Upcoming Events/Talks
Production paperwork for editorial teams
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.
Understanding Budgets for Editorial Teams
The course aims to provide tips and tricks to make the most of your budget and to give you the confidence to effectively work with your Production team. It will include practical examples and guidance as well as the chance to ask questions throughout.
Setting up shoots in Sub-Saharan Africa
Setting up shoots in Sub-Saharan Africa
Overview of the session
Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest growing production regions in the world, and international demand keeps climbing across sport, natural history, culture and branded content. From Nairobi to Lagos, Cape Town to Dakar, the region now offers experienced local crews, established rental infrastructure and fixers with international experience, alongside genuinely exclusive locations and highly competitive production costs compared with Western Europe or North America.
This free 1hr session will give you a practical, on the ground overview of how to set up a shoot across Sub-Saharan Africa and how to avoid the common pitfalls that catch out productions who try to navigate the region without local support. You will also have the 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
● Allocating the right fixer for your country and project
● Permits and paperwork
● Drone regulations
● Visas and work permits
● Carnet and equipment importation
● Filming in remote and extreme locations
● Cultural sensitivities on the ground
● Country spotlights: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal and Tanzania
● Real case studies from productions across the region
Trainer
Mercy Murugi (Producer)
Since the mid-2000s, Mercy Murugi has built an extensive career in film and television production in Kenya and across the region, working her way from production assistant and location manager up to production manager and producer. She has worked on projects for National Geographic, Discovery Channel and the BBC, including Nat Geo Wild and WildEarth's SafariLive, producing and directing live game drives from the Maasai Mara. She co-founded Hot Sun Films and the Kibera Film School and produced the award winning feature Togetherness Supreme. Mercy now leads Storytailors' Sub-Saharan Africa fixer network as the Africa Based International Producer, managing productions across more than 30 countries from Senegal to Tanzania.
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 organise 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 over 180 countries, and they 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
Next Webinar
9th September 2026 – 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.
Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments
Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments
Date - 10 September 2026, 10:00-13:00
Location - Online
Price - Free
Application deadline - 24 August 2026
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.
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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Next Course
3 days - 11th / 18th / 15th September 2026
You must be available to attend all of the training days
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
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.
End of production paperwork for production management
This course will give you an overview of what paperwork needs to be completed and what information you should include, plus an overview of inputting the paperwork into Silvermouse. It will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Next Course
3 days - 11th / 18th / 15th September 2026
You must be available to attend all of the training days
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
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.
Understanding budgets for series producers & executive producers
This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of commissioning for unscripted TV productions and how the production management teams are involved. It will include practical examples as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Next Course
3 days - 11th / 18th / 15th September 2026
You must be available to attend all of the training days
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
Understanding Commissioning for Production Teams
This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of commissioning for unscripted TV productions and how the production management teams are involved. It will include practical examples as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
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
2nd October 2026
9th October 2026
16th October 2026
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£450
Post production for production teams - production teams
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.
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
2nd October 2026
9th October 2026
16th October 2026
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£450
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
2nd October 2026
9th October 2026
16th October 2026
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£450
Post production for production teams - editorial teams
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.
Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV
Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV
21st - 22nd October 2026, 9.30am - 5.30pm
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 - 9.30am - 5.30pm each day
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£300
Live Production: From Planning to Transmission
Live Production: From Planning to Transmission
This one-day course offers a practical introduction to how live multi camera productions are planned, delivered, and broadcast. Led by an experienced live TV producer, it explores the creative, technical, and logistical realities of delivering live events, sport and music for broadcast.
Using real world examples and hands on exercises, the course covers the full live production process; from creative planning and technical setup to scheduling, budgeting, transmission, and delivery. Participants will gain insight into key roles and workflows, how creative ambition is balanced with commercial and technical constraints, and how to manage risk and contingency in a live environment.
