Unscripted TV become a self-shooting PD 2025-2026

Stay ahead of the competition as a self-shooting producer director (PD) in 2026.

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.

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.

In addition, delegates will develop the key managerial and people skills required of a PD.

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 54 delegates based across the UK.

This programme is aimed at experienced APs, Producers or PDs in unscripted TV. 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.

This training programme will run across several regional cohorts. Each course will involve 3 x weekends of face-to-face training, plus additional online sessions and masterclasses.

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

• London – 20 & 21st September, 4 & 5th October, and 18 & 19th October 2025
• Bristol – 15 & 16th November, 29 & 30th November, and 13 & 14th December 2025
• Belfast – 17 & 18th January, 31st January  & 1st February, 14 & 15th February 2026
• Glasgow – 14 & 15th March, 28 & 29th March, 18 & 19th April 2026
• Manchester – 25 & 26th April, 16 & 17th May, 30 & 31st May 2026
• Birmingham – 4 & 5th July, 18 & 19th July, 1 & 2nd August 2026

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.

The training is heavily funded by ScreenSkills, with an additional fee of £350 for participating.

There are bursaries available for those who require support. Please contact training@dvtalent.co.uk for any enquiries about these bursaries before or at the same time as submitting your application.

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

Please note, in addition to this shooting skills programme, later this year we will also be running a holistic Step Up to PD programme for those looking to step up from AP to PD. It will cover all aspects of the role from the editorial and managerial to the technical and professional skills needed. While you may apply for both, you will not be able to participate in both. Please take this into consideration when applying for either.

What it covers

Weekend One

The programme begins with a focus on technical training and exercises, including building the camera, settings, lenses, framing, focus, exposure, depth of field, lighting, sound, with plenty of practical exercises.

Weekend Two

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

Weekend Three

The in-person training culminates with delegates shooting their showreels (think a sophisticated sequence! Stories to be presented before the programme commences). All reviewed by tutors with expert feedback and a chance to showcase your work in the popular screening night (for your cohort.)

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

Following completion of the training, each delegate will be eligible to a £1k ScreenSkills bursary for further training purposes or equipment.

Trainer

DV Talent is the UK’s leading training provider for professionals working in the television, film and digital media industries https://www.wedeveloptalent.co.uk/

Testimonials

“I've just come back from 6 weeks of shooting around the country on a project as a self shooting PD. I decided to pitch this job as observational in approach due to the skills learnt on the course so I've been putting them into action straight away which has been great. Without the course I expect I'd not have pushed myself to the next level. I've already been recommending the course and raving about it. I'm so grateful for the opportunity.”

Catherine – Manchester

“The course fulfilled my requirements and more. We covered a lot on the programme and I was surprised at how quickly I picked up the information.  This was clearly down to the quality of the trainers.”

Maria / Glasgow

How to apply

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.

You must have at least 2-3 years of experience in unscripted TV.

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

• What do you hope to gain from the course?
• Please briefly describe your experience to date of shooting for a broadcast production; including details on the specific cameras used. 
• Please briefly describe any experience you have of editing either using software and/ or edit producing.

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

Key dates:

London

• Training weekends: 20 & 21st September, 4 & 5th October, and 18 & 19th October 2025
• Application deadline: 12th September 2025

Bristol

• Training weekends: 15 & 16th November, 29 & 30th November, and 13 & 14th December 2025
• Application deadline: 6th November 2025

Belfast

• Training weekends 17 & 18th January, 31st January  & 1st February, 14 & 15th February 2026
• Application deadline: 9th January 2026

Glasgow

• Training weekends: 14 & 15th March, 28 & 29th March, 18 & 19th April 2026
• Application deadline: 6th March 2026

Manchester:

• Training weekends: 25 & 26th April, 16 & 17th May, 30 & 31st May 2026
• Application deadline: 17th April 2026

Birmingham:

• Training weekends: 4 & 5th July, 18 & 19th July, 1 & 2nd August 2026
• Application deadline: 26th June 2026