Upcoming Events/Talks

Feb
25
to 26 Feb

Organising Overseas Filming

Organising Overseas Filming

(Previously known as Foreign Filming for Production Co-ordinators)

(Booking details below)

Organising Overseas filming can be incredibly challenging; dealing with difficult visas and carnets as well as having to organise flights and accommodation for your crews and much more. By the end of the course you will understand the extra organisation required to set up a foreign shoot and where to go for resources and support.

Course Content:

  • Applying for Visas and Permissions

  • Finding Fixers

  • Organising Recces

  • Booking Travel & Accommodation

  • Specialist Kit and creating Carnets

  • Additional kit and purchases

  • Creating a Call Sheet / Schedule

  • Creating and reviewing a Risk Assessment

  • Additional paperwork required

  • Considerations for remote & hostile filming

  • What to do when the crew get back

  • What to do when things go wrong

  • Implications of Brexit

**The course is based on setting up shoots from the UK so will advise of UK based companies/contacts/policies.  However it is suitable for non-UK crew to take as most considerations about foreign filming will be the same wherever in the world you are**

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience in setting up foreign shoots in most countries in the world as well as remote and hostile environments. These include places such as Afghanistan, The Arctic, The Amazon Rainforest, The Oman Desert as well as countries such as Russia, America, Dubai, India, China, Laos, Vietnam and countless others.

Throughout her career she’s been passionate about nurturing and training crew and understands the importance of best practice in the industry. With this in mind she now focuses her time on providing training for the media industry with an emphasis on those working in production. She has a Level 3 Train the Trainer qualification, a Level 3 Award in Education and Training contextualised to the screen industries and is a Level 3 qualified ILM Coach & Mentor.


Course Duration

2 Days

10am - 5pm UK time each day


Class Size

5 - 15 people


Cost

£300

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Feb
28

Production Management for Unscripted TV

Production Management for Unscripted TV

This course gives confidence to Production Co-ordinators and Junior Production Managers to make the step up to become a Production Manager.  By the end of the course you will understand what the role of a Production Manager is and how to effectively lead a team whilst keeping on budget and schedule.

Course Content:

  • How to create a budget

  • How to create a schedule

  • Broadcaster contracts

  • Insurance

  • The recruitment process

  • Contracts

  • Maintaining a Cost Manager

  • Protocols

  • How to manage a team

  • Reviewing a Call Sheet / Schedule

  • Creating and reviewing a Risk Assessment

  • Clearances

  • Compliance

  • Post Production

  • Delivery/Distribution

  • Press & Publicity

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience of looking after productions from start to finish across a variety of genres such as Factual, Factual Entertainment, Sports, Commercial/Corporate, Music & Arts and Natural History, with a specialism in Foreign Filming.

Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day

14th February 2025

21st February 2025

28th February 2025

Class Size

5 - 15 people

Cost

£450

View Event →
Mar
4

Creating a Budget & Schedule for Unscripted TV

It can be incredibly daunting to put together a budget and schedule in order to get a programme commissioned. This course will guide you through the process to give you the confidence you need in budgeting and scheduling for unscripted TV.

The course will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.

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Mar
5

Managing Excel Cost Managers

It can be daunting to make the step up to become a production manager, becoming responsible for keeping track of the production budget using your cost manager and ensuring the production doesn’t go overbudget. This course is designed to prepare you for that next that step and will guide you through the process to give you the confidence you need in managing your unscripted TV cost manager.

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Mar
11

Budgeting 101

This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of budget creation for unscripted TV productions. It will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.

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Mar
19

Developing great formats for Unscripted TV

Developing great formats for Unscripted TV

Date: 19th March 2925, 10:00-17:30

Location: Online

Price: £150

Formats are the bread and butter of the unscripted television market and a great format has the potential to sell internationally and deliver reliable revenue for a production company. But how do you come up with a great format? And how do you ensure your idea is as strong as it can be? In this intensive one-day course you’ll be given practical, usable tools to help you unlock your creativity and methods to evaluate your ideas. 

By the end of the training, expect to have developed one or more pitch-ready headline format ideas of your own. (Ideas discussed/developed in the session will remain confidential and the IP of the trainee who developed them).

Who is this for

Editorial team members or anyone with an unscripted TV format idea who would like to learn more about techniques to use to create a great idea. It is of particular benefit to those wanting or work in development or those already working in development in any role such as Researchers, Assistant Producers, Producers, Executive Producers, Heads of Development or those running an independent Production Company.

 

What it covers

  • Where to find inspiration

  • Format brainstorming techniques

  • Divergent and convergent thinking – moving from blue-sky ideas to practical solutions

  • Stress testing tools

  • Adding value your project

  • What makes your project unmissable


Trainer

Kate Fletcher is a freelance Development Executive based in Bristol and Cardiff with over 20 years of experience developing unscripted content for UK terrestrial broadcasters and the international market. Her work has covered a range of factual genres from specialist factual to documentaries, daytime, and popular factual formats resulting in over 70 hours of commissions. Kate also applies her creative skills to other disciplines such as teaching choirs and running workshops.


