The A-Z of TV research

Are you an a researcher who wants to refine their specialist skills, a junior researcher who wants to be first in line for a promotion or an experienced runner looking to make the step up to researcher?

Would you like to know more about research specialisms such as archive research, casting research and basic shooting?

The A-Z of TV research is a comprehensive series of online and in-person masterclasses and workshops covering all aspects of what it takes to be a brilliant, modern TV Researcher. The course is delivered by Televised Minds and taught by Anna Blue and Will Spokes, executive producers working in TV production, with additional tutors specialising in Casting, Archive, Communication and Shooting.

We will equip you with the skills to thrive in an evolving and competitive industry.

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

Who it's for

We're looking to recruit 72 delegates from across the UK.

it's particularly aimed at experienced runners with several credits who are looking to step up, junior researchers and researchers. You must be working in unscripted television. This not an entry level opportunity.

This training programme will run across several regional cohorts. Each course will involve 6 online sessions and 1 in-person training day.

Please only apply for the one closest to where you live or intend to work.

• Manchester (and online) - 7th Jan - 25th Mar 2026
• Glasgow (and online) - 7th Jan - 25th Mar 2026
• Bristol (and online) - 8th Jan - 25th Mar 2026

There are bursaries available for those who require additional support. Please contact info@televisedminds.com for any enquiries about these bursaries before or at the same time as submitting your application.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from minority ethnic groups; disabled people; people from the LGBT community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

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 USF@screenskills.com

What it covers

Across a suite of six online and two in-person masterclasses and workshops, we will focus on the basics of researching but within a modern context – allowing for current mental health, safeguarding, sustainability and technical considerations, including AI.

We’ll cover a huge range of skills including idea generation, brief and biog writing, time management, fact-checking, problem solving, casting, archive, communication skills and how to use and care for a camera. We’ll give you access to the country’s best specialist tutors and we’ll end the course with a panel of TV greats (who were all researchers once themselves) and allow you to ask them anything you want.

Each cohort will receive the following sessions

• Online Session One – The Fundamentals of Being a TV Researcher
• In-Person Day - Kit Care & Usage and The Art of Communication and Connection
• Online Session Two – Deeper skills
• Online Session Three – The Secrets of Archive Research
• Online Session Four – Casting, Duty of Care & Welfare
• Online Session Five – Career Workshop
• Online Session Six – ‘Ask ‘Em Anything’ Industry Expert Q&A Panel

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: Anna is a freelance EP currently working on The Fashion Awards and Stand Up to Cancer; Will is a creative consultant and is currently working with several companies on specific briefs and development strategy — so everything they teach is grounded in what’s really happening in telly right now.

Mel Walden - casting - is a highly experienced casting executive with over 23 years’ experience across all genres, from development through to delivery. She specialises in bespoke casting strategies, inclusive practices, and duty of care - often working on sensitive subject matter and with underrepresented communities.

Her credits include Virgin Island, Junior Taskmaster, The Savoy, Future Food Stars, Child Genius, The Voice, and over 20 Stand Up To Cancer films.

Mel also delivers casting training for ScreenSkills, PACT and leading indies, with a focus on compliance, confidentiality and legal frameworks - helping productions navigate the complexities of casting in today’s TV landscape.

Fiona Drummond - communication - is a communication trainer and facilitator, specialising in theatre-based techniques to boost presence, impact and connection. A former actor at the National Theatre and storyteller for the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, she now works with leaders across business, education and the arts.

She is an associate trainer for ESTU Global and part of Shakespeare’s Globe’s Centre Stage programme, delivering high-impact training rooted in performance and storytelling.

Clients include Boldyn Networks, CERO Generation, The Old Vic, and the MRC Doctoral Training Programme. Fiona helps people rehearse new ways of communicating - turning theory into confident, authentic leadership in practice.

Tess McNally Watson - archive - is an archive producer and assistant live producer with over 10 years’ experience working exclusively in archive research and clearance across feature documentaries, drama, exhibitions, awards shows and live events.

