Unscripted TV kit care training programme 2025–2026

Are you looking to strengthen your knowledge of camera kit in unscripted TV and widen your freelance work opportunities?  

This brand-new training programme delivered by The Pipeline and Sunbelt Rentals takes you through the A to Z of camera kit care adding vital technical and practical knowledge to bolster your skills and career. 

Understanding what kit you need for each situation, how to maintain it and how to troubleshoot  issues in the field whilst under pressure is often overlooked – but crucial to any production. 

Starting with the fundamentals of drawing up correct kit checklists, you’ll leave this course with full knowledge of how to self-manage the hardware and software needed on each shoot and confidence to provide clear requirements to kit rental companies, production and postproduction teams.   

Taught by hugely experienced kit teams from Sunbelt Rentals, the training will include a full two-days of in-person training and practical exercises, a session on the impact of AI on production and a deep understanding of how to handle and maintain each piece of kit needed on unscripted productions. 

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 are looking to recruit 120 delegates based across the UK with 12 participants on each 2-day workshop. 

This programme is aimed at editorial and production teams in unscripted TV with at least 2-3 years industry experience, camera crew and technicians keen for a refresher on contemporary kit. The focus is on individuals who need to strengthen their understanding of the vast array of kit and accessories available to help make informed choices and improve their value to a production.

This training programme will run across 10 regional cohorts on Thursdays and Fridays. Please only apply for the one closest to where you live or intend to work: 

• Manchester: 9th and 10th October 2025
• London: 23rd & 24th October 2025
• Belfast: 6th & 7th November 2025
• Cardiff: 20th & 21st November 2025
• Birmingham: 27th & 28th November 2025
• Liverpool: 11th & 12th December 2025
• Glasgow: 22nd & 23rd January 2026
• Bristol: 5th & 6th February 2026
• Newcastle: 19th & 20th February 2026
• London: 5th & 6th March 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.

There is a £30 fee for participating. There are bursaries available for those who require support. Please contact hello-pipelinemedia@salford.ac.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

What it covers

• Overview of camera kits utilised in unscripted productions. 
• Practical step-by-step guide through each piece of camera kit and accessories.
• Audio essentials – handling and choosing sound equipment.
• Batteries, power and cabling management.  
  Pre-shoot kits and packing.  
• Field repairs and on-site maintenance.
• Adapting kits to environment and transport.
• Common kit failures and fast fixes.
• Cleaning, storage and end of day kit routines.  
• Emergency protocols and red flags.  
• Kit return and working with rental companies.
• AI in production and its impact.

And much more…  Including hands on, practical exercises

Trainers:

The Pipeline is one of the UK’s leading training providers for film, TV, animation and postproduction professionals and delivered by trainers and technicians from Sunbelt Rentals – the UK’s largest kit rental company.

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 years of experience in unscripted TV across production, editorial, camera, postproduction or craft.

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

• What do you hope to gain from the course?

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:

Manchester  

• Training – 9th and 10th October 2025
• Application deadline – 26th September 2025

London

• Training – 23rd and 24th October 2025
• Application deadline – 10th October 2025

Belfast

• Training – 6th and 7th November 2025
• Application deadline – 24th October 2025

Cardiff

• Training – 20th and 21st November 2025
• Application deadline – 7th November 2025 

Birmingham 

• Training – 27th and 28th November 2025
• Application deadline – 14th November 2025  

Liverpool 

• Training – 11th and 12th December 2025
• Application deadline – 28th November 2025

Glasgow

• Training – 22nd and 23rd January 2026
• Application deadline - 9th January 2026

Bristol

• Training – 5th and 6th February 2026
• Application deadline – 23rd January 2026

Newcastle

• Training – 19th and 20th February 2026
• Application deadline – 6th February 2026

London

• Training – 5th and 6th March 2026
• Application deadline – 20th February 2026