Duration

1 day – 10am – 5.30pm

Location

Online - via Zoom

Class Size

5 - 15 people

Cost

£150

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Mar
20
to 21 Mar

Post-Production for Unscripted Production Teams

Post-Production for Unscripted Production Teams

Free

Date: 20th - 21st March, 10am - 5pm

Classroom based, Cardiff

Includes Lunch

Organising and overseeing post-production can be really challenging; keeping to schedule, liaising with multiple companies, making sure everything is cleared correctly and all your legal and delivery paperwork is correct. This 2-day course will guide you through the full post-production process from start to finish and how to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Who is this for

This course is aimed at anyone working or wanting to work in the production management team, from production secretaries up to production managers as well as those wanting to work as post-production supervisors. It focuses on post-production for Unscripted TV productions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will learn how to manage a post-production schedule, what needs to be cleared, the importance of release forms and what is involved from shoot to offline to delivery to keep everything running smoothly. Plus, how to complete post-production paperwork via Silvermouse.

What it covers

• The post-production process & how to keep everything on track

• Release forms

• Copyrights & clearances including music & archive

• Compliance

• Final post-production

• Delivery

• International versions

• Repeats

• Post-production paperwork & how to use Silvermouse

• Tour of the facilities to see the process in action

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge managing post-production across a variety of unscripted genres.

Starting out as an Office Runner Hannah quickly worked her way up the ranks working on extreme sports shows and commercials to remote and hostile shoots among others, to specialise in factual, factual entertainment and natural history programmes. Credits include The Mekong River with Sue Perkins (BBC 2), Flintoff’s Road to Nowhere (Sky One), Wild Shepherdess with Kate Humble (BBC 2), Wales: Land of the Wild (BBC 2) and Veganville (BBC Three)

Throughout her career she’s been passionate about nurturing and training crew and understands the importance of best practice in the industry. With this in mind, she now focuses her time on providing training for the media industry with an emphasis on those working in production. She has a Level 3 Train the Trainer qualification and is a Level 3 qualified ILM Coach & Mentor.

Course Duration

2 Days - 10am - 5pm

Cost

Free for applicants who currently live or work in Wales

Find out more and apply here - https://gorillagroup.tv/course/csf-post-for-prod/

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Feb
21

Production Management for Unscripted TV

Production Management for Unscripted TV

This course gives confidence to Production Co-ordinators and Junior Production Managers to make the step up to become a Production Manager.  By the end of the course you will understand what the role of a Production Manager is and how to effectively lead a team whilst keeping on budget and schedule.

Course Content:

  • How to create a budget

  • How to create a schedule

  • Broadcaster contracts

  • Insurance

  • The recruitment process

  • Contracts

  • Maintaining a Cost Manager

  • Protocols

  • How to manage a team

  • Reviewing a Call Sheet / Schedule

  • Creating and reviewing a Risk Assessment

  • Clearances

  • Compliance

  • Post Production

  • Delivery/Distribution

  • Press & Publicity

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience of looking after productions from start to finish across a variety of genres such as Factual, Factual Entertainment, Sports, Commercial/Corporate, Music & Arts and Natural History, with a specialism in Foreign Filming.

Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day

14th February 2025

21st February 2025

28th February 2025

Class Size

5 - 15 people

Cost

£450

View Event →
Feb
20

Setting Up Shoots in Eastern Europe

Setting Up Shoots in Eastern Europe

Eastern European countries have become increasingly attractive to filmmakers worldwide. Thanks to new policies and investments, these regions now offer unique landscapes, historical sites, and modern infrastructure — everything needed to bring a creative vision to life. From stunning natural backdrops to vibrant cities, locations such as Romania, Cyprus, North Macedonia, and Montenegro are emerging as budget-friendly hotspots for international film productions.

In this free one-hour session, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how to plan shoots in Eastern Europe while avoiding common pitfalls. The session will also include a live Q&A, so bring your questions!

Who is this for

This session is suitable for anyone working in production or editorial roles, working in any genre such as documentary, reality TV, natural history, HETV, film, sports, music, art, news, factual entertainment, children’s TV, live events, corporate and commercial and more.  Or those working on the shoots such as HODs, art dept, hair and make-up, costume, locations, camera dept, sound dept, grips and lighting teams.

What it covers

• Finding a fixer

• Permits and paperwork

• Location variety and scouting

• Solving “impossible” requests

• Countries that feel like home

• Travel and accommodation

• The Hollywood of Eastern Europe: Studios

• Additional logistical considerations

Although we will be taking questions on the whole of Eastern Europe, we will be focusing the session on these featured countries:

• Romania

• North Macedonia

• Montenegro

  • Cyprus (Southeast Europe)

Trainers

Bogdan Maraloiu (Producer)

Bogdan holds a bachelor’s in Film Directing and a master’s in Documentary Filmmaking. With over eight years as a Local Producer in Romania, he joined Storytailors in 2023 as a Producer. He now oversees international shoots across more than ten European countries, with a strong focus on Romania, where he continues to work as a Local Producer.

