Emma Smith
London
Summary
A senior leader with commissions across Factual, Factual Entertainment and Entertainment. Known for creating compelling TV concepts, extensive pitching skills, winning business and working at a fast pace. I am a hands-on development exec, adept at writing sellable decks and tasters to multiple tight deadlines. 10+ years experience' of managing teams to realise their full potential. Mentor for The Girls' Network - inspiring and empowering girls from the least advantaged communities.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
Development Consultant
Chatterbox Media
2026.03 - 2026.04
- Responsible for idea generation for specific channels: SKY History, Channel 4 Lifestyle and talent led podcasts
- Delivered sales decks to multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Development Executive
MGM TV
2022.06 - 2026.02
- Development strategy with responsibility for idea generation across all linear channels and SVoDs
- Leveraged extensive TV commissioner network to win business
- Commercial successes: BBC1 daytime commission The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, 100K of funding for a BBC1 entertainment pilot, co-developed two Ch5 formats Underdog to Superdog and The Secret World of Children
- Wrote and designed compelling pitch decks to multiple deadlines
Development Consultant
Factory Films
2021.04 - 2021.06
- Developed funded project for Sky Arts: Anyone Can Sing with fast turnaround
- Liaised with MDs and producer to format show into must-have content
- Secured business with multiple episodes greenlit for the show
- Secured a nomination for the show in the 'Best Constructed Documentary Series' category at the Grierson Awards 2022.
Director of Development
Monkey Kingdom
2020.03 - 2021.03
- Spearheaded the development department.
- Generated over 1.5 million pounds of business in one year
- Leveraged commissioner relations to secure the Sky 1 commission Dating no Filter (250K per 30 mins). Eight episodes greenlit
Head of Development
Potato ITV Studios
2018.05 - 2020.03
- Led the development strategy across factual, factual entertainment and entertainment, reporting into the Creative Director and MD. Led a team of six and managed all workflow.
- Business won: Sky1 Ant Middleton: Straight Talking - created format, led pitch, oversaw taster and liaised with the commissioner. The first Sky commission for the company.
- Rosie Jones: Ticking Outside the Box - Channel 4 Digital Firsts
- E4 funded development for comedy ents format Face the Music
Head of Development
Keshet Productions
2017.01 - 2018.05
- Business won:
- ITV4 series Speed Freaks (6 x 60') based around talent I discovered
- Co-developed ITV2's Celebrity Showmance (6 x 60')
Head of Development
Burning Bright
2016.01 - 2016.12
- Led the pitches and strategy across all development
Head of Development
Lola TV
2015.05 - 2015.12
Head of Development
BBC North
2012.07 - 2015.05
- Business won:
- BBC3 series Invasion of the Job Snatchers (6 x 60')
- BBC2 prime time commission Who's the Boss
- (3 x 60')
- BBC2 - Machine Heads (non-TX pilot)
- BBC Three Fazer's Urban Symphony (3 x 60')
- BBC2 Digby Jones: The New Troubleshooter (3 x 60')
- BBC2 Demolition (3 x 60')
Various
Earlier Career
2002.12 - 2012.06
- Various senior positions across some of the UK's biggest indies and the BBC, producer on productions such as Big Brother, Antiques Master and The Book Quiz
Education
2.1 (Hons) - English
University of Cambridge
Skills
Leadership and relationship building
Analytical thinking
Creative solutions
Market success strategies
Management of teams including workflows
Pitching skills
Affiliations
- Hiking, travelling, reading, attending music gigs and the gym
Timeline
Development Consultant
Chatterbox Media
2026.03 - 2026.04
Development Executive
MGM TV
2022.06 - 2026.02
Development Consultant
Factory Films
2021.04 - 2021.06
Director of Development
Monkey Kingdom
2020.03 - 2021.03
Head of Development
Potato ITV Studios
2018.05 - 2020.03
Head of Development
Keshet Productions
2017.01 - 2018.05
Head of Development
Burning Bright
2016.01 - 2016.12
Head of Development
Lola TV
2015.05 - 2015.12
Head of Development
BBC North
2012.07 - 2015.05
Various
Earlier Career
2002.12 - 2012.06
2.1 (Hons) - English
University of Cambridge