Production Assistant Training Programme for Unscripted TV

Production management offers an exciting career path in TV and high levels of employability. The production assistant (also known as a production secretary or production management assistant) is the starting point for a dynamic and challenging career in production management which requires key skills and industry training.

This UK-wide programme is aimed at individuals who are new entrants committed to pursuing a career in production management, those serious about transferring into unscripted production management from other departments or genres within TV or film, those looking to return to unscripted TV after a career break and those from other industries who have transferable skills and/or experience e.g working in admin, travel agents, theatre, events etc. 

Successful applicants will receive:

  • 7 days of training which will consist of 5 days of online training via Zoom and 2 days of in person training in Birmingham.

  • 3 month paid work placement in an independent production company.

  • 6 hrs worth of mentoring sessions from an industry professional. 

 

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Networks UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5, Netflix, ITV, Amazon, UKTV and S4C matched by production companies. 

 

Who it's for:

To apply for this programme you must want to pursue a career specifically in production management in unscripted television. This is not an opportunity to work in scripted television or to develop an editorial career as a researcher, assistant producer or producer/director.

 

Although the majority of the training sessions will be running online, you must be based in or near the following locations or be willing to relocate for the duration of the 3 month placement with a view to relocating permanently:

  • Belfast

  • Birmingham

  • Brighton

  • Bristol

  • Cardiff

  • Glasgow

  • Leeds

  • London

  • Manchester

  • N.Wales 

 

It is open to:

  • New entrants or individuals at the early stages of their career who may already be working as a runner, who want to focus on developing a career in production management.  You should have 12-months or less experience in the industry.

  • Those who work in other roles in the industry such as editorial, technical and craft who are looking to move into production.

  • Those working in scripted, corporate/commercial, animation or post production who want to make the move into unscripted TV production.

  • Those looking to return to unscripted TV production after a career break.

  • Those from other industries who have transferable skills and/or experience e.g working in admin, travel agents, theatre, events, retail, hospitality etc.

Please take a look at the unscripted production management department job profiles to familiarise yourself with what is involved in a production assistant role and the skills required. You will need to highlight these skills in your application form and will need to provide examples of these if you proceed to the interview stage.

 

What it covers:

Course content includes:

  • What to expect when working in TV

  • ALBERT/sustainability

  • Setting up shoots – location, studio, outside broadcast, overseas (including in remote & hostile environments)

  • Understanding kit

  • What is required on a call sheet

  • The importance of Risk Assessments and H&S on productions

  • Release forms

  • GDPR/dealing with confidential and sensitive information

  • Expenses/petty cash/per diems/POs/credit cards/cost managers/budgeting basics

  • Clearances/copyright (including music & archive)

  • The post production process/workflow

  • Post production paperwork including how to use Silvermouse

  • Negotiation skills

  • Mental health awareness

  • What to do when things go wrong

  • Freelance toolkit and CV clinic

  • Addressing unconscious bias: basic awareness in the workplace (e-learning)

  • Tackling bullying & harassment at work (e-learning)

  • Inclusive hiring for the screen industries (e-learning)

     

This will be an interactive course with group work/discussions and industry exercises. You will be provided with a resource pack and useful documents at the end of the course.

 

Once training is complete, you will be assigned an industry mentor and start your 3-month paid placement.

Key dates:

Cohort 2

Applications will open from the 2nd January 2024 and close at midnight on the 13th February.

Interviews take place during the W/C 12th February & W/C 19th February

Applicants will be notified if they have been successful or unsuccessful during the W/C 26th February

Training takes place:

  • 11th March - Online session

  • 13th March - Online session

  • 15th March - Online session

  • 18th March - Online session

  • 19th March - Online session

  • 21st March - In person training in Birmingham - First Intuition Birmingham, Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3AS

  • 22nd March - In person training in Birmingham - First Intuition Birmingham, Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3AS

Placements start W/C 25th March. (Please note, there may be delays on placement start dates due to production companies workloads, however we endeavour to start these as close to the end of March as we can)

 

Mentoring will start around the end of March. You will have 6hrs worth of sessions with your assigned mentor

How to apply:

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

The training programme is heavily subsidised with a fee of only £200, payable by successful delegates or their employers. There are bursaries available for those who require support. Please note in your application if you intend to apply for a bursary. Anyone shortlisted will then be asked to complete the bursary process. If you had any questions about the bursary, please contact - production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk

 

In order to apply you should meet the following criteria:

  • You must want to pursue a career specifically in production management in unscripted television. This is not an opportunity to work in scripted television or to develop an editorial career as a researcher, assistant producer or producer/director.

