Catrin Honeybill was part of the sixth cohort of the Unscripted TV Skills Fund's series producer programme. Designed to support experienced professionals by providing the confidence and skills needed to establish themselves at senior level, the renowned programme is now open for applications to join its new cohort. Find out more about the programme and apply to take part via the link at the bottom of the page.
How has the Unscripted TV series producer programme helped develop your career?
I think the course helped me visualise myself as a series producer and gave me confidence that by its end, I had all the professional experience and skillset to do the job well. I was working on a first series of a brand-new arts programme whilst on the course, which was a wonderful and very handy coincidence, in that I could put to work all the information and insight from all the course sessions to immediate practical use.
Was there any specific element of the programme that you felt had a key impact on you?
I hadn’t really spent any time on career development prior to this course, going from production to production as many do and not giving enough thought to the broader picture. However this course has made me realise that this is time well spent, improving on skills that become useful as your career progresses, making contacts with fellow cohorts and industry professionals, such as having the opportunity to attend the Edinburgh Television Festival. It definitely helps with confidence, and it was really useful to break elements of the job down to specific training such the soft skills of interpersonal managerial training, to effective storytelling and how your role fits in with other team members such as your production manager.
As a whole experience, it made me realise I am part of an creative industry, we have a lot of talent in the regions and that as a primarily Welsh language producer, that the skills and insights needed for successful series producing are the same across the board.
What tools or experiences did the programme help provide that you’ve been able to use in your career?
As mentioned, I think taking time out to look at your career progression is a good thing. Having to attend various masterclasses, online and also in person training as part of the course helps you focus on how to improve on your skills and how to best improve upon your position in the industry. To be able to take this training to a practical level whilst working on a new series was very useful. Having a cohort of excellent regional new series producers to train alongside was a definite plus point too, sharing experiences, sharing approaches to any queries anyone in the group might have, sharing potential roles and just being a part of a group with such a depth of talent across the UK’s regions is really valuable. It really did help with my professional growth and still does 2 years on.
Why are programmes like these important for the sector?
Having the opportunity to have some practical high-level training in the regions is hugely beneficial, especially in the competitive world of television – it makes for a better, more inclusive, industry.
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying?
Of course – go for it! Even if the thought of an interview scares you – just prepare, be interested in the television landscape and go for it!
Discover more
Find out more about the programme and apply