DV Talent & Screenskills - ''Become a Self-Shooting PD''

Overview

 

Now on its third successful run…

ScreenSkills, DV Talent and Directors UK are delighted to announce the return of this hugely popular programme. 

Stay ahead of the competition in 2026.

Over 6 days, plus online masterclasses, feedback sessions and screenings, participants will learn the technical and editorial skills needed to shoot for broadcast with confidence, PDing a project from conception through to edit.

This highly practical programme is taught by acclaimed, self-shooting producer/directors, series producers and execs, and at the end of the programme, trainees will have developed, shot and edited their own films / showreels.

In addition, delegates will develop the key managerial and people skills required of a PD.

 

Who it's for

We’re looking to recruit 54 delegates based across the UK.

This programme is aimed at staff in unscripted TV with at least 2-3 years industry experience. The aim is to add another feather to trainees caps - to maximise employability and to help you pivot between roles. 

This training programme will run across several regional cohorts. Please only apply for the one closest to where you live or intend to work:

There are 9 places available on the course in each location. 

2025 / 2026 

London – 20/21 Sep / 4/5 Oct / 18/19 Oct – Applications close 12^th September

Bristol – 15/16 Nov / 29/30 Nov / 13/14 Dec - Applications close 7^th November

Belfast – 17/18 Jan / 31 Jan -1 Feb / 14/15 Feb - Applications close 9th January

Glasgow - 14/15 March / 28/29 March / 18/19 Apr - Applications close 6^th March

Manchester - 25/26 Apr / 16/17 May / 30/31 May  - Applications close 17^th April 

Birmingham - 4/5 July / 18/19 July / 1/2 Aug  - Applications close 26^th June 

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Minority Ethnic Groups; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

 
The training is heavily funded by ScreenSkills, with an additional fee of £350 for participating.

(There’s a £1k ScreenSkills bursary available for further training purposes / equipment, on application)

There are bursaries available for those who require support. Please contact training@dvtalent.co.uk for any enquiries about these bursaries before or at the same time as submitting your application.

If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email USF@screenskills.com

 
What it covers

Training will be across 3 non-consecutive face-to-face weekends with additional online masterclasses.

• The first weekend will focus on technical training and exercises, including building the camera, settings, lenses, framing focus, exposure, depth of field, lighting, sound, with plenty of practical exercises.

• The second will revolve around shooting for the edit. Including building sequences, dynamic shots, compelling storytelling/mapping and shot progression, as well as interview techniques, tips and tricks. 

• The final face-to-face weekend will see delegates shoot their showreels (think a sophisticated sequence! Stories to be presented before the programme commences). All reviewed by tutors with expert feedback and a chance to show case your work in the popular screening night (for your cohort.)

• Additional online masterclasses; Edit Producing, Career progression / Networking opportunities / Leadership skills / Compliance / Duty of Care and Mental wellbeing.

DV Talent is the UK’s leading training provider for professionals working in the television, film and digital media industries https://www.wedeveloptalent.co.uk/

The course is also supported by the Talent Manager and The Kit Room offering ongoing technical support to delegates.







Photos by Laura Curran (1) / Christopher Andreou (2/3).