Sizzles masterclass - How to create a tape that will sell your show

As part of our Step Up strand, we’re offering training to help individuals coming back into the industry after a break, moving into a new role or responsibility level, or improving skills in unscripted TV. 

What are the magic ingredients of a great sizzle? In this focused three-hour online session, we’ll analyse a curated selection of sizzle tapes from across the unscripted landscape that have successfully sold shows. We’ll break down why they work, how to structure a compelling script, where to source the right material, and how to use music strategically - leaving buyers with a crystal-clear sense of your show and an appetite to see more.

Who it's for

This course is for anyone working in unscripted TV who wishes to learn more about what makes a great sizzle.

The majority of our online short course offering is for those at early career stage and above. As a result, we generally require applicants to have at least 3 credits (unless working in a traditionally uncredited role or production studio role). If you strongly feel you would still benefit from the training, please email USF@screenskills.com so we can assess if an exception should be made.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. This course is designed to be as interactive as possible. Please email the above address 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.

What it covers

Delivered with humour and candour, the session will include:

• The role of the sizzle – what it needs to do, who it’s for, and how it fits into the broader pitch process.
• How to script with precision – VO vs slates, plus insight on tone and intention, emotional hooks and narrative spine.
• How to find the right visuals – including sourced footage and self-shot material.
• How to set the tone – music, pacing, graphics and VO style to communicate genre, ambition and attitude.
• How to use AI wisely – options for generating VO, visuals, or graphics using AI tools.
• Preparing for post-pitch reality – what happens once it’s sent - who sees it, and how is it shared.

Trainers 

Anna Blue and Will Spokes met 26 years ago as researchers on The Big Breakfast. No training, no handover - just two hours of live TV every morning in one of the most chaotic, high-pressure environments imaginable.

Since then, they’ve each built 27-year careers as entertainment creatives and development consultants, shaping, selling and producing some of the UK’s best-known unscripted formats - from genre-defining hits to inventive digital-first experiments.

Their credits include The Fortune Hotel, The Mash Report, Life Stripped Bare, You’re Back in the Room, Got to Dance, Push the Button, Saturday Night Takeaway, Taxi of Mum and Dad, and The Big Jubilee Street Party.

They still work actively in the industry, both as freelance execs and creative consultants - so everything they teach is grounded in what’s really happening in telly right now.

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘apply now’ 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 need additional support to complete your application or require the application form in an alternative format please contact USF@screenskills.com

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.