Simona Moisescu (Producer)

Simona has over ten years of production experience, managing all aspects of diverse projects, including short films, TV shows, documentaries, music videos, and feature films. Her extensive network spans various roles and departments across Europe, making her a valuable asset to any production team.

Storytailors specialises in providing local production services through a trusted network of media professionals, including producers and camera crews. They cover a wide range of content, from scripted productions to unscripted projects across genres such as news, corporate videos, and branded documentaries.

With a presence in over 151 countries, Storytailors handles everything from permits to crew assembly, tailoring their services to meet your specific needs. In areas they do not currently cover, they offer reliable recommendations via their regional contacts.

Learn more about Storytailors here.

Cost

Free

Duration

1hr

Location

Online (via Zoom)

Next Webinar

20th February, 1pm – 2pm*

*This session will be recorded, so do sign up even if you can’t attend and we’ll send you the recording after the session.

If you do not have an Eventbrite account, click to book through our Ticket Tailor page instead.

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Feb
14

Production Management for Unscripted TV

Production Management for Unscripted TV

This course gives confidence to Production Co-ordinators and Junior Production Managers to make the step up to become a Production Manager.  By the end of the course you will understand what the role of a Production Manager is and how to effectively lead a team whilst keeping on budget and schedule.

Course Content:

  • How to create a budget

  • How to create a schedule

  • Broadcaster contracts

  • Insurance

  • The recruitment process

  • Contracts

  • Maintaining a Cost Manager

  • Protocols

  • How to manage a team

  • Reviewing a Call Sheet / Schedule

  • Creating and reviewing a Risk Assessment

  • Clearances

  • Compliance

  • Post Production

  • Delivery/Distribution

  • Press & Publicity

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience of looking after productions from start to finish across a variety of genres such as Factual, Factual Entertainment, Sports, Commercial/Corporate, Music & Arts and Natural History, with a specialism in Foreign Filming.

Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day

14th February 2025

21st February 2025

28th February 2025

Class Size

5 - 15 people

Cost

£450

View Event →
Feb
12

Understanding Kit for Unscripted Editorial Teams

Understanding Kit for Unscripted Editorial Teams

What will I be required to do with the kit on location? How do I charge and then replace a battery? What equipment do I need to back up the rushes? How do I use a boom pole?

This informal two-hour session takes you through the step by step process of what kit may be used on unscripted tv productions and why.  Aimed at anyone working in the editorial team, the course will introduce attendees to the various elements of filming kit and demonstrate what they are for and what you may be asked to do with the kit on location. No technical or operational knowledge is required!

 

The course is based around a standard FX9 kit for factual filming, including lighting and sound recording, but is relevant to any professional filming – different types of equipment setups will be discussed and explored in the course. Questions and contributions are welcomed so that attendees leave with a good knowledge of what basic items make up a filming kit, what they look like and what you mustn’t leave base without.

  

Who it’s for

Editoral team members who would like to get more familiar the tools of the trade used in filming environments. It is of particular benefit to Runners, Researchers and Assistant Producers who might be required to prepare kit before filming sessions and help look after the kit on location.

  

What it covers

  • Identification of various elements of a professional filming kit – cameras, lenses, sound, lighting and more

  • How to prepare a filming kit – batteries, recording media and consumables

  • Kit Q and As

 

Tutor

Matthew Harrisson has worked in television since 1999, when he started as a technical trainee in BBC Wales. As a member of staff there for 17 years, he gained experience in the camera department in studios, OBs and on location, and also in production with the BBC Wales music department. Since leaving BBC Wales in 2017, Matthew has continued to direct short insert films for music and dance productions as well as working as a freelance camera operator. He currently works across a range of productions, including Pobol Y Cwm (as Director of Photography/Camera Supervisor), sports coverage for various broadcasters, and orchestral concert coverage. Matthew is also Administrator of the Royal Television Society Cymru Wales.

 

 Course Duration

 2hrs - 12th February 2025 - 1pm - 3pm

    

Cost

 £15

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Feb
11

NFTS/Prime Academy - Introduction to the role of the Production Co-ordinator in unscripted TV

NFTS / Prime Academy - Introduction to the role of the Production Co-ordinator in unscripted TV

Date: Thursday 11th February, 10:00am - 17:00pm

Hannah Gosney will be delivering training in the role of the Production Co-ordinator in unscripted TV as part of the NFTS/Prime Academy Introduction to the Role of Production Co-ordinator.

