Location
London (Hammersmith)
Posted on
18th Mar 2026
Apply by
10th Apr 2026