Describe your involvement with the Unscripted TV Skills Fund
The Development Working Group explores how to build skills at all levels to help create the next generation of breakthrough ideas.
For many, development is where the real TV magic happens. It is where new ideas are conceived, trusted formats are evolved, access is unlocked and talent is discovered. Dreaming up the best ideas and then selling them to commissioners is one of the most rewarding experiences when working in TV and can be the rocket fuel to many individual’s careers.
As a working group, we advise on what today’s indies and channels need from people who want to build their skills in one of the most exciting and innovative parts of the industry. We then award contracts to training facilitators that really understand the needs of commissioners and the realities of working within the freelancer and independent sector.
And we consider how best to build productive and inclusive development teams that can innovate without infighting and collaborate without conflict.
How do you decide what to prioritise?
Development can be exceptionally subjective and no two companies will do it in the same way. Our goal is to equip individuals and teams with a set of skills that allows them to shortcut through jargon, demystify the process and build confidence on both believing in and then selling an idea.
We also consider how the market is rapidly evolving, looking at the new and innovative ways that funding for ideas is secured, so that the next generation can think outside the box in both ideas and opportunity.
What successes would you like to highlight?
By virtue of the fact that development is right at the start of the production process, success can take some time to show itself. But we are excited to hear from those that went through this training process, became part of a successful pitching process and then saw their ideas come alive on screen.
But more than just individual commissions, we are also excited to equip the next generation with the skills to shape what TV will look and feel like tomorrow, and success will really be seen when their creativity is represented on all of our screens.
What are the challenges you see ahead?
TV is going through a significant downturn currently, which is resulting in fewer ideas being commissioned. This can be significantly disheartening and create an unbalanced reality on what ‘good’ development looks and feels like. It is important that we consider how to build resilience within both teams and individuals so that we train for the future and not just the present.
What is the most exciting thing about work in unscripted TV?
Unscripted TV has a unique ability to change the public mood and inspire changes in the habits, interests and tastes of the nation. It is at its best when it marries creativity, representation and compelling storytelling to offer a reflection of who we are, while also shining a light on hidden communities to millions of people both in the UK and around the world.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to somebody wanting to start a career in unscripted TV?
Because of the mix of companies, commissioners and productions, there can be a lack of structure and a lot of uncertainty when working in unscripted, so it’s important that you put in place a plan for yourself and stick to it.
Particularly when you’re starting out, you need to be financially, emotionally and creatively resilient. But once you do start building a portfolio of experience, make sure you enjoy what you’re working on and who you’re working with. Not only will it help build your career, but it will also mean that you won’t let those unique and exciting experiences - that only come from working in telly - pass you by.
What is the key area of training you would recommend for freelancers to help them build and sustain a successful career?
There are lots of different jobs and paths to explore in television - so don’t let your first gig define what you do for the rest of your career. Training is a brilliant way to experience different roles to see if they suit your skills and personality. It also ensures that you’re always up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques and technology.
Why work with ScreenSkills?
ScreenSkills has become a real badge of quality when looking at CVs and interviewing talent. Knowing that someone has gone through formal training in a role can massively help recruiters confidently hire, especially when many productions have to crew up quickly and need to know that the person they bring on board can tackle the role effectively.
Simply put, ScreenSkills provides a tangible advantage in helping move your career forward.
What does it personally mean to you?
I’ve long admired the work of ScreenSkills, in particular how it has provided opportunities to those from diverse communities, elevated the best talent regardless of background and helped level the playing field in an increasingly competitive industry.
I have a real personal passion for television created in the UK and knowing that good people are getting the best guidance to make great content means that we can continue to be the best unscripted producers in the world.