Overview
ScreenSkills are delighted to announce the return of this highly popular programme!!
It has been recommissioned, and heavily funded by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK’s screen industries.
‘’Absolutely incredible. I have done so many camera training courses over the years but this was without a doubt the best. I feel so confident with a camera now!’’
''A really great course that without a doubt provided me with the skills and knowledge to confidently shoot. All round amazing experience''
‘’Almost as soon as the course finished, I got a job as a self-shooting AP’’
This highly practical training programme is aimed at researchers and APs working in unscripted TV, who want to shoot for broadcast, cross shoot and generally be an asset in the field.
Taught by acclaimed, self-shooting producer/directors and series producers this comprehensive course will teach delegates everything there is to know to shoot with confidence for a wide range of factual TV. At the end of the programme, trainees will have developed, shot and edited their own films / showreels.
The programme will cover setting up and using the popular broadcast camera FS7, making the right lens choices, focus, exposure, framing, shot composition, as well as lighting and sound. The second weekend will put this into action as trainees move into shooting for the edit, building sequences, interview techniques and observational filmmaking. The third weekend will see our trainees shoot their films, which once edited, will be reviewed by our trainers. Please note ideas for this will be required before the programme commences.
The course will also teach the professional skills needed to work effectively with contributors and with teams, as well as key compliance, logistical and health and safety considerations. Plus, plenty of tips, tricks, and insights from our expert trainers.
In addition, delegates will have access to exclusive online masterclasses covering everything from career planning and development as an AP to managing mental and physical health.
This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Networks UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5, Netflix, ITV, Amazon, UKTV and S4C matched by production companies.
The course is also supported by the Talent Manager and The Kit Room offering ongoing technical support to delegates.
Course Content
Where?
We will be delivering the course at locations across the UK including Cardiff, London, Belfast, Manchester/Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham,
When?
Each course will involve 3 x weekends of face-to-face training, plus additional online sessions and masterclasses.
All dates are in 2024;
Cardiff – 6/7 Jan + 20/21 Jan + 3/4 Feb - Applications close 8th December 202
London – 9/10 March + 23/24 March + 13/14 April - Applications close 9th February 2024
Belfast – 11/12 May + 1/2 June + 15/16 June - Applications close 19th April 2024
**Manchester or Newcastle – 13/14 July + 27/28 July + 10/11 August - Applications close 14th June 2024
Glasgow – 31 Aug /1 Sep + 14/15 Sep + 28/29 September - Applications close 2nd August 2024
Birmingham – 19/20 Oct + 2/3 Nov + 16/17 November - Applications close 20 September 2024
**Please note, this cohort will be held in Manchester OR Newcastle depending on demand.
Successfull applicants will be contacted within a week after applications close.
Cost?
The course fee for delegates is £350 + vat per person.
This course has been heavily subsidised by ScreenSkills and the Unscripted TV Skills Fund. A limited number of bursaries are also available to help towards the course fee and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. These bursaries are primarily to support people from under-represented groups in Unscripted TV, or those with additional costs (eg. caring or travel, returning to work.) Please indicate on your application form if you would like to be considered for a bursary, and tell us a little why you'd like to apply for this.
Course content
The first weekend will focus on technical training and exercises (and generally demystifying the technicals!), including building the camera, settings, lenses, framing focus, exposure. Depth of field, lighting, sound, and plenty of hands on/practical exercises.
The second will revolve around shooting for the edit, including building sequences, storytelling, interview techniques and thinking like a filmmaker.
The final weekend will see delegates shoot their showreels (think sophisticated sequence! Idea of stories to be presented before the programme commences). All reviewed by tutors with expert feedback.
Additional online masterclasses; edit producing, career progression / H&S and Compliance / Duty of Care and Mental wellbeing.
Plus, many tips and tricks from our industry pros along the way!
Here's a few of the trainees from the last programme! https://youtu.be/a7eMFWMxdEU
