WHAT DOES A TELEVISION PROGRAM RESEARCHER DO? (In the Entertainment industry.)

TV Researcher / Photo Credit: Royal Television Society

WHAT DOES A TELEVISION PROGRAM RESEARCHER DO? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What Does A Television Program Researcher Do?  

Researchers work across all genres of television production, including news, sport, current affairs, documentaries and factual programs, light entertainment, children's, situation comedies, soaps or serial dramas, and one-off dramas. They originate or develop program ideas, drawing on their knowledge and understanding of industry requirements, and present their findings to decision makers. They are also fact checkers and 'brief' writers for onscreen presenters. They must understand, and work within, relevant legislation and regulations. They may be employed by broadcasters, or work on a freelance basis.

They plan, arrange and execute the production of programs and other output in its various forms, whilst keeping tabs on the industry and its reception in the wider world.        

As a program researcher, you'll provide support to the producer and production team of a television, radio, film or online project. You'll source contacts and contributors for programs, as well as supply your own ideas and work on location. Some media researchers also help with filming or sound recording.

The work involves organizing, planning and researching everything that will happen during a program. This includes collecting and verifying information, such as who'll be interviewed, the location, if the filming crew will fit, if the budget will stretch and so on.

As a researcher you will also responsible for fact checking, writing briefs for presenters and ensuring that production adheres to appropriate legislation. You can work on a variety of programs or within one subject area.

The role may also be known as: 

• Specialist, live footage or picture researcher…
• Broadcast assistant…
• Assistant producer… 

The job is often seen as a stepping stone towards a producer role, and a chance for ambitious recruits to show their potential.

Responsibilities

Researchers may be briefed by producers or other decision makers about program ideas and carry out further development. Alternatively, they may produce original program ideas for consideration by producers, broadcasters, production companies, or other decision makers. They identify relevant data, contributors, locations or archive material etc. collate and assess information from various sources, and ensure that legal, compliance and copyright requirements are met.

The variety and type of work carried out by a researcher depends on individual producers and the companies that employ them. Depending on the size and type of employer, you may carry out specific research-based tasks or you might expand into more production-based activities. In radio, broadcasters do elements of their own program research, assisted by the producers and researchers. Researchers in radio contribute to the development of websites that enhance program delivery.

Researchers may also be required to prepare production materials for external use, including fact sheets, pamphlets, books and booklets to accompany productions, and publicity material such as production billings, press releases, related websites, and text pages.

In television and film, researchers may be involved in a variety of activities and the role may be roughly divided into: 

• Factual research - checking that all the information used in making a film is accurate, such as period costume and architecture…
• Picture research - examining archives for film, video and photographic material to be used in documentaries… 

Typical responsibilities are extremely varied but may include: 

• Meeting with producers, directors, designers, presenters and writers to discuss the research needs of a program…
• Generating and developing new programme ideas…
• Conveying findings accurately to others in reports and briefs…
• Sourcing and researching facts, figures and information using the internet, film and tape archives, specialist collections, picture libraries, museums and government departments…
• Assessing contributors' suitability for the program, researching and booking appropriate people and locations…
• Booking resources and facilities…
• Recruiting freelance staff and negotiating fees…
• Providing administrative support such as typing, answering the phone and dealing with contracts…
• Briefing scriptwriters and presenters on topics, updating scripts and editing news reports…
• Sourcing copyright for literary and music sources and gaining clearance for any materials used…
• Negotiating broadcasting rights and producing information and fact sheets for websites…
• Providing research to production staff in a clear, concise format and tracking down film, archive and video tapes…
• Finding interviewees to conduct initial interviews with and getting vox-pop responses to current events from members of the public…
• Directing a small shoot and carrying out straightforward editing… 

Qualifications

This area of work is open to all graduates, as work experience and contacts often count for more than your degree subject. Nevertheless, a degree in one of the following subjects may increase your chances:

•  Art…
• Broadcasting and media…
• Design…
• English…
• History…
• Journalism…
• Politics…
• Public relations…
• Theatre… 

Graduates are preferred but relevant work experience, personal qualities, confidence and evidence of skills may compensate. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, although a practical journalism or media course may help. Specialist knowledge and research experience may be required for specific subject areas or documentaries. For general areas, knowledge of current affairs and the media, plus evidence of lateral thinking and creative problem solving is useful.

Skills

You'll need: 

• To generate new ideas and accommodate the ideas of others…
• Resourcefulness and motivation…
• Excellent written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills…
• Visual thinking and the ability to be adaptable yet methodical…
• The capability to work well in a team and under pressure…
• Strong it and research skills…
• An instinct for a good story…
• Confidence and patience…
• Knowledge of legal and ethical principles in relation to the media and copyright, as well as health and safety procedures… 

To be successful in securing freelance work, researchers also need to be skilled in self-management and self-promotion.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, How Stuff Works, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection, My Job Search

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TV Researcher / Photo Credit: Royal Television Society