Archive researcher training programme

Are you interested in exploring a career as an archive researcher for television?

If so, this brand-new archive researcher training programme from ScreenSkills and Jo Stones could be for you.

We're offering a week-long course which will introduce you to the key principles and practices of archive research for documentary and other programmes that use archive material. You'll be led by some of the most experienced professionals working in the archive industry today.

This interactive course will enable you to gain the key practical, professional skills so that you can begin your career as an archive researcher.

This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies and with support from the ScreenSkills High-end Television Skills Fund, with contributions from high-end TV productions made in the UK .

Who it's for

This programme is aimed at those who might have some experience in TV, such as runners, production secretaries or researchers, but now want to specialise in archive research. It is also open to applications from new entrants, and transferers with related experience - such as in libraries or in research roles - from outside of the TV industry, and those with a passion for archive.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: Minority Ethnic Groups; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

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 training will take place online over the course of a week, facilitated by an experienced Archive Producer. Three iterations of the training will be available.

The training will include:

• Understanding the role of an archive researcher, the skills required and the various career pathways involved.
• Expert sessions with experienced archive producers including Q&A sessions
• Practical sessions working with an editor to explore how they work with archive and what they need from the archive team.
• An understanding of working with different archives, libraries and content
• Interactive sessions with researchers who work within archive houses
• An understand of rights, legal considerations and budgets
• Completion of a mini-archive exercise, working together to take a project from research to log, and then work with an edited sequence and EDL.

Jo Stones has worked in the film & television industry for more than 30 years. In the early 1990's, she learnt on the job as the sole archive researcher, sourcing and clearing archive material for First Sex, a weekly feminist magazine series for Channel 4. Thereon she worked as an archive researcher, archive producer for arts, current affairs, weekly shows, feature docs, crime docs, biographies, as well as sometimes for drama and entertainment shows. Her recent credits include Boybands Forever (BBC), AIDS: The Unheard Tapes (BBC), and Nothing Compares (Sky).

How to apply

Click the 'Apply now' button above. You will need to:

• create and be logged into your ScreenSkills profile
• upload an up to date CV to your ScreenSkills profile
• fully complete the application form

You must have a demonstrable desire to re/train as an archive researcher in TV to apply.

Judging information

Key dates:

Cohort 1

Applications are currently open, but close at midnight on the 12th January. Please only apply for Cohort 1 if you are available for all of the training dates listed below.

Applicants will be notified if they have been successful or unsuccessful during the w/c 20th January. You will be contacted via USF@screenskills.com or noreply@screenskills.com Please ensure you have added both to your safe senders list to ensure you do not miss the email.

Training takes place via Zoom:

• Mon 27 Jan – 09:30-13:30
• Tue 28 Jan – 09:30-13:30
• Wed 29 Jan – 09:30-13:30
• Thu 30 Jan – 09:30-13:30
• Fri 31 Jan – 09:30-13:30

This programme will be repeated in late spring 2025. The exact dates for cohort 2 will be announced in January 2025.