High-end TV 3rd AD background action training

Are you a 3rd AD working in high-end television looking to enhance your skills in coordinating background action?

Working with a range of SA’s, young people and a full crew, this programme aims to give you the tools, skills and experience to manage background action shots with confidence.

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 course is aimed at:

• established 3rd ADs
• new 3rd ADs looking to build confidence and sharpen their skills, especially in the complex and often high-pressures task of setting and directing background action
• experienced floor runners who are ready to step up 

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

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to meet them. 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 alison@almaisonproducers.net

What it covers

Delivered by Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees, in association with Wall to Wall and Waterloo Road, the programme will cover:

• 3 x online workshops covering key aspects of action shoots, and requirements
• 1 x half day in person script breakdown of scenes
• 1 x full day on set training with crew, SA’s, young people shooting scenes in practice and gaining industry feedback.
• Follow up feedback sessions online.

In addition, where appropriate, shadowing opportunities on Waterloo Road will be offered, following training to embed learning further with experienced teams.

Support to access will be provided, including travel and accommodation where required.

How to apply

In person training will take place on the following dates at Waterloo Road HQ:

• Friday 29 May (afternoon only)
• Saturday 30 May all day
• Online workshop dates will take place around the availability of the participants - dates TBC

Click ‘apply now’ to apply for your place 

You will need to be signed into your ScreenSkills account.

Deadline for applications: 30 April 2026

Contact information

Name: Alison Surtees
Email: alison@almaisonproducers.net