BBC Studios Drama Productions sits at the heart of the UK as our slate of award-winning soaps and dramas continue to that bring audiences together week after week. EastEnders, Doctors, Casualty, River City and Pobol y Cwm remain a constant source of gripping entertainment, addictive storylines and loveable characters year on year.


At BBC Studios Drama Productions, we're passionate at developing and nurturing a creative and diverse workforce. We pride ourselves on providing some of the most supportive, hands-on editorial and production training opportunities across the whole of the UK.


EastEnders is the multi-award-winning soap broadcast four times a week on BBC One. It currently ranks as one of the most watched TV dramas in the UK, continuing its long-standing history of tackling controversial and taboo issues previously unseen on television in the UK. Through great writing and attention to detail, the show manages to successfully balance gritty realism with high drama and entertainment to keep its millions of dedicated viewers coming back for more, on-screen and online, week after week.


The Trainee Script Editor is an exciting year-long placement which sees the successful candidate given the opportunity to spend an initial six months working alongside the script team, before spending three months in the story office. After experiencing both worlds of script and story, the final three months of the year-long placement will be spent in either team, chosen by you...


The Trainee Script Editor will spend the first six months in the script team and will report to the Script Producer and/or Senior Script Editor. As Trainee Script Editor, you'll be fully-supported and learn from an active Script Editor and gain a full insight into the role.


You'll get first-hand experience across the whole script process, learning how to nurture the incredibly important relationships between writers and production teams. You will also gain an understanding of how the Script Editor processes all negative and legal checks (e.g brand names), ensuring that all reasonable action is taken to avoid copyright, libel and defamation issues. You will also see what is required to monitor filming of episodes and be on-hand to discuss any dialogue or story concerns as and when they arise.


During this time, you'll build and develop your skillset in writing shadow script notes for writers with - dependant on experience and progress - the aim of Script Editing one episode.


During the three months in the story office, you'll report to the Story Producer and/or Story Editors. Under their leadership, and through shadowing active Storyliners, you will learn the number one aim of a Storyliner which is to deliver high quality, high profile, cost-effective drama. You will be given an insight into the processes of how story ideas are developed into storylines of the highest standard and by supporting the Story Assistant and Research team, you will develop the skills and knowledge to be a valued member of the EastEnders storyroom.


During this time, you'll have the opportunity to write shadow storylines with - dependant on experience and progress - the aim of writing storylines for a published story document.


Main Responsibilities
The Trainee Script Editor's main duties will be:
• To help assist the script and story teams to gain a full understanding of the processes involved in each department.
• To support the script and story teams with character and story continuity.
• To support the script and story teams with story trails.
• To take on writing shadow notes and storylines where appropriate and be involved in creative discussions.
• To gain a full understanding of creative problem solving throughout the script and story process.
• To gain a full understanding of the whole production process, from inception to screen.
• To attend various script and story meetings where appropriate.


Are you the right candidate?
We're looking for applicants who have a keen and active interest in the world of TV production; are hardworking; creative; keen; willing to learn; and are looking for their first step into the world of scripted storytelling.


The successful candidate will also need to display a flair for writing, an ability to work to tight deadlines and as part of a team - and be able to think creatively and outside the box.
An enthusiasm for script, story and soap - especially EastEnders! - is essential.


We would ideally also require the following:
· Some experience of analysing scripts and/or writing script reports.
· Some experience of working with writers.
· Experience of establishing and maintaining office and administration systems;
· Experience of handling confidential and/or controversial information with tact and sensitivity;
· An understanding of copyright law, Writers Guild agreements, contracts and the legal implications of the production process.
· Awareness of how to handle confidential information with tact and sensitivity
· Good communication skills
· A pro-active and enthusiastic outlook.
· An ability to anticipate issues and find resolutions in a timely manner
· Be able to prioritise a workload