She specialises in sourcing rare and unseen footage, photographs and audio - securing rights, managing budgets, and ensuring every asset is cleared and usable.

Tess works regularly with major suppliers including the BBC, Getty, MTV, NBC, Apple, UMG and Sony.

Her credits include Becoming Led Zeppelin, Robbie Williams (Netflix), Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now, The Sparks Brothers, 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room and The Fashion Awards.

Oliver Schofield – kit care and usage -  is an experienced director of photography with over 25 years behind the lens, working across documentaries, commercials and drama. Starting out as a camera trainee in the BBC Drama Department in the early ’90s, he’s worked his way through the ranks to become a trusted DP known for his adaptability, technical knowledge and calm on set.

Based in East London but often on the move, Oliver shoots on everything from Canon C500s and Sony Venice to Arri Alexa and Bolex 16mm — pairing the right camera and vintage or modern lenses to suit each project’s tone, scale and ambition.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply now’ at the top of the page and follow the instructions to apply for your place. You must log in or register before you are able to complete your application.

Please select the cohort you wish to apply for in the right-hand menu. Please only apply for one cohort, in the location that is easiest for you to attend.

You must be available for all of the online dates in the cohort you select and be able to attend the in-person training in the host city for that cohort.

While most questions in the application form are multiple choice or require short answers, two questions will require longer answers. For your preparation, these are:

• Which elements of a researcher’s skill set are you most keen to improve on? (Approx. 200 words)
• What direction would you like your long-term TV career to take – Producer? Director? Commissioner? Feel free to be as specific or general as you like (Approx. 200 words)

If you need additional support to complete your application or require the application form in an alternative format please contact USF@screenskills.com

Judging information

Applications will be judged by Televised Minds and are based on how relevant we feel the course would be for your job role. We aim to let all applicants know whether they have been successful within two weeks of the application closing date.

Key Dates

Manchester (and online)

• Application deadline: Friday 31st October 2025
• Online session 1: Fundamentals - Weds 7th Jan 2026 10am – 1pm
• In-person: Communication and kit care - Weds 21st Jan 2026 All Day
• Online session 2: Deeper skills - Weds 11th Feb 2026 10am – 1pm
• Online session 3: Archive research - Mon 23rd Feb 2026 5pm – 7pm
• Online session 4:Casting research - Weds 25th Feb 2026 2pm – 4pm
• Online session 5: Careers advice - Weds 18th Mar 2026 10am-12pm OR 1pm-3pm
• Online session 6: Q&A Ask ‘em anything - Weds 25th Mar 2026 11am – 12.30pm

Glasgow (and online)

• Application deadline: Fri 31st October 2025
• Online session 1: Fundamentals - Weds 7th Jan 2026 2pm – 5pm
• In-person: Communication and kit care - Weds 28th Jan 2026 All Day
• Online session 2: Deeper skills - Weds 11th Feb 2026 2pm – 5pm
• Online session 3: Archive research - Weds 25th Feb 2026 5pm – 7pm
• Online session 4: Casting research - Thurs 26th Feb 2026 5pm – 7pm
• Online session 5: Careers advice - Weds 18th Mar 2026 4pm-6pm OR Thurs 19th Mar 2026 10am-12pm
• Online session 6: Q&A Ask ‘em anything - Weds 25th Mar 2026 11am – 12.30pm

Bristol (and online)

• Application deadline: Fri 31st Oct 2025 2025
• Online session 1: Fundamentals - Thurs 8th Jan 2026 10am – 1pm
• In-person: Communication and kit care - Weds 4th Feb 2026 All Day
• Online session 2: Deeper skills - Thurs 12th Feb 2026 10am – 1pm
• Online session 3: Archive Research - Mon 2nd Mar 2026 5pm – 7pm
• Online session 4: Casting Research - Weds 4th Mar 2026 5pm – 7pm
• Online session 5: Careers Advice Session - Thurs 19th Mar 2026 1pm-3pm OR 4pm –6pm 
• Online session 6: Q&A Ask ‘em anything - Weds 25th Mar 2026 11am – 12.30pm