Job Title: Development Researcher

Location: Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland (office based)

Waddell Media is one of the UK's leading and most successful broadcast production companies, based in Holywood, County Down. We're on the lookout for a talented and enthusiastic Factual Development Researcher to join our development team and help us shape the future of factual television.

Role Overview:

The ideal candidate will have a genuine love for factual television, with a keen understanding of its diverse genres, from documentaries to formats to current affairs.

He/she will have a strong understanding of the factual television landscape and be especially aware of the broader zeitgeist – what is everyone talking about and what will they still be talking about in six months’ time?

You will play an integral role in producing development materials, so a good sense of modern tech and design software is essential (e.g. Canva or Photoshop) - and basic editing skills would be an advantage.  

Ability to carry out deep research, fact-checking and identifying interesting new talent are key.

Excellent writing skills required.

Some experience in television production would be beneficial, but not essential.

You will be expected to participate in brainstorms to help generate new ideas.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual who thrives in a creative and fast-paced environment, and who is eager to contribute to the growth and success of one of the most dynamic production companies in the industry.

 
Personal Attributes:

Proactive & Innovative: A confident self-starter who is full of ideas and always thinking ahead.

Team Player: Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with various producers.

Detail-Oriented: Ability to pay close attention to detail, ensuring that all development materials are fact-checked, high-quality and polished.

Adaptable: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects at once and working to tight deadlines.

Resilient: Development is a competitive percentage game, and the success rate is inevitably low. Must be able to deal with disappointment as well as success.

Why Join Waddell Media?

Be part of one of the UK's most respected production companies, known for creating high-quality factual television content. Work with a passionate and talented team in a collaborative and creative environment with great opportunities for career growth and development in the fast-evolving broadcast industry.

Salary dependent on experience.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your experience and passion for factual TV, along with anything else that may support your application to [email protected].

Closing date 17th February.

 

Legendary hoteliers Francis and John Brennan are back. The straight-talking brothers travel the country bringing their expertise and knowledge to one brand new hospitality business each week. They help a family who have boldly moved from their quartz and granite business to building and running a 26-bedroom hotel in Tralee. They advise a high-flying corporate accountant who left her jet-setting world behind to renovate a 4-bedroom farmhouse B&B in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. They come to the aid of an Irish farmer and his Latvian partner who are creating a beach resort in land-locked Laois – all in time for At Your Service’s first wedding. And they advise sisters with a passion for wellness who dream of opening their very own retreat and spa in Glengarriff, Co Cork.

We are delighted to announce that Britain's most Expensive Houses and Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King have been nominated in the Factual Entertainment category and The Chronicles of Belfast has been nominated in the Lifestyle and Features category. Well done to all involved!

The Awards Ceremony will be held in Titanic Belfast on Thursday 14 November, 2024.

Waddell Media, one of Ireland’s largest and most successful independent production companies, has been commissioned by BBC Three and BBC Northern Ireland to follow the ups and downs of 19-year-old TikTok star Kyle Thomas as he attempts to build a zoo for his exotic animals. 
 
Kyle Thomas is the UK’s most followed TikToker, with over 34.8 million followers. He has been named in Forbes’ 30 under 30 2024, all at just 19 years old. A rising presenter and model Kyle has a passion for everything animal and wildlife.
 
In We Built a Zoo, (1x60) the film digs into the social media sensation’s controversial past when he posted clips of his animals that drew criticism from animal rights activists and the media alike.
 
As he tries to move on and find suitable forever homes for his 39 animals, (and after a failed attempt to create his own sanctuary), Kyle teams up with Co Tyrone Builder Phil Hughes, and the duo are now planning to turn Phil’s existing modest petting farm into a world class wildlife park for Kyle’s animals and other unwanted exotics.
 
We Built a Zoo was commissioned by Eddie Doyle and Mary McKeagney for BBC Northern Ireland and Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, with the support from Northern Ireland Screen. 
 
Filmed and Directed by Gill Callan
Executive Producer at Waddell Media is Jannine Waddell

We are delighted to share that in the BBC’s annual diversity report Waddell Media programmes got not one, not two but three mentions as good practice shows - Éadaí SOS, Suzie Lee: Home Cook Hero and The Chronicles.