  • You must have proven organisational, team working and scheduling skills, please outline this experience in your application.

  • You must be able to attend all 7 days of training.

  • You must be able to work for 3 months in (paid) placements in or around the city you are applying for.

  • You must have the right to work in the UK.

  • You can pay the £200 fee or intend to apply for a bursary.

  • You should have 12-months or less experience in the unscripted TV industry.

  • You are not in full-time education or will have graduated before March 2024.

 

Course Tutors:

Hannah Gosney  will be running the training focused on the Production Assistant role and CV clinic and is the Programme Manager. She is an experienced Head of Production/Senior Production Manager and founder of Media Career Advice. She has extensive knowledge and experience of what it takes to deliver programmes from pre-production to post production across a variety of unscripted genres.  

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

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.

 

Matthew Harrison will be supporting the delegates with understanding kit for their unscripted productions.  Matthew 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 Honorary Secretary of the Royal Television Society Cymru.

 

David Thomas will be running the freelance toolkit element of the training. He is a highly experienced trainer, with a qualification to teach English to adults, as well as ScreenSkills’ own Level 3 Award in Education and Training contextualised to the screen industries. His BBC career saw him running an educational production department for 8 years. He has run online training for creative freelancers for about ten years and ran courses during the pandemic helping other trainers to become more confident with training via Zoom or Teams. He has clients all around the UK, including the BBC, Channel 4, unions (BECTU, NUJ, Writer’s Guild, CULT Cymru), The Grierson Trust, Netflix and Amazon. His website has a wealth of information and downloadable resources for freelancers, all of which are available to trainees for ever.

 

Jude Spencer will be running the session on mental health awareness. Jude is an internationally accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainer and Consultant working for clients such as ITV, Screenskills and PACT to help improve mental health awareness in the industry and empower individuals and companies to support their own and each other's mental health better. With over a decade’s experience in Film and TV, working for broadcasters such as BBC as well as independent production companies, Jude understands the unique challenges and pressures that come from working in the creative sector. Jude tailors her courses to address these specific challenges, making them relevant and bespoke to the companies and individuals she trains. In response to the Covid-19 crisis, Jude set up The Daily Cuppa, an online group where people in the industry can connect, share personal challenges, and support each other. Jude is also a Co-Director for 6ft From the Spotlight, a CIC campaigning for meaningful change in the industry including promoting the use of a Wellbeing Facilitator on productions.

  • You must be 18 years old or over and have a desire to work in unscripted production management. This is not an opportunity to work in scripted television or to develop an editorial career as a researcher, assistant producer or producer-director.

    You must also have the right to work in the UK and proof of this will be required to accept you onto the scheme. This is due to the requirements for the placement element of the programme.

  • Yes, this is an entry level programme and we encourage applicants from those who want to transfer from a different industry.

  • No. This training programme is not open to those in full-time education.

  • Yes, although we ask that you have less than 12-months worth of experience in the TV & Film industry.

  • Yes. Please contact us at production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to request an alternative format

  • Yes, of course. Please outline your access needs in the application form. You can also discuss your needs by emailing - production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk

  • You will need a desktop or laptop computer as you will need to complete tasks using Google Docs and Google Sheets.

    Resources will be sent to you as Microsoft Word & Microsoft Excel.

    You will need to have access to a microphone as we will be completing group tasks/breakout rooms. You will also ideally have access to a camera that will be requested to be kept on during the training, however, this isn’t mandatory.

  • Please get in touch with - production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to discuss your needs as we may be able to provide financial support in these instances.

    However, all training venues will be fully accessible with disabled parking available.

  • This programme is predominantly aimed at freelancers. However, you will need to be in an entry level role in your production company (e.g Office Runner) in order to apply and your company will need to provide the placement element of the programme, providing you with experience and support to achieve the Production Assistant role.