By the end of the course, you'll gain a clear understanding of:
How live productions are planned, delivered, and broadcast
Explore the creative, technical and logistical realities of broadcasting live events
The lifecycle of live production including processes and workflows
Course Content:
Identify key roles & responsibilities
Balance creative ambition with technical, scheduling, and budget constraints
Build realistic schedules and budgets for live broadcast
Understand technical considerations including camera planning, OB setups, staging, lighting and sound
Identify risks and contingency plans for live delivery
Understand delivery requirements across broadcast, platforms, and social media
Highly interactive and grounded in industry practice, the course includes group discussions, breakout exercises, and practical budgeting and scheduling tasks based on real live productions.
Who is this course for:
It would be particularly relevant for anyone working in production management roles from production assistant all the way through to head of production as well as producers.
However, this course is open to anyone who would like to learn more about how live productions work.
Tutor
Kate Sinden is a Live television and Event Production expert with 25 years' experience delivering high-profile, complex, live multi camera event productions to streamers, social media platforms, cinema and broadcasters.
Kate has led major projects including The Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, Apple Music Live Sessions and most recently Billie Eilish in 3D directed by James Cameron. Kate has a track record of delivering global live music films for artists such as Dua Lipa and U2, and has delivered live sporting event broadcasts for brands including Red Bull and Nike.
Course Duration
1 Day - 10am - 5.30pm
Location
Online - via Zoom
Class Size
6 - 15 people
Cost
£150
Next Course
Saturday 14th November
Developing great formats for Unscripted TV
Developing great formats for Unscripted TV
Date: 26th November 2026, 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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Interested in this course?
If these dates don't work for you, join our waiting list and be the first to hear when new course dates are announced.
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
Essential kit knowledge for PCs and PMs
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.
Essential kit knowledge for PCs and PMs
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.
Post production for production teams - editorial teams
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.
Organising Overseas Filming
Organising Overseas Filming
(Previously known as Foreign Filming for Production Co-ordinators)
14th & 15th July 2026, 10am - 5pm
(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
Post production for production teams - production teams
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.
End of production paperwork for production management
This course will give you an overview of what paperwork needs to be completed and what information you should include, plus an overview of inputting the paperwork into Silvermouse. It will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
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
10am - 12pm
Location
Online - via Zoom
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£50
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
Understanding Commissioning for Production Teams
This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of commissioning for unscripted TV productions and how the production management teams are involved. It will include practical examples as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
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.
Understanding budgets for series producers & executive producers
This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of commissioning for unscripted TV productions and how the production management teams are involved. It will include practical examples as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments
Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments
Date - 11 June 2026, 10:00-13:00
Location - Online
Price - Free
Application deadline - 4 June 2026
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.
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.
Production paperwork for editorial teams
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.
Understanding Budgets for Editorial Teams
The course aims to provide tips and tricks to make the most of your budget and to give you the confidence to effectively work with your Production team. It will include practical examples and guidance as well as the chance to ask questions throughout.
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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Next Course
3 days - 1st / 8th / 15th May 2026
You must be available to attend all of the training days
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV
Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV
12th - 13th May 2026, 9.30am - 5.30pm
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 - 9.30am - 5.30pm each day
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£300
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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Next Course
3 days - 1st / 8th / 15th May 2026
You must be available to attend all of the training days
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
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
23 April 2026
30th April 2026
7th May 2026
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£450
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
If you are looking for financial help to cover course costs, then the organisations listed here may be able to help. Please email us contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to let us know you are applying for a bursary and we will reserve a space for you on the course. We can also provide any information required to support your bursary application.
You can also spread the payment in 3 instalments by selecting Klarna at checkout. You can read Klarna’s ‘Pay in 3’ Terms and Conditions here.
Next Course
3 days - 1st / 8th / 15th May 2026
You must be available to attend all of the training days
Sign up to the newsletter or join our social media to be the first to learn about future course dates.
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
23 April 2026
30th April 2026
7th May 2026
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£450
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
23 April 2026
30th April 2026
7th May 2026
Class Size
5 - 15 people
Cost
£450
Live Production: From Planning to Transmission
Live Production: From Planning to Transmission
This one-day course offers a practical introduction to how live multi camera productions are planned, delivered, and broadcast. Led by an experienced live TV producer, it explores the creative, technical, and logistical realities of delivering live events, sport and music for broadcast.
