Unscripted TV Development skills training camp 2025-26

Do you work in Unscripted TV and want to learn more about the art of creating and pitching ideas?

Then our brand new development skills training camps could be for you.

Over three in-person days our training camp will provide you with learning, skills and insight to help you understand more about winning commissions in a competitive market.

You will meet experts in the production arena, from successful producers to channel commissioners, and be able to participate in fun and insightful workshops where you will be challenged to create new ideas and pitch them to industry experts.

Day by day you will gain a better understanding of how to pinpoint opportunities in the content market and discover new ways to create ideas that are both practical and saleable.

You will learn how existing development theories need to be adapted to address the new demands of high cost streamer commissioning and low cost traditional, domestic programming.

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 60 delegates from across the UK.

It’s aimed at researchers, APs and anyone at an equivalent level in unscripted TV with an interest in working in development. You will need to illustrate your passion and enthusiasm for working in the development of ideas for television. Please note, this is not an entry level opportunity.

This training programme will run across several regional cohorts. Each cohort will consist of 3 in-person training days. 

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

• London - 26th, 27th & 28th November 2025
• Manchester - 3rd, 4th & 5th December 2025
• Belfast - 14th, 15th & 16th January 2026
• Glasgow - 11th, 12th & 13th February 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.  

Access and travel support is available to ensure the training is accessible to all. Please contact mark@grandscheme.tv 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 

What it covers

Day One - Your starter pack:

• Introduction and Insights
• Ten Things You Need to Know About Development
• Essential Tools for Pitching
• Workshop

Day Two - Achieving success:

• Idea Generation
• The Secrets of the Development Room
• Technical Skills
• Workshop

Day Three: The business of development:

• Understanding the Market
• Communication Skills
• Commissioner’s Perspective
• Workshop

Trainers

Grand Scheme Media was set up by television executives Graham Smith and Mark Robson. For over 12 years, their training has focused on the practical arts of development and production across a range of genres, with genuine insight into commissioning and programme-making.

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. 

To apply, you must: 

• Be currently working in unscripted TV (including as a freelancer) or returning from a career break at researcher, AP, or equivalent level.
• Be aged 18 or over and not in full-time education 
• Be available for the dates of the specific training camp you are applying for 

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

• Please explain why you feel you would benefit from attending this Development Skills Workshop? (Approx. 100 words)
• What relevant experience do you have in developing content for the media market? (Approx. 100 words)
• How do you hope the course will help you in your career? (Approx. 100 words)

You will also be given the option to upload your most recent CV.

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 camp: 26th, 27th & 28th November 2025
• Application deadline: 2nd November 2025

Manchester

• Training camp: 3rd, 4th & 5th December 2025
• Application deadline: 9th November 2025

Belfast

• Training camp: 14th, 15th & 16th January 2026
• Application deadline: 7th December 2025

Glasgow

• Training camp: 11th, 12th & 13th February 2026
• Application deadline: 18th January 2026

We aim to notify all applicants within two weeks of the deadline for each session.