Assistant Script Editor (EastEnders Talent Pool)
BBC Media Action
JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND: B
CONTRACT TYPE: Talent Pool
DEPARTMENT: BBC Studios Scripted Drama - EastEnders
LOCATION: Elstree Centre, Borehamwood – Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office.
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £25500 - £28681 + London Weighting at £5441 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
WE ARE BBC STUDIOS
A globally renowned media company borne of the BBC. We make and distribute the world’s most sought-after TV, audio and digital content.
Our ambition is to be the home of the most powerful, entertaining, and inspiring stories for people all around the world.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
As part of the EastEnders script team, the Assistant Script Editor helps keep the heart of the show beating - ensuring every twist, turn and cliffhanger stays true to character, story and long‑running continuity. You’ll bring a sharp editorial eye and a passion for drama, supporting Script Editors day‑to‑day while maintaining the accuracy and consistency that anchors a continuing drama.
From writing episode synopses and distilling complex story documents into clear, at‑a‑glance summaries, to producing continuity trails and covering editorial tasks when needed, you’ll help shape the stories that reach millions. This role offers hands‑on creative involvement, close collaboration with the editorial team, and a pathway toward future Script Editing.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
Joining the EastEnders script team means becoming part of one of the UK’s most iconic and influential storytelling legacies. You’ll work within a team of passionate, experienced creatives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your voice matters and your ideas can shape the stories that captivate millions. With opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to bold, headline-grabbing narratives that spark national conversation. This is your chance to help craft the moments that define the show’s legacy and stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & IMPACT
- Ensure accuracy and continuity across episodes by tracking storylines, character details and established facts, and raising any discrepancies to Script Editors.
- Read and assess scripts, providing clear, constructive continuity notes that support high‑quality storytelling.
- Write episode synopses and summarise large story documents into concise, at‑a‑glance versions, applying strong editorial judgement throughout.
- Assist the Script Producer and Script Editors with day-to-day editorial tasks, helping to maintain the creative vision and tone of the show.
- Maintain efficient office systems and documentation, handling confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Apply knowledge of copyright, Writers Guild agreements, and legal considerations to ensure compliance throughout the script development process.
- Respond quickly to changing priorities, adapting calmly and effectively during fast‑moving production schedules.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Minimum one year’s professional broadcast experience as an Assistant Script Editor, Researcher or Script Coordinator within Scripted Drama.
- Demonstrable script analysis skills, including examples of clear, constructive feedback that influenced story or structure.
- Evidence of strong understanding of dramatic structure, character development and continuity, with experience in roles requiring excellent attention to detail and a clear instinct for spotting inconsistencies while maintaining character and tone alignment.
- Experience managing office systems and handling confidential information, plus working knowledge of copyright, Writers Guild agreements and legal considerations.
- A tangible and genuine passion for Scripted Drama, especially EastEnders.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:
- Proficiency in tools like Final Draft, Celtx, or BBC-specific systems is desirable.
- Experience working within continuing drama desirable but not essential.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
SCRIPT TEAM TALENT POOLS
The EastEnders script team is essential to the show's success. Awarded the best British soap by BAFTA last year, we have increasingly high standards and want to work with exciting, innovative script talent who are as passionate about the show as we are.
These talent pools are an opportunity for us to reach out and engage with people who want to work in our script team.
If you are successfully selected to be in the talent pool, it doesn't mean you will definitely end up working with us unfortunately. Being in the pool means you will be considered when opportunities come up.
The application process is designed so you get the chance to try out your skills on our scripts and storylines. If you are invited to an assessment centre, you will also meet our producers and editorial team and can showcase your work to them as well as starting to build relationships.
If you are invited to work on EastEnders, you will need to be based in London for the duration of the contract or live within a commutable distance. Unfortunately, we don't provide financial assistance for this or cover expenses.
Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.
Redeployment
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
This is your BBC
At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Life at BBC Studios
• A flexible 35-hour working week with 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to buy an extra five days.
• Defined pension (up to 10% employer contributions).
• Caring and parenting support, 24/7 remote GP access, life assurance and accident benefit.
• BBC Studios is a world leader in operating sustainably both on and off screen. Find out more about BBC Group’s science-based Net Zero targets here.
• Career development in a values-led purpose-driven culture.
Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis.
Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong
We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Disability confident
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