Using real world examples and hands on exercises, the course covers the full live production process; from creative planning and technical setup to scheduling, budgeting, transmission, and delivery. Participants will gain insight into key roles and workflows, how creative ambition is balanced with commercial and technical constraints, and how to manage risk and contingency in a live environment.
By the end of the course, you'll gain a clear understanding of:
How live productions are planned, delivered, and broadcast
Explore the creative, technical and logistical realities of broadcasting live events
The lifecycle of live production including processes and workflows
Course Content:
Identify key roles & responsibilities
Balance creative ambition with technical, scheduling, and budget constraints
Build realistic schedules and budgets for live broadcast
Understand technical considerations including camera planning, OB setups, staging, lighting and sound
Identify risks and contingency plans for live delivery
Understand delivery requirements across broadcast, platforms, and social media
Highly interactive and grounded in industry practice, the course includes group discussions, breakout exercises, and practical budgeting and scheduling tasks based on real live productions.
Who is this course for:
It would be particularly relevant for anyone working in production management roles from production assistant all the way through to head of production as well as producers.
However, this course is open to anyone who would like to learn more about how live productions work.
Tutor
Kate Sinden is a Live television and Event Production expert with 25 years' experience delivering high-profile, complex, live multi camera event productions to streamers, social media platforms, cinema and broadcasters.
Kate has led major projects including The Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, Apple Music Live Sessions and most recently Billie Eilish in 3D directed by James Cameron. Kate has a track record of delivering global live music films for artists such as Dua Lipa and U2, and has delivered live sporting event broadcasts for brands including Red Bull and Nike.
Course Duration
1 Day - 10am - 5.30pm
Location
Online - via Zoom
Class Size
6 - 15 people
Cost
£150
Next Course
21st April 2026
Travel and Accommodation Management for Film and TV
Travel and Accommodation Management for Film and TV
This session focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required for managing travel and accommodation logistics in the fast-paced world of film and TV production. Participants will gain a good understanding of the complexities involved in organising travel arrangements, securing appropriate accommodations, and managing budgets for cast, crew, and talent. Through case studies and industry insights, attendees will learn about the unique challenges faced by production teams and how to effectively navigate these hurdles.
Who is this for
Ideal for those working in production management, location coordination, or anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes logistics of the film and TV industry.
What it covers
This session delves into the important aspects of travel and accommodation management for film and TV productions. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively organise and manage the accommodation and travel of cast, crew, and talent. From planning ahead to dealing with last-minute changes, attendees will develop a solid understanding and the skills to manage travel and accommodation logistics with confidence.
Trainers
Access Bookings is an award-winning TV, film and media accommodation booking specialist with 39 years of industry experience, delivering tailored accommodation and travel management solutions for the complex and ever-changing needs of the media industry.
Adam Hall has worked for Access Bookings for more than 20 years across various areas of the business and was appointed ESG Director in November 2023
Abbie Tindal has worked for Access Bookings for seven years within the Business Development team, focusing on driving new business growth while managing and developing relationships with existing clients.
Cost
Free
Duration
1hr
Location
Online (via Zoom)
Next Webinar
14th April, 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.
Understanding budgets for series producers & executive producers
This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of commissioning for unscripted TV productions and how the production management teams are involved. It will include practical examples as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
Understanding Commissioning for Production Teams
This course will guide you through the key principles and the process of commissioning for unscripted TV productions and how the production management teams are involved. It will include practical examples as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
End of production paperwork for production management
This course will give you an overview of what paperwork needs to be completed and what information you should include, plus an overview of inputting the paperwork into Silvermouse. It will include practical examples and exercises as well as guidance and the chance to ask questions throughout.
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.
Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments
Setting up shoots in remote & hostile environments
Date - 12 March 2026, 10:00-13:00
Location - Online
Price - Free
Application deadline - 23 February 2026
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.
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.
Production paperwork for editorial teams
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.