Find out more here - https://nfts.co.uk/prime-video-craft-academy-traineeship

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Jan
31

Step Up to Production Executive/Head of Production in Unscripted TV

Step Up to Production Executive/Head of Production in Unscripted TV

This intensive course empowers Production Managers and Line Producers ready to step up to the Head of Production or Production Executive role. It's also valuable for those currently navigating the challenges of working at a small indie without senior production support.

By the end of the course, you'll gain a clear understanding of:

  • The roles and responsibilities of Head of Production and Production Executive

  • Effective strategies to oversee multiple productions simultaneously

  • How to manage all aspects of the production process confidently

** This is not an entry-level course. Please look at the Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV course we offer which is entry level for those wishing to pursue a career in Production Management **

Course Content:

  • Understanding the commissioning process

  • Creating a budget & schedule

  • Negotiating with broadcasters

  • Broadcaster Agreements/Editorial & Commissioning Specifications

  • Kicking off a production

  • Production Insurance

  • Health & Safety

  • Trouble shooting – pre-production, shoot, post-production

  • Managing PMs

  • Negotiating

  • Programme compliance

  • Contracts/Agreements

  • Wrapping up a production including Final Cost Report

Its an A-Z of everything you need to know in order to manage multiple productions and oversee all aspects of production and finance for a production company.

Tutor

Viki Carter is an experienced Production Executive / Head of Production in Unscripted. She has worked for small start-up indies as well as super indies across multiple genres ranging from factual entertainment formats to shiny floor shows to obs docs to history docs and much more. She currently works as a production consultant offering ad hoc production support to indies including writing budgets and schedules and helping set up new companies alongside her work as a trainer in all aspects of production management.



Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day


Location

Online - via Zoom

Class Size

5 - 15 people



Cost

£450

Next Course

3 days - 17th / 24th /31st January 2025

You must be available to attend all of the training days

View Event →
Jan
27

Become a better manager with coaching and mentoring skills

Become a better manager with coaching and mentoring skills

Your working day is stretched to its limits as you carry out the tasks required of you in your role, as well as managing anywhere from a couple of people to a much larger team. This interactive session addresses the softer skills that will help you become the most effective manager you possibly can be by incorporating coaching and mentoring skills into your management style. Coaches and mentors support their clients to effect growth and change whether in skills, knowledge, attitude or behaviour and as managers using some of their skills, you can do the same.

Who is this for

Anyone with management responsibilities in film & TV.  Whichever department/team you work in, whether that’s scripted or unscripted.

 

What it covers

  • How to start a working relationship

  • Awareness of the different styles of management and leadership

  • The skills and behaviours of a good manager

  • The tools and techniques you can use to get the best out of your team – with an opportunity to practice them in the session


Resources

  • Slides from the session

  • Handouts on coaching and mentoring models/questioning techniques

Tutor

Anna Roberts is a coach, mentor and trainer with a background in media and education. Most recently, she has trained and managed mentors from across film and TV on ScreenSkills funded training and mentoring programmes: Bectu Cymru’s Mentoring 4 Screen and Media Career Advice’s Production Coordinator Training Programme for Unscripted TV programme.

 

For 14 years, Anna worked as a video-journalist, documentary producer/director and self-shooting PD making programmes for BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and S4C. She was Head of Training for two years at the Thomson Foundation which offered training for journalists and programme makers in the developing world. In 2015, she completed an ILM level 7 in Coaching and Mentoring and since then has worked mainly in this field. She volunteers as a mentor for young people at the Prince’s Trust. 


Course Duration

2hrs

Location

Online - via Zoom

Class Size

5 - 15 people


Cost

£50

Click to join the waiting list to express interest in this course and to find out when we will announce new dates in the future.

Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.

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Jan
24

Step Up to Production Executive/Head of Production in Unscripted TV

Step Up to Production Executive/Head of Production in Unscripted TV

This intensive course empowers Production Managers and Line Producers ready to step up to the Head of Production or Production Executive role. It's also valuable for those currently navigating the challenges of working at a small indie without senior production support.

By the end of the course, you'll gain a clear understanding of:

  • The roles and responsibilities of Head of Production and Production Executive

  • Effective strategies to oversee multiple productions simultaneously

  • How to manage all aspects of the production process confidently

** This is not an entry-level course. Please look at the Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV course we offer which is entry level for those wishing to pursue a career in Production Management **

Course Content:

  • Understanding the commissioning process

  • Creating a budget & schedule

  • Negotiating with broadcasters

  • Broadcaster Agreements/Editorial & Commissioning Specifications

  • Kicking off a production

  • Production Insurance

  • Health & Safety

  • Trouble shooting – pre-production, shoot, post-production

  • Managing PMs

  • Negotiating

  • Programme compliance

  • Contracts/Agreements

  • Wrapping up a production including Final Cost Report

Its an A-Z of everything you need to know in order to manage multiple productions and oversee all aspects of production and finance for a production company.

