Developing great formats for unscripted TV

Formats are the bread and butter of the unscripted television market and a great format has the potential to sell internationally and deliver reliable revenue for a production company. But how do you come up with a great format? And how do you ensure your idea is as strong as it can be? In this intensive one-day course you’ll be given practical, usable tools to help you unlock your creativity and methods to evaluate your ideas. 

By the end of the training, expect to have developed one or more pitch-ready headline format ideas of your own. (Ideas discussed/developed in the session will remain confidential and the IP of the trainee who developed them).

Who is this for

Editorial team members or anyone with an unscripted TV format idea who would like to learn more about techniques to use to create a great idea. It is of particular benefit to those wanting or work in development or those already working in development in any role such as researchers, assistant producers, producers or those running an independent production company.

What it covers

• Where to find inspiration
• Format brainstorming techniques
• Divergent and convergent thinking – moving from blue-sky ideas to practical solutions
• Stress testing tools
• Adding value your project
• What makes your project unmissable

 

Trainer

Kate Fletcher is a freelance development executive based in Bristol and Cardiff with over 20 years of experience developing unscripted content for UK terrestrial broadcasters and the international market. Her work has covered a range of factual genres from specialist factual to documentaries, daytime, and popular factual formats resulting in over 70 hours of commissions. Kate also applies her creative skills to other disciplines such as teaching choirs and running workshops.

Duration

One day – 10:00 – 17:00

Location

Online - via Zoom

Class size

5 - 15 people

Cost

£150

Next course

16 April 2026

Bursary applicable

There are ScreenSkills bursaries available to cover some or all of the costs of this training course - including travel, accommodation, subsistence, care or disability access support to attend this course. To find out more about the support you may be eligible for, click the button below:

Apply for a bursary

About this listing

This training course is not funded or commissioned by ScreenSkills, but has been reviewed to ensure it is meeting agreed standards such as industry-led diversity targets, appropriate business insurance, and evidence of previous quality training provision.