Unscripted TV development researcher training programme

• Are you passionate about unscripted TV and eager to break into development?
• Do you have more than 2 years of experience from ANY industry with transferable skills that could help you thrive in a development researcher role?

Then the third year of the Unscripted Development Researcher training programme delivered by Mission Accomplished may be for you.

The training will run in two cohorts (one in starting in May, and one in July). Online training sessions will be a mix of evening and daytime hours during the week, with in person training taking place on weekdays during standard office hours. The schedule includes:

• 4 x 3-hour online sessions (including an array of guest speakers)
• 2 x in-person training days (Birmingham)
• Sessions with commissioners and current Development Researchers
• On-demand support materials and curated resources to support live training
• 6-month work placement as a Development Researcher

Subject to market conditions, the 6-month placement will take place with production companies across the UK, providing each participant with the opportunity to put their learning into practice as a Development Researcher. Prior to the start of the placement, you will agree a learning action plan with the production company. This plan will be tracked with monthly check-ins led by Mission Accomplished. Upon completion, an evaluation will be conducted to reflect on your learning progress and outcomes.

This training 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.

Who it's for

We’ll be looking to recruit 20 delegates from across the UK. The delegates will be made up of new entrants, transferers to the industry and those with some experience in entry level roles in unscripted TV with a demonstrable interest in starting a career in development specifically, as opposed to looking for a route into TV more broadly.

Subject to market conditions, the programme will include a 6-month paid placement in a UK production company’s development team. Only those able to commit to such work placements should apply.

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

If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email training@mission.guru.

Still unsure if the programme is for you, learn more from this case study of one of the participants from last year.

You can also watch a pre-recorded webinar here to discover more about the course from the trainers

What it covers

The training will be divided into 6 key areas:

• Idea generation, research and finding inspiration
• Communication skills
• Telephone skills
• Casting
• Technical skills
• Employability skills

The training programme mirrors the development process within a production company, covering:

• Understanding briefs and ideation
• Formulating and pitching ideas
• Creating pitch decks and sizzles
• Research techniques and storytelling
• Casting and access
• Technical and employability skills

Additionally during the training you will cover:

• The role of a Development Researcher
• Research, ideation and responding to briefs
• Communication and pitching skills
• Using AI and social media in ideation
• Understanding production processes
• Employability and navigating the TV freelance landscape.

The training dates for each cohort are as follows:

Cohort 1:

• Wed 14th May - 18:00-21:00 - Online
• Tue 20th & Wed 21st May - Full days - In-person
• Wed 11th June - 14:30-17:30 - Online
• Wed 25th June - 18:00-21:00 - Online
• Wed 2nd July - 14:30-17:30 - Online

Cohort 2:

• Wed 9th July - 18:00-21:00 - Online
• Mon 14th & Tue 15th July - Full days - In person
• Wed 30th July - 14:30-17:30 - Online
• Wed 13th August - 14:30-17:30 - Online
• Wed 27th August - 14:30-17:30 - Online

Trainers

Alison Grade (Course Director) describes her key skill as transforming creative ideas into a business reality. She accomplishes this with the films she produces, the creative entrepreneurs she mentors, SMEs and freelancers she advises and in her Penguin published book The Freelance Bible.

Alison has a unique skillset in that she has formal academic training (INSEAD MBA); has worked at senior level in many media companies; is an entrepreneur who has established several businesses and is a Nesta accredited Creative Enterprise trainer and mentor. She brings her passion, knowledge and experience with her in all the work she does.

Perjit Aujla (Course Director & Development Executive) is a Birmingham-based, seasoned Development Executive with extensive experience in crafting and pitching compelling content across a range of genres, including children’s, consumer, travel and competition programming. As a former Head of Development, Perjit has successfully secured series commissions from major broadcasters like Channel 4, Channel 5, and the BBC, with notable projects including the primetime reality format Shipmates and lifestyle series Weighing Up the Enemy. Her portfolio also includes travelogues featuring personalities such as Ben Fogle and Tony Robinson.

Known for her strategic vision and supportive leadership style, Perjit is passionate about mentoring and developing talent, particularly from diverse and regional backgrounds. She frequently delivers industry training for all levels, collaborating with organisations like Screenskills, PACT, and NFTS on nationwide upskilling initiatives. Her training sessions, which focus on essential development skills like pitching, brainstorming, and team resile.

Danny Roberts (Programme Manager) has worked with Mission Accomplished since 2021 and has been project assistant and subsequently co-ordinator on all our previous Unscripted Development training for ScreenSkills alongside other training programmes. Having completed the Development Researcher training programme we ran in 23-24 Danny now has a portfolio career working part-time as a Development Researcher and part-time for Mission Accomplished as a programme and talent manager.

How to apply

Click ‘apply now’ at the top of the page and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application. 

Applicants are expected to have at least 2 years of experience from other industries with transferable skills for TV development and must not be in full time education (including university).

While most questions in the application form are multiple choice or require short answers, five questions will require longer answers. For your preparation, these questions are: 

• Please describe your professional experience over the past two years. What contract(s) and/or company(ies) have you worked for, and in what capacity?
• Why do you feel you are a suitable candidate for this training programme at this time in your career?
• What are you looking to achieve by completing this training programme?
• Do you have any hobbies, interests or specialist knowledge that could influence your practice? 
• What is your future career goal?

In the application, you will also be asked to specify the genre of unscripted TV you would most like to work within.

You will also be asked whether you are applying to be considered for the May cohort, July cohort, or both.

Judging information

Key Dates:

Cohort 1:

• Application Deadline – 6th April
• First round interviews with Mission Accomplished commence – 7th April
• Second round interviews with production company offering placement commence – 21st April
• Training sessions - between 14th May and 2nd July
• Placements - between 26th May and 19th December approximately.

Cohort 2:

• Application Deadline – 8th June
• First round interviews with Mission Accomplished commence –  9th June
• Second round interviews with production company offering placement – commence 16th June
• Training sessions - between 9th July and 27th August
• Placements - between 21st July 2025 and 13th February 2026 approximately.

Please note, if you wish to be considered for Cohort 1 (starting in May) you must apply by 6th April. There will then be a brief pause in applications before they are reopened until 8th June. Applications received after 6th April will only be considered for the July cohort.

You will need to be approved by both the training provider and the placement company to be selected for the training.