Tutor

Viki Carter is an experienced Production Executive / Head of Production in Unscripted. She has worked for small start-up indies as well as super indies across multiple genres ranging from factual entertainment formats to shiny floor shows to obs docs to history docs and much more. She currently works as a production consultant offering ad hoc production support to indies including writing budgets and schedules and helping set up new companies alongside her work as a trainer in all aspects of production management.



Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day


Location

Online - via Zoom

Class Size

5 - 15 people



Cost

£450

Next Course

3 days - 17th / 24th /31st January 2025

You must be available to attend all of the training days

View Event →
Jan
21
to 22 Jan

Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV

Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV

This intensive and interactive course gives confidence to Production Secretaries, Production Assistants, Jnr Production Co-ordinators as well as new entrants who want to pursue a role in Production to make the step up to become a Production Co-ordinator.  By the end of the course you will understand what the role of a Production Co-ordinator is in Unscripted TV production and how to set up shoots, complete financial reconciliations and complete post production paperwork whilst keeping your Production Manager happy.

Course Content: 

  • ALBERT/Sustainability

  • Setting up shoots

  • Kit

  • Creating a call sheet

  • Risk Assessments

  • Release forms

  • Expenses/Petty Cash/Per Diems/POs

  • Clearances/Copyright

  • Post Production

  • Paperwork Deliverables/Silvermouse

  • What to do when things go wrong

 It's a full A-Z on what is required from a Production Co-ordinator on an Unscripted production.

 

Tutor

 Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager.  She has extensive knowledge and experience of looking after productions from start to finish across a variety of genres such as Factual, Factual Entertainment, Sports, Commercial/Corporate, Music & Arts and Natural History, with a specialism in Foreign Filming.

 

Starting out as an office runner, Hannah quickly worked her way up the ranks working on extreme sports shows and commercials to remote and hostile shoots among others, to specialise in factual, factual entertainment and natural history programmes. Credits include The Mekong River with Sue Perkins (BBC 2), Flintoff’s Road to Nowhere (Sky One), Wild Shepherdess with Kate Humble (BBC 2), Wales: Land of the Wild (BBC 2), Veganville (BBC Three) and Wonders of the Celtic Deep (BBC 2).

Throughout her career she’s been passionate about nurturing and training crew and understands the importance of best practice in the industry. With this in mind she now focuses her time on providing training for the media industry with an emphasis on those working in production. She has a Level 3 Train the Trainer qualification, a Level 3 Award in Education and Training contextualised to the screen industries and is a Level 3 qualified ILM Coach & Mentor.

 

 Course Duration

 2 Days - 10am - 6pm each day

  

Class Size

 5 - 15 people

  

Cost

 £300

View Event →
Jan
17

Step Up to Production Executive/Head of Production in Unscripted TV

Step Up to Production Executive/Head of Production in Unscripted TV

This intensive course empowers Production Managers and Line Producers ready to step up to the Head of Production or Production Executive role. It's also valuable for those currently navigating the challenges of working at a small indie without senior production support.

By the end of the course, you'll gain a clear understanding of:

  • The roles and responsibilities of Head of Production and Production Executive

  • Effective strategies to oversee multiple productions simultaneously

  • How to manage all aspects of the production process confidently

** This is not an entry-level course. Please look at the Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV course we offer which is entry level for those wishing to pursue a career in Production Management **

Course Content:

  • Understanding the commissioning process

  • Creating a budget & schedule

  • Negotiating with broadcasters

  • Broadcaster Agreements/Editorial & Commissioning Specifications

  • Kicking off a production

  • Production Insurance

  • Health & Safety

  • Trouble shooting – pre-production, shoot, post-production

  • Managing PMs

  • Negotiating

  • Programme compliance

  • Contracts/Agreements

  • Wrapping up a production including Final Cost Report

Its an A-Z of everything you need to know in order to manage multiple productions and oversee all aspects of production and finance for a production company.

Tutor

Viki Carter is an experienced Production Executive / Head of Production in Unscripted. She has worked for small start-up indies as well as super indies across multiple genres ranging from factual entertainment formats to shiny floor shows to obs docs to history docs and much more. She currently works as a production consultant offering ad hoc production support to indies including writing budgets and schedules and helping set up new companies alongside her work as a trainer in all aspects of production management.



Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day


Location

Online - via Zoom

Class Size

5 - 15 people



Cost

£450

Next Course

3 days - 17th / 24th /31st January 2025

You must be available to attend all of the training days

View Event →
Jan
15

Understanding Kit for Unscripted Production Teams

Understanding Kit for Unscripted Production Teams

How many cards do I need for my shoot? What am I supposed to order if I’m asked for a prime lens? What equipment do we need to back up rushes on location? What type of tripod should I order?

This informal two-hour session takes you through the step by step process of what kit may be needed for unscripted tv productions and why. Aimed at anyone working in production management, the course will introduce attendees to the various elements of filming kit and demonstrate what they are for and why your camera operator has requested them. No technical or operational knowledge is required!

