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

(Booking details below)

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

3rd / 10th / 17th October 2025

You must be available to attend all of the training days

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Testimonials

  • "The 'Step Up to Production Executive' course was an invaluable experience. As a small company owner and producer who not only originates shows but also builds the Sensethefuture Pictures pipeline, I found the training to be a comprehensive deep dive into the strategic and operational responsibilities of a senior production role in the industry. The sessions were well-structured, covering everything from budgeting and compliance to broadcaster negotiations and risk management. Gaining a broader perspective on the operational responsibilities necessary for delivering multiple productions in tandem was particularly valuable. One of the standout aspects of the course was its emphasis on team engagement, clear communication, and fostering an environment where every voice is valued. Meritocratic dialogue is key to success in any production, and this training reinforced the importance of empowering teams, streamlining workflows, and ensuring that leadership decisions are informed by those actively involved in the production process. Viki Carter’s expertise shone through—her real-world examples and hands-on approach made complex topics both accessible and engaging. The small class size encouraged meaningful discussions, and the interactive format allowed each participant to apply the learning directly to their career stage. This course has provided me with the industry expertise and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of unscripted television. Highly recommended!"

    -Teresa Potocka, CEO & Founder Sensethefuture Pictures

  • "This was an excellent course - well structured, packed full of great advice and resources, Viki is a really engaging trainer. Supportive group of co-trainees with lots of opportunity to ask questions and share knowledge. I really recommend it!"

    - Shaheera Ali, Line Producer

  • “Just completed the 3 Day Step Up to Prod Exec/HOP in Unscripted. Hannah and Viki are a formidable team delivering a really well balanced mix of interactive content, along with all the building blocks of info required for performing a Prod Exec or HOP role including a raft of good industry reference points. The ins and outs of Production are far from glamorous as we all know but the course managed to keep it light and in the good company of like minded Production folk. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend.”

    -Kelly-Ann Mchale, Production Manager

  • “I have applied for a PE role, because I now have the confidence I could absolutely smash it. Initially I registered for the course because I knew it would make me an even better LP. But now I actually believe that I could step up. So a huge thank you to you and Viki.”

    -Amy Gostling, Line Producer

Terms & Conditions

Do you accept attendees who have a bursary?

Yes. Bursaries are available via various companies such as Screenskills.

Attendees must pay for a ticket first either via Ticket Tailor or Invoice and will then claim for the cost via the company providing the bursary. I’m afraid I cannot accept payment from individuals after the course/event has taken place.

Will you send me a VAT receipt?

If paying via Ticket Tailor, you will receive a confirmation email detailing the costs. If you require a more detailed receipt please contact me via contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk and I can send you a receipt on company headed paper.

However do note that I am not currently VAT registered, so I’m afraid VAT can’t be claimed back on the ticket price via your personal tax return.

My company needs to pay via invoice

No problem. Drop me a message via contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk and I can prepare an invoice for you and book you a place on the course. You will need to send me your company name and address for the invoice.

Payment via invoice to be made no later than 30 days from date of the invoice.

I don’t want to appear on camera

Personally I feel it benefits other course participants and myself as a tutor if you are able to appear on camera. However if you’d prefer not to that’s fine, it isn’t a course requirement to have your camera on at all times.

If you need to cancel

There will be times when you may book onto courses/events and subsequently find that you are unable to attend. In these situations I ask that you notify me of your need to cancel as soon as possible.

Your booking can be transferred across to the next available course date. Please note - I will only be able to offer a transfer across to two subsequent course dates (which allows more leeway if you are unable to attend the next course date). I will not be able to transfer your booking if you are unable to attend the next two course iterations and a refund will not be issued.

Alternatively a refund will be issued to attendees who cancel at least 1 week prior to the course/event. If you have booked via Ticket Tailor there is a non-refundable fee calculated at Stripe's 1.5% local charges/ 1.95% Premium card charges / 3.25% International charges of the ticket cost + £0.80 GBP per ticket. Attendees who cancel within the 1 week period will not be eligible for a refund.

What happens if Media Career Advice cancels?

There may be times when I need to cancel a course/talk. In the first instance we will re-book attendees onto the next available course. However if this isn’t possible we will provide a full refund to all trainees booked onto those courses/events.

What happens if I lose connection?

You will need an internet connection that supports video conferencing and a device that has a camera and a microphone.

In the event of a lost connection email contact@mediacareeradvice.co.uk to discuss options to catch up on the sessions missed.