Weekend Spy - Job Spec: Dug James

Each week we'll be asking people from all parts of the media industry - from channel controllers to catering staff, directors to digital technicians - to tell us about themselves and their job.

This week it's the turn of American Inventor exec producer Dug James. The man responsible for the roll out of the Idol format across Asia and the debut of The Apprentice in Indonesia, as well as numerous other Fremantle formats, has recently joined Love Productions as executive producer, entertainment and factual entertainment.

Name
Dug James

Job title
Executive producer, entertainment and factual entertainment, Love Productions

Age
34

Lives
Clapham, South London

In the role since
May 2007

Responsibilities
Looking after Love Productions' growing entertainment and factual entertainment folio, including the return of Sky One hit Cirque de Celebrite, in bigger and better shape than ever

Best thing about your job
The people. Having worked with American networks for the last two years, it's very refreshing to hear someone commit to either loving or hating an idea.

Worst thing about your job
I work in a relaxed office environment and have creative control over what I do. I get paid for what I do, the conditions are fair and I also get to hang out with celebs and go to great parties. I think it would be unfair to list a worst thing... But Starbucks is a bit of a walk away...

First thing you do in the morning when you get in?
Arrange papers across my desk that give the impression I am a slightly manic creative with a lot on his mind but everything under control (when I'm actually an anal retentive who's scared everything is about to go terribly wrong).

What question have you been asked most this week?
"Have you looked at the new budgets yet?"

Any downsides to working in the media?
None. Though the media may disagree with me entirely on that one.

First media job
Production secretary in the London Weekend Television entertainment department.

Biggest achievement to date
Having 55 million people vote in the finale of Indian Idol which I oversaw the launch of.

What are the most important qualities needed to do your job?
An ability to out drink your boss and turning up the next morning with your hangover well concealed.

Anything you wish you'd done differently?
Too much to list.

Dream job/company/lifestyle
Executive producer on Live with Regis and Kelly in the USA. I know for a fact they only work 4 hour days.

Best media jolly/event you've ever attended
The finale of Indonesian Idol 2, with an audience of 8,000 in the arena. Was made all the more special when the president turned up and sat in the front row!

Sky One's Cirque de Celebrite will be back in the Autumn.