  • No. This is a full programme that is designed to fully prepare you for the PA role by providing comprehensive training, a placement so you can put your new knowledge into practice and mentoring to support you through the first few months in your new career.

    If you are just interested in training, then take a look at the other production training courses Media Career Advice provides here and the short courses that ScreenSkills run here

  • If you get through to the interview stage then a one to one assessment will take place via zoom. This assessment will be undertaken by the programme leader and placement co-ordinator. We will be assessing your eligibility for the programme and looking for you to demonstrate your passion and commitment to working in the production management roles in unscripted TV.

    You will need to demonstrate skills from past work, interests or other activities you have done that would be an asset in the unscripted TV industry. This could be things like communication or ‘people skills’, organisational skills or the ability to problem solve.

  • Please see above for the key dates for each cohort.

  • We will email all applicants, whether successful or unsuccessful.

  • We will be recruiting 20 trainees for each cohort. So a total of 40 delegates on the programme.

  • You will be entitled to 7.5 days holiday during your placement. These days will be agreed directly with your placement company.

    You will need to let us know on the application form if you already have any holidays booked during the placement dates (25th March - 28th June). You must be available for the duration of the placement with the exception of your 7.5 days holiday allocation. If you are unavailable for longer than this, then we will be unable to take you on the programme. E.g if you are away for the whole of June this would make you ineligible for the programme as you must be available to complete the full three month placement.

    Please note - you must be available for all of the training dates, both in person and online.

  • This amount will vary dependent on your region and your employer. As a rough guide you could expect between £425 - £525 per week regionally and £500 - £650 per week in London.

  • No, due to the HMRC IR35 rules, while working as a Production Assistant you will be paid via payroll. You will be classed as a PAYE freelancer.

  • It is your responsibility to cover your travel costs to and from work. You will need to select the most suitable location to undertake placements based on your proximity to that area or your willingness to relocate to that area.

    If you are required to travel as part of your working role, for example on a shoot, then travel, accommodation and sustenance will be paid for by the placement company.

  • Placements will be full-time due to the employers needs. Regular office days will be 8.5hrs including 1hr unpaid lunch break. These office hours tend to be 9.30am - 6pm, but this does sometimes vary.

    Due to the nature of the work, there will be times when you will need to work longer days and on weekends. Where possible, employers should try to give some of this time back in lieu. However, it may not always be possible and there may be times when you will need to complete unpaid overtime.

  • During your placement, our placement coordinator will be checking in with you regularly to see how everything is going. If you are experiencing any issues between these check-in, get in touch with the placement coordinator who can help to resolve the issue.

  • You will need to specify in your application which area you are able to undertake the placement from the media hubs listed. You must either already live in this area, be able to commute within a reasonable time to that area or be willing to re-locate for the placement duration and ideally with a view of permanent relocation to that area.

  • The placements will be part-funded by ScreenSkills. However, you will be employed by the placement company and will need to adhere to their contract terms.

  • Placements will be part-funded by ScreenSkills for a period of 3 months. However, if an employer has work opportunities for longer than 3 months, then they may offer you a contract extension. If this is the case, you can choose to continue working for that company, but ScreenSkills won’t be monitoring your progress after the 3 month period.

  • The majority of the PA role will be office based. You must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and email providers such as Microsoft Outlook or Gmail in order to work in the role.

    You will not be taught how to use these programmes during the PA training, but will be taught some office basics.

  • We have fantastic industry mentors who work as Production Co-ordinators, Junior Production Managers, Production Managers, Line Producers, Production Executives and Heads of Production. You will be matched with your mentor based on location and relevant experience (e.g if you’re transferring from the events industry you may be matched with a mentor who has also transferred from that industry).

    Our mentoring co-ordinator will contact you with an initial match to see if there are any conflicts on interest. You will have an initial ‘get to know you’ session with your mentor. If you feel they wouldn’t be suitable, then let our mentoring co-ordinator know, who will endeavour to find a new match.

  • Yes. We have included an allowance for accommodation and travel for those living outside of Birmingham.

    This is capped at £100 per night for accommodation with an allowance for two nights (night before training & night of 1st training day). Trainees will need to book the accommodation themselves and claim back the allowance up to the amount of £100. A booking confirmation and receipt will be required to claim. If you book accommodation costing more than the allowance, then you will need to pay the difference. If it is less than £100 per night then we will pay the actual amount spent.

