Producing Change: Impact Production in Unscripted TV

This session is part of the Connect & Inspire strand which offers a variety of sessions, from in-person networking and online roundtables to in-depth case studies, designed to promote the sharing of knowledge and the building of relationships across unscripted TV.

Over the past few decades, the UK’s screen industries - especially the independent documentary sector - have become increasingly driven by the desire to create meaningful social impact. Impact production has grown into a recognised craft in the documentary space, helping films shift conversations and spark change. While the professionalisation of the role is well underway within the independent documentary sector, it is still finding its feet within unscripted TV. Many in the sector are confused as to what exactly  “impact production” is, why it matters, how it fits into existing workflows, and how it can productively sit alongside institutional policy restrictions. This session will address these key considerations, while simultaneously unpacking the variety of transferable skills impact producers bring to an unscripted project.

To this end, the panel brings together leading voices to explore what the role of the impact producer could look like for Unscripted TV in 2026. This will include reflection on  the required skillsets and emerging career pathways open to the impact-minded creator. The panellist will further break down how the impact producer could help programmes stand out, reach wider audiences, and spark meaningful conversation.

Hosted by Cherique Pohl, ImpactWild

Who it's for

This session is open to everyone working in unscripted TV.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. This course is designed to be as interactive as possible.

Please email USF@screenskills.com if you have any access requirements and we will be delighted to help, be that clarifying the form such interaction is likely to take or discussing reasonable adjustments.

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘get ticket’ at the top of the page and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

If you are no longer able to attend, we ask you to please use the “decline ticket” function on the right hand side of the page so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration.

This session is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.

This course would normally cost participants to attend, but thanks to this support, we are able to offer it to you for free. If you fail to attend, we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.