Programme Researcher

• factual researcher, responsible for checking all the information used in making a film, eg period costume and architecture;
• picture researcher, responsible for examining archives for film, video and photographic material to be used in documentaries.

• meeting with producers, directors, presenters and writers to discuss the research needs of a programme;
• generating new programme ideas;
• sourcing and researching facts, figures and information using the internet, film and tape archives, specialist collections, picture libraries, museums and government departments;
• conveying findings accurately to others in report form and briefings;
• updating scripts and editing news reports;
• researching and booking appropriate people and locations;
• booking resources, facilities and freelance staff;
• providing administrative support, such as typing, answering the phone and dealing with contracts;
• briefing scriptwriters and presenters on topics;
• sourcing copyright for literary and music sources and gaining clearance for any materials used;
• negotiating broadcasting rights;
• tracking down film, archive and video tape;
• finding interviewees and conducting initial interviews;
• finding members of the public for a vox pop response to current events;
• directing a small shoot and doing straightforward editing.

• Experienced researchers with specialist skills, such as subtitling, can earn as much as £40,000, depending on the size of the company and its location (salary data collected Aug 04).
• There is a great variation in salary between employers, location, experience and the responsibilities of the job, all of which often make salaries negotiable. Freelance rates vary widely and are calculated on a daily rate between £100 and £300 (salary data collected Aug 04).
• Working hours typically include regular unsocial hours, depending on the programmes. Researchers could be working up to seven days a week for long periods. Work on live programmes is more predictable.
• Work takes place in a variety of settings: it can be office-based or might involve interviewing people in the street. In some cases, documentary researchers may work undercover for weeks at a time.
• By the end of the first year, and having gained experience, most researchers are freelance, usually working on short-term contracts for individual programmes. In order to secure regular employment, freelancers need to have built up a reputation.
• More than half of all researchers are women.
• Jobs are available in restricted locations with the majority of work in London and other major cities with broadcasting bases, such as Manchester.
• The work is stressful and demanding and requires a very high level of commitment. The work culture is generally informal but you may feel pressured with tight deadlines to meet.
• Researchers can travel a great deal, occasionally overseas, depending on the research project.

Courses