    Travel allowance will be based on the round trip of mileage, train, bus or flights. This is capped at £100 per trainee. Trainees will need to book any travel themselves and will need to provide receipt of payments to claim. If this amounts to less than £100, then we will pay the actual amount spent/mileage distance from your home address. No travel allowance will be paid for travel from your accommodation to the training venue.

    There isn’t a food allowance, however there will be a networking dinner on the first night of the training with an allowance of £15 per trainee. Trainees will be responsible for paying for their own meals outside of this during the in-person training days and overnight stays.

  • Bursaries are available for those on low incomes. Please note in your application if you intend to apply for a bursary. Anyone shortlisted will then be asked to complete the bursary process.

    If you had any questions about the bursary, please contact - production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk

  • Yes. All delegates will be provided with an ‘exit pack’. This contains lots of resources, from further training to where to find jobs, as well as helpful hints and tips to help you in your freelance career.

Applications are now closed

Testimonials from the previous ScreenSkills Production Co-ordination Training Programme for Unscripted TV.

The programme included training on the PC role, placements and mentoring.

  • "Absolutely incredible training, I think Hannah is an expert in her field as a PM and HOP but also amazing at delivering training and great people skills. A huge thank you to Hannah, Inge and the whole team - I really feel this training and the placement opportunities will help to reach my dream career!"

  • "This programme changed my life. Everyone involved is so good at what they're doing it might be scary, but only for a moment, then you remember they're here to help you, and it's an incredible feeling"

  • "The courses for Production Coordinators and Overseas Filming were first class. The tutors, resources and ongoing support throughout the year of placements were outstanding and I would recommend this training course to anyone looking to get their foot in the door of the unscripted TV industry.”

  • "The course has enabled me to start my career in Unscripted TV smoothly and while being well supported. As someone crossing over from events I don't think I would of had such a good transition without this course."

  • "Very comprehensive and easy to understand/follow. Excellent resources with good real life examples. Excellently presented and tutored. Strong, clear communication about course details, where to find links/resources, timetabling. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere yet professional and conducive to learning. You feel excellently supported and that you are learning from experts in the industry."

  • "Thank you so much for all your support of the past year. I was very unhappy in my previous job in the hospitality sector, and this scheme/ new career path has literally saved my mental health and given me a new outlook on my future career prospects! I can't thank you enough."

  • "It exceeded my expectations, I can't thank Hannah, Inge and Anna enough, it was reassuring to know that the team were there to support me and help me with finding employment, which took the pressure off me."

  • "Moving industries and careers has been the best decision I've made professionally and without this scheme it wouldn't have been possible. I continue to be excited about the opportunities within production management in the industry and all the varied projects I can work on."

  • "The training slides, exercises and group work were excellent and the trainer was very knowledgeable. This course has provided me with a lot of new knowledge and skills which I hope to use soon in the placements as part of the programme to eventually become a production coordinator. "

  • "The obvious next step in my career. the course saw me leap into the world of production with all the support and resource's I needed and I can safely say I'm happy and thriving in my desired field."

  • "A very comprehensive course, which was well taught with lots of exercises to test understanding. Highly recommended to other aspiring production co-ordinators."

  • "Better than expected I probably increased my take home pay by about 10k. Cracking £200 I spent on this course"

  • "Without being on this scheme I don't think I would have been able to get my first job in the industry."

  • "A really well thought out and excellently delivered training course. After taking this I do feel ready to go into a production role, prepared with a much deeper understanding of the process and key tasks that could be expected of me."

  • "Hannah was a great teacher and really helped make the course engaging and easily understood. Inge was also lovely and super helpful and supportive when meeting and discussing my future career. So in short, the people behind the scheme are what made this course really special."

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed the course - it is very well-designed and I also like the fact that there are many opportunities to ask questions at each stage. The course leader was great at involving everyone and communicated the subject-matter extremely well."

  • "I really enjoyed the scheme. I don’t know if I would have gotten a job in production without it"

  • "On-line facility and resources, sessions were well paced and resourceful, helpful Q and A sessions, professional and experienced course leaders, relevant and challenging learning activities, suitable break out room tasks/discussions and professional paid work placements."