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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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/

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