Casting Researcher

Role Overview

Join the UK's largest independent news agency as a Casting Researcher on a fixed-term contract of 3 to 6 months based in Bristol with a hybrid work model (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). This early-career position is focused on sourcing unique contributors and developing factual video-first content for the Key Witness YouTube channel and wider SWNS Originals projects. The role offers a chance to contribute to documentary, journalism, and factual entertainment productions with potential for a permanent position depending on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure compelling real-life contributors for new and existing formats on Key Witness and other original video content.
• Conduct outreach, pre-interviews, and assess contributor suitability.
• Develop relationships with charities, support groups, and contacts to discover new story opportunities.
• Research stories thoroughly, gather background information, and find strong editorial angles.
• Prepare contributor summaries and briefing documents for production teams.
• Collaborate closely with producers and development staff to support filming and content development.
• Ensure editorial integrity and contributor welfare with appropriate duty-of-care measures.
• Build a pipeline of exclusive stories and contributors for future documentary and factual formats.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in journalism, documentary casting, factual TV, development or production environments.
• Track record in discovering and securing contributors with engaging real-life stories.
• Strong interviewing, research, and communication abilities.
• Experience managing sensitive subject matter with empathy and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Proactive, persistent, and self-driven work ethic.
• Interest in true crime and human interest stories.
• Confidence making unsolicited phone calls to potential contributors.
• Willingness to travel and conduct on-location research and sourcing.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience casting for documentaries, factual entertainment, podcasts or digital content formats.
• Knowledge of contributor welfare, duty of care, and editorial compliance.
• Experience working with vulnerable contributors.
• Understanding of true crime and documentary storytelling techniques.
• Skill in creating contributor briefs and casting/development documents.
• Familiarity with media law and video production practices.
• Ability to drive and possession of a car.

Who We Are Looking For

• A passionate individual who enjoys uncovering and telling engaging stories.
• Excellent at building trust and rapport quickly with diverse contributors.
• Resilient when reaching out to many contacts.
• Capable of working independently yet collaboratively within a team.
• Empathetic, conscientious, and professional in approach.

Additional Information

The position starts as soon as possible with salary dependent on experience. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to influence the future of original factual video content at a leading news agency. Applications should include a CV, a brief cover note detailing interest in the role, and samples of contributor leads or stories you have sourced or cast. Please note applications must be sent by email (contact details not included here).