The course is based around a standard FX9 kit for factual filming, including lighting and sound recording, but is relevant to any professional filming – different types of equipment setups will be discussed and explored in the course. Questions and contributions are welcomed so that attendees leave with a good knowledge of what basic items make up a filming kit, what they look like and what you mustn’t leave base without.

  

Who it’s for

Production team members who would like to get more familiar the tools of the trade used in filming environments. It is of particular benefit to Production Management Assistants and Production Co-ordinators who might be required to hire or prepare kit before filming sessions.

  

What it covers

  • Identification of various elements of a professional filming kit – cameras, lenses, sound, lighting and more

  • How to prepare a filming kit – batteries, recording media and consumables

  • Kit Q and As

 

Tutor

Matthew Harrisson has worked in television since 1999, when he started as a technical trainee in BBC Wales. As a member of staff there for 17 years, he gained experience in the camera department in studios, OBs and on location, and also in production with the BBC Wales music department. Since leaving BBC Wales in 2017, Matthew has continued to direct short insert films for music and dance productions as well as working as a freelance camera operator. He currently works across a range of productions, including Pobol Y Cwm (as Director of Photography/Camera Supervisor), sports coverage for various broadcasters, and orchestral concert coverage. Matthew is also Administrator of the Royal Television Society Cymru Wales.

 

 Course Duration

 2hrs - 15th January 2025 - 1pm - 3pm

    

Cost

 £15

View Event →
Jan
13

Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments

Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments

Date - 13 Jan 2025, 09:30-12:30

Location - Online

Price - Free

Application deadline - 1 Jan 2025

This session is part of the Connect & Inspire strand which offers a variety of sessions, from in-person networking and online roundtables to in-depth case studies, designed to promote the sharing of knowledge and the building of relationships across unscripted TV.

Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments can be incredibly challenging. How do I get my crew to a remote area with no transport links or infrastructure, how will our kit cope in extreme cold or extreme heat environments, what do I do if there is no accommodation available, what if a medical emergency happens?

This course will give you an overview of the things to consider when sending your crew on these more challenging shoots. This includes what things to take, what needs to be in place before they travel and where to go to for resources and support.

It will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.

Who it's for

This course is aimed predominantly at those who are responsible for setting up these types of shoots such as the production team. This includes roles such as production assistants, production secretaries, production management assistants, production coordinators, junior production managers and production managers. However, it’s also open to anyone in other roles who would benefit from understanding the process of setting up these shoots.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. This course is designed to be as interactive as possible.

Please email USF@screenskills.com if you have any access requirements and we will be delighted to help, be that clarifying the form such interaction is likely to take or discussing reasonable adjustments.

What it covers

The course will provide an overview of the following, which are specifically focused on remote & hostile environments:

  • Flights and accommodation

  • Transporting kit & crew

  • Kit considerations

  • Medication & Medevac

  • Extreme weather

  • Clothing & consumables

  • Hostile environments

  • What to do when things go wrong

  • Plus the chance to ask questions

Trainer:

Hannah Gosney is an experienced head of production/senior production manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience in setting up overseas shoots in most countries in the world as well as many in remote and hostile environments. These include places such as Afghanistan, The Arctic, The Amazon Rainforest, The Oman Desert as well as countries such as Russia, America, Dubai, India, China, Laos, Vietnam and countless others. Often filming with remote tribes or difficult expeditions/journeys, she knows the ins and outs of what challenges these shoots can present

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click the link below and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

If you need additional support to complete your application or require the application form in an alternative format please contact USF@screenskills.com

Places on these free online courses are limited and applications are often highly competitive. To stand the best chance of securing a place, please be sure to consider the following:

  • When asked to list your three most recent credits, please include the programme title and your job role.

  • When asked what you hope to gain from the course, please be concise but ensure you cover the specific elements of the topic you would like to gain knowledge of and what gaps in your skillset you believe the course may address. A rewording of the course title or a general comment on career progression does not tell us much about how this course would benefit you.

If you are no longer able to attend, we ask you to please use the 'decline ticket' function on the right hand side of the page so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration.

This course is supported by ScreenSkills, by the Unscripted TV Skills Fund thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.

This course would normally cost participants to attend, but thanks to this support, we are able to offer it to you for free. If you fail to attend, we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.

Apply here - https://www.screenskills.com/bookings/setting-up-shoots-in-remote-hostile-environments/9590e6aa-4927-4c30-910d-95cac392232f/

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Dec
16

BESPOKE - BFBS - 1-1 CV Reviews

BESPOKE - BFBS - 1-1 CV Reviews

Date: Monday 16 December, 9:30am - 5:00pm

Following on from the CV & Cover Letter Workshop on the 6th December, Hannah Gosney will be providing one to one CV reviews for the BFBS Academy's Production Managers course trainees.

