Overview
Following the success of the inaugural training programme, ScreenSkills, DV Talent and Directors UK are delighted to announce the return of this hugely popular programme.
‘’Fantastic course which provided a supported environment in which to learn. There was never a question left unanswered or concern not addressed - something which is a rarity in our fast-paced industry.’’
‘’I learnt so much, and came away feeling really confident in my abilities as a capable shooter. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any aspiring PDs.’’
''The course was excellent. Very professional and well thought out. It’s been incredibly beneficial to me and my career. Since doing it, I’ve been shooting on a weekly basis'’
With opportunities to ‘learn on the job’ fewer and farther between, DV Talent is delighted to announce the return of the Become a Self-Shooting PD programme, that will again help more than 50 delegates make the transition with confidence.
The extensive training scheme is funded by ScreenSkills and being delivered in partnership with Directors UK.
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. In addition, delegates will develop the key managerial and people skills required of a PD, gain a rounded understanding of the production workflow and budgetary considerations, as well as raise their industry profile.
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.
The course 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. Followed by comprehensive shooting for the edit training, including sequence planning, creating a compelling story and dynamic scenes.
Finally, all training is put to creative use as showreels are shot on the final weekend. Please note ideas for this will be required before the programme commences.
Additional masterclasses will provide skills in commentary writing, an edit directing masterclass, leadership and duty of care training, and networking opportunities / career planning.
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.
Photos by Laura Curran (1) / Christopher Andreou (2/3).
Here's some trainees from the last programme; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e70JsTF3PtA
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 – 13/14 Jan + 27/28 Jan + 10/11 February / Applications close 15th December 2023
London – 16/17 March + 6/7 April + 20/21 April / Applications close 16th February
Belfast – 27/28 April + 18/19 May + 8/9 June / Applications close 29th March - EXTENTED to 19th April - Hurry last places available!!
**Manchester or Newcastle – 6/7 July + 20/21 July + 3/4 August / Applications close 7th June
Glasgow – 7/8 Sep + 21/22 Sep + 5/6 October / Applications close 9th August
Birmingham – 26/27 Oct + 9/10 Nov + 23/24 November / Applications close 27th September
**Please note this cohort will be held in either Manchester OR Newcastle depending on demand.
Cost?
The course is heavily subsidised by ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund
The course fee for delegates is £375 + 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 groups that are under-represented in Unscripted TV, or those with additional costs (eg. caring or travel). 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.
Applications are open to members of Directors UK and non-members passionate about pursuing a career as a self-shooting PD.
There will be 9 places available on the course in each location.
COURSE CONTENT
- The first weekend will focus on technical training and exercises, including building the camera, settings, lenses, , framing focus, exposure. Depth of field, lighting, sound, and 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.
- The last 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.
- Additional online masterclasses; Edit Producing, Career progression / Networking opportunities / Leadership skills / Compliance / Duty of Care and Mental wellbeing.
Plus, many tips and tricks from our industry pros along the way!
