Pitch to production for freelancers: Everything you need to go from idea to commission

As part of our Step Up strand, we’re offering training to help individuals coming back into the industry after a break, moving into a new role or responsibility level, or improving skills in unscripted TV. 

Have a brilliant idea but don't know how to take it to the next level? Ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion project into a commissioned reality?

Turning a great idea into a commission is a challenge for everyone in today’s competitive TV landscape, where broadcasters and streaming platforms are more selective than ever. This session offers a comprehensive step-by-step guide to navigating the entire process, from shaping your concept to securing funding and striking the right deals.

With practical advice, group discussions, and exercises, this session provides participants with the tools they need to evaluate and refine their ideas, pitch confidently and understand the production journey from conception to commission. By the end, you’ll leave with a roadmap to turn your creative vision into reality.

Who it's for

This session is designed for anyone in unscripted TV - from researchers to producers and directors - who has a personal idea or passion project that they’re looking to develop and turn into a commission.

The majority of the Unscripted Skills Fund (USF) online short course offering is for those at early career stage and above. As a result, we generally require applicants to have at least three credits (unless working in a traditionally uncredited role). If you strongly feel you would still benefit from the training, please email USF@screenskills.com so we can assess if an exception should be made.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. Please email the above address if you have any access requirements and we will be delighted to help.

What it covers

• Shaping and refining your idea
• Understanding commissioner needs
• Identifying the right production partner
• Building a pitch-ready toolkit
• Finding alternative funding options
• Negotiating deals and contracts if your idea is picked up

Perjit Aujla

Perjit Aujla is an executive producer, development executive and former head of development who, in her 15-year career, has worked at a senior level across development and production and has a proven track record of securing commissions for major broadcasters. Beyond her production and development expertise, Perjit has contributed to nationwide training initiatives, focusing on development and leadership.

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘apply for ticket’ and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

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 session is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce 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.