About BFBS Academy

The BFBS Academy is designed to provide veterans and service leavers with the training, experience, and qualifications to help them transition into a multi-media role.
The BFBS Academy is run by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS). We specialise in providing media services to the UK Armed Forces. 


Find out more about the training programme here - https://academy.bfbs.com/pmcourse

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Dec
10

Budgeting 101

This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of budget creation for unscripted TV productions. It will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.

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Dec
6

Managing Excel Cost Managers

It can be daunting to make the step up to become a production manager, becoming responsible for keeping track of the production budget using your cost manager and ensuring the production doesn’t go overbudget. This course is designed to prepare you for that next that step and will guide you through the process to give you the confidence you need in managing your unscripted TV cost manager.

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Dec
6

BESPOKE - BFBS - CV & Cover Letter Workshop

BESPOKE - BFBS - CV & Cover Letter Workshop

Date: Friday 6 December, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Hannah Gosney will be delivering a CV & Cover Letter Workshop for the BFBS Academy's Production Managers course trainees.

Content includes:

  • What’s the point of a CV?

  • What needs to be listed on a CV?

  • Common Mistakes

  • CV examples

  • CV order

  • Peer CV Feedback

  • How to write an effective cover letter

About BFBS Academy

The BFBS Academy is designed to provide veterans and service leavers with the training, experience, and qualifications to help them transition into a multi-media role.
The BFBS Academy is run by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS). We specialise in providing media services to the UK Armed Forces. 


Find out more about the training programme here - https://academy.bfbs.com/pmcourse

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Dec
3

Creating a Budget & Schedule for Unscripted TV

It can be incredibly daunting to put together a budget and schedule in order to get a programme commissioned. This course will guide you through the process to give you the confidence you need in budgeting and scheduling for unscripted TV.

The course will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.

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Nov
28

Bespoke Mentoring Induction - Directors UK

Bespoke Mentoring Induction - Directors UK

Date: Thursday, 28th November, 10:00-11:30

We're running a bespoke training session for Directors UK.   Anna Roberts will be preparing industry Directors to take on a mentoring partnership with their mentees.  Providing them with useful tools and techniques from the world of coaching and mentoring to make the most out of the partnership.

If you are interested in enlisting our services to provide mentoring training or to fully run a mentoring programme then email us at - contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk

You can find out more about the Directors UK Inspire programme here - https://directors.uk.com/career-development/directors-uk-inspire-2024-25-a-mentoring-and-career-development-programme

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Nov
15

Women in Film & TV - Cardiff 1-2-1 CV Clinic

Women in Film & TV - Cardiff 1-2-1 CV Clinic

Date: 15th November 2024, 10:00 - 17:00

Location: Online

Price: Free

I’ll be running a FREE 1-2-1 CV Clinic for those who are members of Women in Film & TV. It will be in Chapter in Cardiff on the 15th November between 10am - 5pm.

During the session I’ll provide advice and guidance on CV improvements to help you succeed in securing your next role.

I’m really excited to be working with such a great organisation to provide this clinic and I’ll hopefully get to meet some of you in person there!

To see what events Women in Film & TV provide click here - https://www.wftv.org.uk/events

Or if you are already a member, you can book directly here - https://www.wftv.org.uk/events-1/cardiff-121-cv-clinic-for-production-roles-and-crew-with-hannah-gosney

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Nov
14

NFTS/BBC - Introduction to the Role of Production Co-ordinator - Training - Cardiff

NFTS/BBC - Introduction to the Role of Production Co-ordinator - Training - Cardiff

Date: 14th November, 10:00-16:30

Hannah Gosney will be delivering training in the role of the Production Co-ordinator in unscripted TV as part of the NFTS/BBC Introduction to the Role of Production Co-ordinator.

Find out more and apply here - https://nfts.co.uk/bbc-nfts-introduction-role-production-coordinator

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Nov
5
to 6 Nov

Organising Overseas Filming

Organising Overseas Filming

(Previously known as Foreign Filming for Production Co-ordinators)

(Booking details below)

Organising Overseas filming can be incredibly challenging; dealing with difficult visas and carnets as well as having to organise flights and accommodation for your crews and much more. By the end of the course you will understand the extra organisation required to set up a foreign shoot and where to go for resources and support.

Course Content:

  • Applying for Visas and Permissions

  • Finding Fixers

  • Organising Recces

  • Booking Travel & Accommodation

  • Specialist Kit and creating Carnets

  • Additional kit and purchases

  • Creating a Call Sheet / Schedule

  • Creating and reviewing a Risk Assessment

  • Additional paperwork required

  • Considerations for remote & hostile filming

  • What to do when the crew get back

  • What to do when things go wrong

  • Implications of Brexit

**The course is based on setting up shoots from the UK so will advise of UK based companies/contacts/policies.  However it is suitable for non-UK crew to take as most considerations about foreign filming will be the same wherever in the world you are**

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience in setting up foreign shoots in most countries in the world as well as remote and hostile environments. These include places such as Afghanistan, The Arctic, The Amazon Rainforest, The Oman Desert as well as countries such as Russia, America, Dubai, India, China, Laos, Vietnam and countless others.

