Jenny Thompson

Commissioning, Development & International Consultancy

BBC

BBC Wales Commissioning -embedded within the commissioning team, gaining direct insight into slate development and pitch assessment.

BBCS Fiction Development - contributed to development of Fiction slate under Josh Cole and Michael Parke.

BBC Media Action - delivered story, character and script masterclasses for embedded drama teams in Afghanistan, Nigeria, India and Palestine.

CASUALTY (Producer)

BBC Studios

• Credits include introducing four new regular characters in a single episode which execs described as ‘a triumph’.

• Navigated editorial policy with sensitivity while producing episodes covering suicide, self- harm, child abuse and body dysmorphia.

• Provided leadership and direction to crew and HoDs, responding efficiently to production demands and ensuring colleagues felt supported to be creatively ambitious.

• Orchestrated and ensured the safety and wellbeing of participants in scripted vehicle collisions, stunt combat and intimate scenes, holding responsibility for planned and dynamic risk assessments.

• Responsible for the delivery of episodes on time, within budget and in accordance with the editorial vision of the show for pacy Saturday night drama.

• Adept at crisis management, maintaining an even temper, good humoured in adversity and solution-oriented.

• Worked closely with directors in the edit, ensuring exec notes were actioned and overseeing the dub, grade and compliance.

Series Producers: Loretta Preece, Liza Mellody

- Winner of 2023 & 2024 BAFTA.

Development

Working with an RTS winning writer on an original female-led returning crime drama (2023-)

Working with a 2022 Brit List writer on an original 6-part horror comedy (2023-)

Working with a new writer on an original 6-part period crime drama (2022- 2023)

CASUALTY (Story Producer)

BBC Studios

• Ran the storylining heart of Casualty, crafting stories and creating new characters, showing a deft understanding of audience wants. Stories included the multi award winning Covid-19 Special and the Rosie Jones-starring forced adoption story.

• Led writers, script editors and producers in development from pitch to shooting script.

• Briefed artistes on their upcoming storylines, fostering trusted relationships with regular and guest cast and liaised with HoDs about the creative vision of the show.

• Line managed and recruited diverse and talented storyliners and researchers.

Exec Producers: Loretta Preece, Jon Sen

- Winner of 2021 BAFTA and RTS Programme Awards and 2022 Broadcast Award.

-BAFTA and RTS nominated in 2022.

- Winner of 2022 Rose D’Or.

DOCTORS (Script Producer)

BBC Studios

Sought out and developed new writers, guiding them through the script process until they had their first television credit.

• Produced 29 episodes of this daytime favourite over a 6-month period, taking scripts from pitch to programme delivery.

• Managed a team of experienced script editors to help writers tell engaging stories.

Exec Producer: Mike Hobson

THE ARCHERS
(Story Producer)

BBC Radio 4

• Stories I originated included Nic’s death from sepsis, Home Farm land contamination and Helen stabs Rob, which made international headlines.

• Script edited new and established writers, giving notes with clarity and encouragement.

Editors: Huw Kennair-Jones, Jeremy Howe

- Winner of 2017 Outstanding Contribution at the BBC Audio Drama Awards.

- Winner of 2019 Mind Media Award.

Assistant Producer

BBC Radio Drama Northern Ireland

• Worked in conjunction with the executive producer and producer to research IP and cultivate relationships with publishers, agents and writers across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

• Development pitches for commissioners, speaking confidently and persuasively to senior industry figures.

Exec Prod: Stephen Wright