As the Unscripted TV Skills Fund opens up applications for its renowned series producer programme, we caught up with ScreenSkills' Sarah Joyce, Head of Unscripted TV, and Jane Muirhead, Chair of the Unscripted TV Skills Council for a Q&A about the work of the Fund, its vital relationships with industry and how it's reacting to a changing landscape.
The Fund is opening applications for a seventh iteration of the series producer programme, can you tell us about how the programme supports development and how this latest version reflects the current landscape?
The USF has always had a focus on supporting the careers progression of individuals at mid/senior level. The SP programme has a prime example of the effectiveness of quality training at this level which covers a range of skills and competencies that individuals can put into practise in the workplace. It also offers coaching and access to commissioners, which is critical. This iteration is for a smaller cohort, recognising the lower rate of commissioning at the moment. It also has a focus on supporting new SPs based across the whole of the UK, but those based in London and the South East are excluded this year as there is more need to expand the SP pool in other parts of the UK.
How has the Fund supported training that responds to industry need over the past year?
Over the last couple of years, the USF has run a range of new training sessions that reflect industry need. Everything from diversifying your career as a freelancer, protecting your IP, working in branded content and podcasts. We have also run more coaching sessions for freelancers who may be exploring their next steps. We also run AI sessions for use in development.
The short course offers allows the USF to respond rapidly to industry trends and needs. We offered 24 new courses in 2024/25 and have 24 new sessions lined up for the next couple of months. We have also seen high sign-up rates and attendance, so we know these free online sessions are useful and valued.
How have the Fund’s council, steering and working groups helped shape some of the offering of the past year?
These groups inform all activity commissioned by the USF. Research and their industry insight and intel, is what determines what the USF invests in each year.
There is a working group that is responsible for overseeing the short course slate, other groups also feed in suggestions. They are always reviewing and adding new courses
All groups know the industry has changed and they are extremely mindful to provide training and career development that is meaningful. There is more of a focus on topping up people’s skills, offering training to help people step up or have more to offer an employer.
How has the relationship between the Fund and broadcasters, streamers and production companies helped support the workforce and create new opportunities?
One more junior programme that has created new opportunities is the USFs Development researcher programme. With training followed by a paid work placement in a production company, this programme has recently been recommissioned for a third year. The length of placements has increased each year, at the request of companies and this year the placements will be six months. It’s a great way for companies to meet new development talent to encourage a diversity of ideas. Host companies part fund the six-month salary. The rest of the salary and all training costs are paid by the USF.
What are some of the key activities lined up for the 25/26 year?
There are a few returning programmes such as a Shooting PD, step up to shooting AP and junior editor. New areas include step up training for people in production management roles, resilience for development teams, Da Vinci Resolve training, we are also working on a welfare producers with some key industry partners. Lots to look out for in the coming weeks and months
Are there any areas of training that the Fund are looking at developing in the future?
The USF funders – production companies, broadcasters and streamers are all keen to explore the role of AI in the future of unscripted and there are active and ongoing conversations about this.