The ScreenSkills Series Producer Programme has announced the 22 delegates that will form the new cohort. This year’s instalment of the highly regarded programme marks the first to be funded by the Unscripted TV Skills Fund.
Delivered by Glasgow-based training provider TRC Media and set to take place over an eight-month period, the programme will provide tailored training to existing producers or directors to confidently take the next step in their careers to become series producers working in unscripted TV. There is a particular focus on those working outside of London and the South East with participants based solely in the nations and regions.
Claire Scally, Managing Director of TRC, said: “We are delighted to support this talented cohort in their ambition to become Series Producers. Our training will offer access to leading industry insight, provide practical skills and knowledge and offer an extensive network to help our delegates step up and compete in this incredibly competitive environment. The renowned ScreenSkills programme has supported countless professionals over the years and we look forward to continue cultivating the next generation of Series Producers across the Nations and Regions”.
Since its launch in 2016 the programme has established a strong track record of developing new series producers and supporting sector talent with 16 of its alumni having gone on to become commissioners at the BBC, Channel 4 and UKTV among others.
The bespoke training will see the group benefit from in person and online training sessions, access to leading broadcasters and commissioners as well as being assigned an industry mentor from partnering broadcasters and production companies.
At the programme’s launch sessions, the cohort spoke about what they’re hoping to gain from the programme.
Jemma Parish said: “I’m hoping to fill knowledge gaps, learn other ways of doing tasks, build self confidence so that when the time is right I can be a good series producer, and meet a cohort of others in the industry.”
Catrin Honeybill from Boom Cymru TV LTD agreed: “Experience, insight, industry contacts, a toolkit of skills, and an injection of confidence in being able to deliver in my new role.”
Freelancer Ally Thompson spoke of the benefit of the being part of a group, saying: “I’m looking forward to getting to know the rest of the cohort, developing a strong industry network and hopefully lasting friendships. The support, even after the first sessions, is clearly evident. It’s exciting.”
For Tom McTaggart, working at the BBC, the programme’s ties to the industry was vital. “I think just the ability to learn from other talented people in the industry - both in structured sessions but also from skill sharing within our cohort.”
Some of the programme’s practical elements appealed to Emma Sayce. She said: “I think I’ll learn most about the business side of telly. It’s not something I've ever really had to think about before, having been much more focused on the creative. And also the production management side of things. I'm looking forward to building relationships with other delegates and with a mentor.”
Lindsay Goodall spoke of the wider importance of the initiative, “As freelancers we don't have an HR department to help with training and career progression, so these programmes are vital in supporting us.”
Jemma Parish highlighted the reasons why the focus on the nations and regions is particularly beneficial. “These programmes give huge opportunities to those who might otherwise not have access to this kind of information & this level of crucial network. Particularly courses based on bringing support to the regions are hugely appreciated, it helps bring opportunities that might otherwise be centered around London.”
Those on the programme are:
- Ally Kay, Scotland
- Ally Thompson, Northern Ireland
- Catrin Honeybill, Wales
- Channing Caizergues-Morsali, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Claire Lewis, South West of England
- Emma Sayce, East of England
- Holly Cocker, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Holly Ranford, West Midlands
- Jemma Parish, West Midlands
- Katie Marie Bailey, North West England
- Kirsten McKenzie, Scotland
- Laura Gilbert, Scotland
- Lindsay Goodall, Scotland
- Lorna Hartnett, North West England
- Maura Martin, Northern Ireland
- Melanie Howe, North West England
- Sally Ogden, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Sarah Helen Conner, South West England
- Stephanie Chlond, North West England
- Sunny Kang, North West England
- Tom McTaggart, West Midlands
- Valerie Mellon, Scotland
Find out more about this year's cohort.
Interested in unscripted TV?
Learn more about the Unscripted TV Skills Fund