Unscripted TV step up to shooting AP 2025-2026

Do you want to stay ahead of the game and learn to shoot for broadcast with confidence? This highly respected, comprehensive Shooting Assistant Producer (AP)  training is an excellent opportunity to bolster your technical skillset in unscripted TV.

Taught by acclaimed, self-shooting producer/directors and series producers this course will teach delegates everything there is to know about shooting professionally, both technically, and how to make an editor smile…

At the end of the programme, trainees will have developed, shot and edited their own films / showreels.

The course will also teach the professional skills needed to work effectively with contributors and with teams, as well as key compliance, logistical and health and safety considerations. Plus, plenty of tips, tricks, and insights from our expert trainers.

In addition, delegates will have access to exclusive online masterclasses covering everything from career planning and development as an AP, to duty of care for both you and your contributors and using AI in the role.

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 based across the UK.

This programme is aimed at researchers and APs who are looking to add shooting skills as another feather to their cap to maximise employability and help pivot between production roles.

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 – 13 &14th September, 27& 28th September, and 11 & 12th October 2025
• Bristol – 8 & 9th November, 22 & 23th November, and 6 & 7th December 2025
• Belfast – 10 & 11th January, 24 & 25th January, and 7 & 8th February 2026
• Glasgow – 7 & 8th March, 21 & 22nd March, and 11 & 12th April 2026
• Manchester – 9 & 10th May, 23 & 24th May, and 6 & 7th June 2026
• Birmingham – 27 & 28th June, 11 & 12th July, and 25 & 26th July 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 £300 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

What it covers

Weekend One

The programme begins by covering the basics and fundamentals of using the Sony FX9, the current broadcast camera of choice, including making the right lens choices, focus, exposure, framing, shot composition, depth of field, as well as getting up to speed on lighting and sound. There are plenty of practical exercises throughout.

Weekend Two

Here, technical skills will be put into action as trainees move into shooting for the edit, compelling storytelling, building sequences, interview techniques and observational filmmaking. This will be followed by an online edit producing masterclass. Supported again by numerous hands-on exercises.

Weekend Three

The in-person training culminates with you shooting your own film, which will have been developed throughout. Please note that ideas for these will be required before the programme commences (supported by an online briefing and a chance to meet the trainers / cohort). Once edited, individual films will be reviewed by our trainers and showcased in an evening group screening, and a chance to say your goodbyes!

Trainers
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

‘’The Step Up To Shooting AP course has been really valuable in terms of progressing my career, and it’s also led to me gaining a unique experience operating Second Camera for a BBC Bitesize project! I felt prepared, calm and confident in my first professional opportunity as a Shooting AP, and I’m thrilled to see my footage in the final edit! I wouldn’t have gained this opportunity had it not been for this course - so thank you to Screenskills and DV Talent for making it possible!” 

Meghan / Belfast

“It was a fantastic insight into the technical and editorial elements of self-shooting. There was a good balance of learning the theory and putting it into practice. Both tutors were brilliant, extremely patient with us and most importantly provided a safe environment for us to make mistakes and learn from them.”

Joey / Manchester

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, three questions will require a longer answer. For your preparation, these are: 

• What do you hope to gain from the course?
• Do you have any experience to date of shooting for a broadcast production? Please briefly describe this 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: 13 &14th September, 27& 28th September, and 11 & 12th October 2025
• Application deadline: 5th September 2025

Bristol

• Training weekends: 8 & 9th November, 22 & 23th November, and 6 & 7th December
• Application deadline: 31st October 2025

Belfast

• Training weekends: 10 & 11th January, 24 & 25th January, and 7 & 8th February 2026
• Application deadline: 2nd January 2026

Glasgow

• Training weekends: 7 & 8th March, 21 & 22nd March, and 11 & 12th April 2026
• Application deadline: 27th February 2026

Manchester

• Training weekends: 9 & 10th May, 23 & 24th May, and 6 & 7th June 2026
• Application deadline: 1st May 2026

Birmingham

• Training weekends: 27 & 28th June, 11 & 12th July, and 25 & 26th July 2026
• Application deadline: 19th June 2026