Job Description
The VP, Original Programming sources and develops original scripted programming and provides day-to-day creative oversight of assigned projects from development through production, post-production, and ongoing seasons. Reporting to a SVP, Original Programming, the VP works with creators, producers, and internal partners to deliver compelling content aligned with the STARZ brand and programming priorities. The role exercises creative judgment within established departmental strategy, recommends projects and key creative decisions to senior leadership, and escalates matters requiring final approval.
Responsibilities
- Manage the creative development and day-to-day oversight of assigned original scripted projects in alignment with programming priorities established by senior leadership.
- Build and maintain relationships with writers, producers, directors, agents, managers, and studio partners to identify compelling material and creative talent.
- Source and evaluate pitches, scripts, intellectual property, and submissions; present recommendations for development or acquisition to senior leadership.
- Guide creators and producers through development on assigned projects, providing clear, actionable feedback on concepts, outlines, scripts, and series direction.
- Provide ongoing creative oversight during production and post-production, including reviewing scripts, dailies, and cuts and communicating coordinated editorial notes.
- Partner with senior leadership and relevant teams on recommendations for writers, directors, producers, and casting; coordinate required approvals before commitments are made.
- Collaborate with Production, Post-Production, Production Finance, and Business & Legal Affairs to balance creative objectives with approved budgets, schedules, and contractual requirements.
- Monitor creative milestones and delivery timelines for assigned projects; identify budget, schedule, or creative concerns and work with relevant partners to recommend solutions and escalate material issues.
- Partner with Marketing, Publicity, and distribution or sales teams, as needed, to provide creative context and support the launch and positioning of assigned programs.
- Keep senior leadership informed of project progress, creative recommendations, key decisions, and issues requiring approval; prepare concise project updates and presentations.
- Track industry trends, audience interests, and competitive programming to inform project sourcing and development recommendations.
- Recommend and implement agreed-upon improvements to development workflows, creative reviews, and project communication.
- Provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to junior team members and manage direct reports, if assigned.
- Perform additional related duties and projects as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills
- 7+ years of progressive experience in scripted television development and/or current programming at a network, studio, streaming platform, or production company, including experience independently managing assigned projects.
- Strong creative judgment and demonstrated ability to identify compelling material and help develop it into high-quality scripted television.
- Hands-on experience providing script and editorial notes and collaborating with creators through development, production, and post-production.
- Established relationships within the creative community and the ability to build effective partnerships with writers, producers, directors, talent representatives, and internal executives.
- Knowledge of the scripted television marketplace, premium cable and streaming programming, and audience and industry trends.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver constructive creative feedback and present clear project recommendations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Working knowledge of production budgets, schedules, and development and production agreements, with the ability to identify issues and partner with Finance, Production, and Business & Legal Affairs.
- Sound judgment in balancing creative priorities with business considerations and recognizing when to seek senior leadership guidance or approval.
- Ability to guide junior colleagues and collaborate effectively across functions.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Nice to Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Film/Television, Creative Writing, English, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience, preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated Starting Range: $170,835-$278,670 per year
- (Note: The salary range listed above is specific to the locale for our Los Angeles, CA office.)
- The posted salary range represents the good-faith estimate of what STARZ reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of initial hire. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, specialized skills, qualifications, education, and specific office location.
- Total Rewards Package: In addition to base salary, full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Our time-off program includes ~20 paid company holidays annually, accrued vacation time (with accrual rates scaling and capped based on tenure), 80 hours of front-loaded sick leave each year, and 5 days of front-loaded wellness leave each year. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus with a target percentage determined by role level; actual payout is not guaranteed and remains dependent upon individual performance, company performance, and leadership approval.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The company expects this hiring window to remain open at least until January 9th, 2027 but reserves the right to close the posting sooner if a high volume of qualified applications are received.
About STARZ
STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning “We’re All Adults Here.” Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.
Our Benefits
Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
Annual discretionary bonus and merit increase
Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and wellness days
401(k) company matching
Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)
EEO Statement
Starz is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Starz will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Starz will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.
