Unscripted TV Skills Fund to support professionals on RTS MBA

The Unscripted TV Skills Fund (USF) is working in partnership with The Adobe Foundation to support senior professionals wanting to progress in their career in unscripted TV.

Together, the USF and the Adobe Foundation are supporting 5-10 senior members of the UK unscripted industry by offering funding to part-fund the course costs of the RTS Mini MBA in TV and streaming media, alongside a package of executive coaching sessions and regular networking opportunities. Successful applicants will receive a minimum of 50% contribution towards the delegate fee, rising to 70% for freelancers. Those accepted onto the programme will be expected to make up the remaining fee themselves.

In response to underrepresentation within the screen industries, applications are encouraged from those who identify as female, from a minority ethnic background, disabled, LGBT, are from a lower socio-economic background or who live and work outside London.

Jane Muirhead, Chair of the Unscripted TV Skills Council, said “The Unscripted TV Skills Fund is committed to removing barriers to career progression, whether that’s from underrepresentation, location preventing access to opportunity or financial obstacles restricting pathways. This is why we’re thrilled to be supporting unscripted professionals to help enable them take part in this incredible opportunity. By working together with The Adobe Foundation we are able to improve the equality and diversity within our sector at a senior level.

Sarah Joyce, Head of Unscripted and Children's TV, ScreenSkills, said: “This course represents a great opportunity for those already at a senior level to build on their industry knowledge and experience. The RTS Mini MBA is an excellent way to add business knowledge to people’s skillset and we are really pleased to be able to support professionals take vital next steps in their development. We’re thrilled to be able to work with the Adobe Foundation to help candidates receive the training and networking this MBA provides to continue their growth and development within unscripted TV.”

The Royal Television Society developed the CPD-accredited mini MBA in collaboration with leading industry experts after extensive market research revealed a vital gap in professional training around the business of television and streaming media.

With unparalleled access to the insights of over 100 inspirational top-level executives and professionals working in roles right across the sector, the expansive course shines a light on how the business of TV and streaming media works on a practical level. The course reveals the inner workings of the industry and covers topics ranging from: how ideas are generated, to how programmes are developed, commissioned and made; how money flows within the TV industry; what is meant by "terms of trade"; and how the UK TV sector is likely to change over the next 5-10 years.

The online course is comprised of approximately 80 hours of interactive learning, with 24 crafted modules divided across four main streams: industry context, programme making, business functions and future outlook.

Theresa Wise MBE, CEO, Royal Television Society, said: “Education is a core pillar at the RTS. However, there’s currently a gap in the UK for an in-depth professional higher education course covering the business side of the television industry. Thank you so much to the industry leaders who have generously provided their insights and time to contribute to this course. We are proud to have developed an invaluable and unprecedented new Mini MBA, which we hope will provide the next generation of leaders with the tools to succeed.”