Unscripted Television Currents Executive (freelance)

Job Description

Unscripted Television Currents Executive (freelance)

Overview

Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) is seeking an experienced, creative, and business-savvy Unscripted Television Currents Executive to join HMPG’s Glendale studio on a freelance basis. This role sits at the intersection of creative development, production oversight, and financial/logistical management. The ideal candidate will bring show‑running pedigree on unscripted programming, along with the ability to shepherd projects from development through delivery — balancing big‑picture vision with disciplined execution.

This position reports to the Executive Vice President of Production and is in office four (4) days per week at our Hearst offices located in Glendale, CA.

Responsibilities

• Shepherd programming from development through delivery. Identify and evaluate ideas, formats, talent, and story opportunities for projects in development, evolve decks, bibles, schedules, etc. 

• Oversee creative direction and maintain tone/brand consistency across series or episodes.

• Collaborate with show runners, writers, story producers, and others to shape narrative and craft story.

• Oversee pre-production, production, and post‑production workflows including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.

• Participate in the hiring and coordination of key production personnel and external vendors.

• Serve as the primary liaison between HMPG, outside vendors, and third‑party partners.

• Manage contracts, logistics, compliance, and risk‑management protocols.

• Partner with Production Management to develop and manage budgets, monitor spending and forecast costs.

• Assist senior management and Business Affairs with the negotiation of terms with talent, vendors, and service providers.

• Interface professionally with network/streamer executives.

• Ensure timely delivery to networks/streamers based on required specifications.

• Issue regular reports on status, budget, risk, and scheduling.

• Act as the creative and operational hub for each project.

   

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a currents executive, show‑runner, executive producer, or senior creative lead on unscripted television.

• Strong development background with proven ability to develop and evolve show concepts.

• Deep understanding of television production workflows and compliance requirements.

• Financial fluency including budgeting and vendor/talent negotiations.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team‑management skills.

• Flexible, adaptive, and comfortable working in a freelance environment.

   

Education

• Related experience and/or training considered as well as a combination of education and experience

• HMPG is a proud supporter of military veterans. Related military training and experience will be considered

Benefits

Eligible employees will have access to enroll in health coverage through our partnership with Entertainment Partners’ EP Cares program. 

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Emotional Wellness Support

• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

The estimated base pay for this role is between $3,500 and $4,500 per week. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

About Company

Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), a business unit of Hearst Television, is an independent producer and distributor of original programming for TV stations, broadcast and cable networks and streaming services. HMPG produces hundreds of hours of Emmy® Award-winning programming annually across linear, streaming, digital and social media platforms for domestic and international distribution in 100 countries. Its popular weekly educational/informational (E/I) programming blocks air weekends nationwide including “Weekend Adventure,” on ABC stations; “CBS WKND,” on the CBS Network; “The More You Know,” on the NBC Network; “One Magnificent Morning,” on the CW Network; “Mi Telemundo” on the Telemundo Network and “Go Time” on independent stations. HMPG also produces and/or distributes a diverse slate of other programming and content including the company’s dedicated FAST channels Xplore, The Jack Hanna Channel, Rovr Pets, and Lucky Dog Channel, available on some of the most popular smart TVs and streaming platforms. HMPG has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. HMPG is represented by United Talent Agency.

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