Producing truth: for UK documentary feature producers

This programme is for documentary feature producers based in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the English Regions outside of London. 

This programme is specifically focused on building core production and business skills, confidence and a support network for independent producers working on documentaries outside of commercial structures, unscripted or factual TV formats. Participating producers will benefit from a programme tailored to the distinct challenges of developing, funding and distributing independent non-fiction cinema today.

This inclusive programme will follow the producing journey from project inception through to exhibition. Independent documentary involves creative and business risk taking and strategic planning centred on relationship building. Producers need tools to create the environment for powerful stories and subjects to thrive and to help them manage the unpredictable nature of producing in this field.

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions.

Who it's for

Open to up to 12 mid-level producers based in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and English regions outside of London. The training will be delivered by a consortium of industry-leading partners who have specific awareness of local context and networks, independent documentary filmmaking, as well a track record in talent development, training and outreach initiatives.

The outcome of the programme will be to offer real career progression for experienced mid-level producers who have completed at minimum one feature length film as the lead producer. They will update their knowledge on production practicalities, gain insights into current distribution and marketplace, guidance and strategies for sustaining livelihood and resilience, and to broaden their professional networks.

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. 

What it covers

This hybrid programme will include seven online sessions and case studies delivered by field leaders and will culminate in exposure to a professional market where the learnings can be applied. In-depth online sessions and case studies will be delivered as a 2.5hr session on a weekly basis from the 13 May to the 1 July 2024. Additionally the participating producers will attend Docs Ireland market on 21 and 22 June 2024.

Course overview:

Sessions will be dedicated to specific fields of the documentary producer skillset, including:

●       Business and legals: finance, budgeting and funding

●       International co-production

●       Collaborative storytelling

●       Producer wellbeing and resilience

●       Markets and distribution

The final session, delivered after their in-person attendance at a documentary film market will offer a space for reflection and guidance for next steps in career development.

The programme will be delivered by BFI Doc Society Fund, Docs Ireland, Scottish Documentary Institute, and Screen Alliance Wales.

How to apply

Please click 'apply now' to submit your application. You will need to be logged into your ScreenSkills account to submit your application.

Screenskills is also supporting 'BIFA Springboard: Producers' for fiction producers who are currently working on their second feature film. If you are interested in applying, you can find the course page here.

Contact information

Email: sanne@docsociety.org