Trade body, Directors UK and ScreenSkills have opened applications for Directors UK’s Become a Self-Shooting PD course.
Designed to address urgent skills gaps in Unscripted TV, the training is funded by ScreenSkills’ Unscripted TV Skills Fund backed by the BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Networks UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5 and Netflix and production companies. It will be delivered in partnership with DV Talent and The Story Consultant.
Become a Self-Shooting PD is a UK-wide comprehensive training course taking place in Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow, London and Manchester. Successful applicants will receive hands-on technical training on all aspects of a self-shooting producer/director role.
The training, by self-shooting PDs and series producers, will equip participants with the technical and editorial skills required of an accomplished self-shooter, as well as an understanding of the key requirements of an edit. By the end of the course, the participants will be delivering rushes with strong storytelling at their heart – assets that drastically reduce the likelihood of schedule and budget overruns. Additional masterclasses will cover commentary, interview techniques and a chance to network with talent managers.
Andrea Corbett, Head of Career Development and Skills at Directors UK added: “From pre-shoot planning, to insights into sequence construction and decision making on location, participants will learn how to tell a story effectively and will develop approaches for producing successful coverage and eradicating uncertainty – leading to a strong and confident experience in the edit. They will learn techniques to help manage the complexities that accompany the self-shooting world, while also gaining skills in running a team with strength, fairness and safety as guiding principles.”
The course is suitable for people with 3-5 years’ experience in the industry and who are looking to step up a grade or widen their skillset. A broadcast shooting credit is not necessary. The eligibility criteria is flexible to accommodate those returning to the industry, or with little shooting experience. Applications are welcome from both members of Directors UK and also from non-members passionate about pursuing a career as a self-shooting PD.
Matt Born, Managing Director of DV Talent said: “Gaining comprehensive camera skills both technically and editorially is crucial for PDs, especially if they’re unable to get into the edit with their work. Along with some of the best, acclaimed self-shooters in the business who are loaded with tips, tricks and anecdotes, we’ve designed a unique course, that will leave participants feeling confident when it comes to all aspects of shooting for broadcast.”
Andy Harrower, Directors UK CEO said: “To see the Unscripted TV Skills Fund finally become a reality following years of calling for much needed investment in unscripted skills training is fantastic. With this funding, Become a Self-Shooting PD provides an opportunity for talent across the UK to take the next step in their career. By equipping the attendees with everything they need to move directly up and into the workforce, we can address the skills gaps and the producer/directors will be ready to start their next job immediately.”
Sarah Joyce, Head of Unscripted and Children’s TV at ScreenSkills added: “We are delighted to be working with Directors UK to deliver this new programme for shooting PDs. This is a business-critical role as well as one where there are known shortages, so to be able to train a UK-wide cohort with the skills needed to succeed in this role is really important. As with all investment through the Unscripted TV Skills Fund, there is a focus on participants working in the nations and regions as part of our ambition to create a bigger, stronger pool of talent for productions to access for the great content they are making, wherever they are based.”
Jon Creamer
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