Throughout her career she’s been passionate about nurturing and training crew and understands the importance of best practice in the industry. With this in mind she now focuses her time on providing training for the media industry with an emphasis on those working in production. She has a Level 3 Train the Trainer qualification, a Level 3 Award in Education and Training contextualised to the screen industries and is a Level 3 qualified ILM Coach & Mentor.


Course Duration

2 Days

10am - 5pm UK time each day


Class Size

5 - 15 people


Cost

£300

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Nov
1

Setting up shoots in Southeast Asia

Setting up shoots in Saudi Arabia

Overview of the session 

Are you considering Southeast Asia for your next TV/film project? Are you curious how you can setup multi-country shoots from Thailand to Singapore by border crossing and save on flights?

Join us for an insightful and free 1hr session where we’ll explore why Southeast Asia is becoming a top destination for international productions. Learn about diverse tropical locations, competitive production costs and how to find high caliber crew. Understand how to navigate getting filming requirements and be-in-the-know on the latest post pandemic incentives available across countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions during the session.

Who is this for

This session is suitable for anyone working in production or editorial roles, working in any genre such as documentary, reality TV, natural history, HETV, film, sports, music, art, news, factual entertainment, children’s TV, live events, corporate and commercial and more.  Or those working on the shoots such as HODs, art dept, hair and make-up, costume, locations, camera dept, sound dept, grips and lighting teams.

What it covers 

  • Why you need local support in Southeast Asia

  • Crewing & budget landscape

  • Which countries require visas 

  • Prepping for film permits

  • Best time of the year to shoot

  • Terrain and accessibility 

  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity

What countries we will be covering

  • Brunei

  • Cambodia

  • East Timor

  • Indonesia

  • Laos

  • Malaysia

  • Myanmar

  • The Philippines

  • Singapore

  • Thailand

  • Vietnam

Trainer 

Prior to joining Storytailors, Vanessa Amante worked extensively as a Producer across many formats. From creative documentaries to reality TV shows, news, branded ads and docs. She has pioneered the Asian presence of Storytailors which has boots-on-the ground in about 27 countries in the region.

Storytailors provide local production services through their trusted network of media professionals, including producers and camera crews. Their services cover a wide range of content creation, from scripted to unscripted, across various genres such as news, corporate content, and branded documentaries.

They often organize shoots based on client requirements, handling everything from permits to assembling the crew and equipment. In some cases, they also take on a more active creative role, depending on the project's needs. Their reach extends to approximately 151 countries, and are continually expanding their list of territories. If you need assistance in a specific location, please let them know, and they'll gladly investigate. If they don't cover a particular area or if it's deemed too unstable, they can still offer recommendations through their regional contacts.

Find out more about Storytailors here - https://storytailors.tv/ 

Cost

Free

Duration

1hr

Location 

Online – via Zoom

Next Webinar

1st November - 1pm – 2pm

You can also join our social media to be one of the first to learn about future course dates.

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Oct
25

Production Management for Unscripted TV

Production Management for Unscripted TV

This course gives confidence to Production Co-ordinators and Junior Production Managers to make the step up to become a Production Manager.  By the end of the course you will understand what the role of a Production Manager is and how to effectively lead a team whilst keeping on budget and schedule.

Course Content:

  • How to create a budget

  • How to create a schedule

  • Broadcaster contracts

  • Insurance

  • The recruitment process

  • Contracts

  • Maintaining a Cost Manager

  • Protocols

  • How to manage a team

  • Reviewing a Call Sheet / Schedule

  • Creating and reviewing a Risk Assessment

  • Clearances

  • Compliance

  • Post Production

  • Delivery/Distribution

  • Press & Publicity

Tutor

Hannah Gosney is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager. She has extensive knowledge and experience of looking after productions from start to finish across a variety of genres such as Factual, Factual Entertainment, Sports, Commercial/Corporate, Music & Arts and Natural History, with a specialism in Foreign Filming.

Course Duration

3 Days - 10am - 5.30pm each day

11th October

18th October

25th October

Class Size

5 - 15 people

Cost

£450

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Oct
22

NFTS/BBC - Introduction to the Role of Production Co-ordinator - Training - Manchester

NFTS/BBC - Introduction to the Role of Production Co-ordinator - Training - Manchester

Date: 22nd October, 13:30-15:30

A Q&A session for the NFTS/BBC where Hannah Gosney discusses the role of a Production Co-ordinator in unscripted TV.

Find out more and apply here - https://nfts.co.uk/bbc-nfts-introduction-role-production-coordinator

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