Storyliner (EastEnders)

Always wondered what it was like to work on Albert Square?
Then this could be the role for you!
Job Introduction

Launched in 1985, award-winning EastEnders has become one of the most popular programmes in the BBC One schedule. With a mix of strong characters and gritty storylines, the serial has entertained the nation for almost 40 years, with the Editorial Team at the heart of the drama offscreen!

Working to tight deadlines and in a busy environment, you will help the team to bring these popular drama scripts and stories to life, with an opportunity to learn and develop your skills within an experienced Drama Editorial Office.
Main Responsibilities

The Storyliner reports to the Story Producer on a day to day basis and the aim of the role is to deliver high quality, high profile and cost-effective drama.

The Storyliner generates and writes the planning and commissioning document to strict deadlines, creating story ideas and storylines of the highest standard, consistent with EastEnders and under guidance from the Story Producer.

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to -

• To confidently adjust and rework the story document to incorporate notes and changes, taking the document from first draft through to commissioning document


• To work with Story Team to seek out new ideas for possible story and character material


• To attend long term quarterly story conferences, monthly story meetings, planning and commissioning meetings and be involved highly effectively in discussions as required. To ensure that the programmes creative vision is implemented consistently in all material


• To deal with and solve story problems that may arise at the script stage


• To work closely with the Story Researcher, ensuring that all story material is factually accurate


• To be fully aware of the importance of diversity, how on-screen content reflects a diverse society, and to ensure diverse groups are portrayed accurately and appropriately, in line with BBC Editorial Guidelines.


Are you the right candidate?

To undertake this role it is expected that you are both experienced and able to undertake the following requirements for this role


• You will need significant drama Script Editing, Story Editing or Storylining experience


• An ability to write clear, concise and unambiguous prose in keeping with the EastEnders in-house style, and adhering to Scheduling restrictions


• A thorough and demonstrable understanding of character, story and structure


• An awareness of the financial impact of different storylines and an understanding of cast budgets


• An enthusiasm, demonstrable interest and understanding of the genre, especially EastEnders


• An understanding of Copyright law, Writers Guild agreements, contracts and the legal implications of the production process. Knowledge of corporate conditions of service, equal opportunities and health & safety policies, Editorial Guidelines and relevant trade union agreements


• Proven ability to persuade and influence and resolve differences in professional opinions. An ability to take several different opinions in a story meeting and reach a common ground.