Using AI for Unscripted TV development: practical introduction to image generation for posters, pitch decks and sizzles

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. 

AI image-generation programmes such as Midjourney and Adobe Firefly provide a great resource for development departments and when used imaginatively, can help create stand-out posters and pitch decks to help sell your idea visually. In this session, we look at how best to use prompts to get the visual style and tone you need for your programme idea while giving all participants – regardless of previous experience – the opportunity for some hands-on practical experience creating their own images with Midjourney.

This session will also look at some common copyright concerns as well as an introduction to video programmes such as Runway and Pica. With plenty of time built in for questions and ad hoc demos, this is the perfect deep-dive for anyone wanting a fun and informative way of learning more about how AI can help with image generation for unscripted development.

Who it's for

Anyone already working in development. The offering is for those at early career stage and above. As a result, we generally require applicants to have a minimum of six months experience working in development. No previous AI experience required.

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. This course is designed to be as interactive as possible.

Please email the above address 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.

Trainers:

Sophie Morgan is an experienced content creator, development consultant and trainer with over twenty-years working as an award-winning head of development, producer and commissioning editor. Sophie has worked in the UK and US to develop and exec produce hundreds of hours of TV content for all major channels across all genres including Britain’s Next Top Model, RuPaul’s Drag Race, London Ink and Jade.

Cassie Quarless is a producer/director and AI expert with a background in documentary. He has recently directed a documentary for the BBC about the late designer Virgil Abloh. Cassie has also recently written a book ‘AI for Film & TV’ aimed at demystifying the world of generative AI for people in the worlds of film and tv. His first BFI funded feature length film Generation Revolution was released in cinemas in the UK and toured the US and South America. Cassie has developed documentary feature projects about Stokely Carmichael, Malcolm Shabbazz, the history of Black British Music with PBS, the BBC and HBO amongst others. He is currently an Eccles Fellow at the British Library and his work has been featured in The Guardian, Teen Vogue and i-D Magazine amongst many others.

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. 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.

If you need additional support to complete your application or require the application form in an alternative format please contact USF@screenskills.com

Places on these free online courses are limited and applications are often highly competitive. To stand the best chance of securing a place, please be sure to consider the following:

• When asked to list your three most recent credits, please include the programme title and your job role.
• When asked what you hope to gain from the course, please be concise but ensure you cover the specific elements of the topic you would like to gain knowledge of and what gaps in your skillset you believe the course may address. A rewording of the course title or a general comment on career progression does not tell us much about how this course would benefit you.

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.