Become a self shooting PD

We are delighted to announce the return of the hugely popular Become a Self Shooting PD training programme!

This highly practical programme is taught by acclaimed, self-shooting producer/directors, series producers and execs, and at the end of the programme, trainees will have developed, shot and edited their own films / showreels.

Over 6 days, plus online masterclasses, feedback sessions and screenings, participants will learn the technical and editorial skills needed to shoot for broadcast with confidence, PDing a project from conception through to edit. In addition, delegates will develop the key managerial and people skills required of a PD, gain a rounded understanding of the production workflow and budgetary considerations, as well as raise their industry profile. 

The programme will cover setting up and using the popular broadcast camera FS7, making the right lens choices, focus, exposure, framing, shot composition, as well as lighting and sound. Followed by comprehensive shooting for the edit training, including sequence planning, creating a compelling story and dynamic scenes.

Finally, all training is put to creative use as showreels are shot on the final weekend. Please note ideas for this will be required before the programme commences. 

Additional masterclasses will provide skills in commentary writing, an edit directing masterclass, leadership and duty of care training, and networking opportunities / career planning.

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Networks UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5, Netflix, ITV, Amazon, UKTV and S4C matched by production companies.

Who it's for

Experienced APs or PDs. Also open to industry professionals who are returning to the industry or have little shooting experience. Or for those who wish to step up a grade or widen their skill set, but delegates do not need a broadcast shooting credit to apply.

We have 54 places across the programme – 9 participants on each of the 6 cohorts.

Applications are open for cohorts across the UK for those based in or near Cardiff, London, Belfast, Manchester/Newcastle*, Glasgow, Birmingham.

* Please note, the location for the cohort in Manchester OR Newcastle will be determined by demand.

Each course will involve 3 x weekends of face-to-face training, plus additional online sessions and masterclasses.

• Cardiff: 13th & 14th January, 27th & 28th January, and 10th & 11th February 2024
• London: 16th & 17th March, 6th & 7th April, and 20th & 21st April 2024
• Belfast: 27th & 28th April, 18th & 19th May, and 8th & 9th June 2024
• Manchester or Newcastle: 6th & 7th July, 20th & 21st July, and 3rd & 4th August 2024
• Glasgow: 7th & 8th September, 21st & 22nd September, 5th & 6th October 2024
• Birmingham: 26th & 27th October, 9th & 10th November, 23rd & 24th November 2024

The course fee for delegates is £375 + VAT (£450 inclusive of VAT) which is payable on acceptance to the course. This course has been heavily subsidised by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund.

A limited number of bursaries are also available to help towards the course fee and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. These bursaries are primarily to support people from groups that are under-represented in unscripted TV, or those with additional costs (e.g. caring or travel). Please indicate on your application form if you would like to be considered for a bursary, and tell us a little why you'd like to apply for this. 

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Minority Ethnic Groups; 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.

Contact the 'Have a question' box on the DV Talent course page.

What it covers

The first weekend will focus on technical training and exercises, including building the camera, settings, lenses, , framing focus, exposure. Depth of field, lighting, sound, and plenty of practical exercises.

The second will revolve around shooting for the edit. Including building sequences, dynamic shots, compelling storytelling/mapping and shot progression, as well as interview techniques.

The last weekend will see delegates shoot their showreels (stories to be presented before the programme commences). All reviewed by tutors with expert feedback.

Additional online masterclasses; Edit Producing, Career progression / Networking opportunities / Leadership skills / Compliance / Duty of Care and Mental wellbeing.

Plus, many tips and tricks from our industry pros along the way!

How to apply

Click the 'Apply now' button above. You’ll be redirected to the DV Talent website.

On applying, you will be asked to confirm the location you are applying for and your availability for the fixed dates. You are expected to be available for the duration of your chosen cohort.

Eligibility: You must have 3-5 years relevant professional industry experience in unscripted TV.

Judging information

Application deadlines:

• Cardiff: 15th December 2023.
• London: 16th February 2024.
• Belfast: 29th March 2024.
• Manchester or Newcastle: 7th June 2024.
• Glasgow: 9th August 2024.
• Birmingham: 27th September 2024.

The training provider hopes to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within a week of the deadline for each cohort.