Junior Assistant Technical Producer, Marine Landmark series, BBC Studios NHU

BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit (NHU) is the leading producer of wildlife programming, creating award-winning content with a world class reputation.

Our output ranges from ambitious landmarks (Green Planet, Dynasties and Frozen Planet II) to children’s programming (Deadly Dinosaurs and Andy’s Adventures), as well as ground-breaking adventure, formatted, presenter lead, feature docs and event programming such as Endangered for Discovery, The Year The Earth Changed for Apple TV+ and the BAFTA winning Springwatch for the BBC.

BBC Studios NHU has been commissioned to produce Blue Planet III. Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Blue Planet II, the series will be will be made up of six one-hour long episodes and is set to redefine the realm of possibility in underwater wildlife film-making.

Blue Planet III is looking for an Underwater Junior Assistant Technical Producer to join the team.

The successful candidate will support colleagues and run a production team operational facility, ensuring that the right equipment is available and ready for purpose when required, taking on responsibility for the maintenance of equipment and facility ensuring a high level of organisation.

Tasks may include some or all of the following:

• Monitoring stock levels and managing an accurate inventory, forward planning with any future purchasing
• Maintenance of kit/arranging servicing when it returns from location – including specialist underwater equipment
• Working with key members of production team to advise, collate and develop kit lists for upcoming shoots
• Help liaise with and source specialist equipment from suppliers, often specialists in the underwater market
• Oversee the prep, packing and organisation of equipment, including loading & unloading from vehicles at the beginning and end of shoots.
• Contributing key information required for shipping equipment around the world
• Working within the parameters of a budget
• Researching, advising and sourcing kit purchases ensuring the team is across the latest filming techniques and developments
• Being main point of contact for the production team and location crew within specified parameters.

• We’re looking for people who are passionate and inquisitive when it comes to all things technical regarding underwater & topside wildlife filming.
• Your technical expertise should include an understanding of the underlying principles of video and still digital photography; hands-on operation of digital cameras & diving equipment together with a good knowledge of and familiarity with all the equipment and a reason for its use.
• You should hold a diving qualification (either PADI or BSAC)
• Experience of handling and preparing underwater camera housings for use in underwater activities (scientific / photographic / filmmaking) is essential
• You should have a good knowledge of safety and welfare regulations and standing instructions relating to the base or facility operation.
• You'll be able to work quickly and accurately under pressure, to constantly changing deadlines, and use your initiative to solve problems.
• Ideally you’ll have experience of working with high end broadcast and cinema cameras, as well as working on location with film crews.

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Band: B

Contract type: Fixed term, 12 months

Location: Bristol

Start date: early April 2023

Interviews will be held in person on either 6th or 8th March 2023

At BBC Studios we have different types of workplaces; from production sets and locations, to offices, to our own homes, and on-the-go. Under our Hybrid Working model, where you work will depend on your role. The majority of our staff work in an Agile way, balancing their time between home and a BBC Studios base, as best suits the work they do and their personal circumstances.

In addition, we are happy to discuss any formal flexible working needs. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

We are really proud to share that we are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and so if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply please do contact us on resourcing@bbc.co.uk with ref: BBC/TP/126/66093 in the subject.