HETV Assistant Script Editor/ Script Assistant Training (Northern Ireland)

Are you a HETV Assistant Script Editor or Script Assistant based in Northern Ireland who wants to develop their skills?  

Or are you from another HETV department, writing or writing adjacent profession who can demonstrate an ambition to move into script editing?

This immersive training course, delivered by renowned script consultant Philip Shelley, is for you. 

This training will take place in person in Belfast between March 11 and 13 2026 and will cover all aspects of how to excel as an assistant script editor or script assistant.  

This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills High-end Television Skills Fund made up of contributions from high-end television productions made in the UK.

Who it's for

This training is aimed at five main groups: 

• Assistant script editors and script assistants working in HETV in Northern Ireland who want to further develop their skills
• Individuals in any HETV development role (eg development assistant, script reader, researcher) in Northern Ireland who want to move into assistant script editor/ script assistant roles   
• HETV professionals from any department in Northern Ireland who can demonstrate an ambition to move into the role of script editor/ script assistant 
• Writers who want to branch out into script editing
• Those in other writing-adjacent professions (theatre, publishing, film, etc) keen to move into assistant script editor/ script assistant roles in HETV. 

This training is only open to individuals living and/or working in Northern Ireland.

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

We also welcome applications from those looking to return to work following a career break who have equivalent experience.

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, or would like support completing the booking form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email philip.shelley@script-consultant.co.uk

What it covers

This course is highly interactive. Participants will develop, demonstrate and practice their skills in all areas of the assistant script editor and script assistant roles. 

The course will cover: 

• The role of an assistant script editor and script assistant and the skills required to be successful in these roles
• Exercises and best practices for generating and developing new HETV drama ideas
• Guidance on identifying key screenwriting talent
• Practical exercises on how to analyse a script
• The development and production elements of script editing 
• Overview of Final Draft software and how script editors make best use of it
• Interactive exercises in giving script feedback to a working screenwriter 
• Receiving feedback from the screenwriter and Philip Shelley 

Each participant will be offered two follow-up 20-minute zoom calls with Philip Shelley after the training. These one-to-one sessions will be directed by the participant to go into further details about elements of the training if needed.

How to apply

Click 'apply now' to submit your application. You will need to be signed into your ScreenSkills account.

Deadline for applications: Friday 20 February 2026

Contact information

Name: Philip Shelley
Email: philip.shelley@script-consultant.co.uk