VFX management essentials for unscripted HETV and docs with theatrical release

If you work in a management position in unscripted high-end TV and/ or docs with theatrical release and want to know how to work more effectively with VFX, when and how to incorporate it, how to liaise with vendors and how to budget for it, then this course is for you. 
 
This two-day, interactive online course, led by VFX consultant/production executive Sophie Jackson, offers a comprehensive introduction to the often-misunderstood areas of VFX in unscripted HETV and docs with theatrical release.   
 
The aim of the course is to demystify VFX, helping you apply effective working practices; increase your knowledge and skills, understand the workflow process, improve your day-to-day collaboration and management of VFX in unscripted HETV shows and docs with theatrical release. 

This training is supported by the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions and by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions.

The course will be delivered by The Production Guild

Who it's for

This course is aimed at:

• line producers, producers, production managers, series producers and showrunners in unscripted HETV (specialist factual and documentaries that are eligible for the HETV tax credit) and docs with theatrical release, the people who are contracting with VFX houses, looking to increase their knowledge of and confidence working with Post and VFX.  No previous experience of working with VFX is required
• professionals with at least 2 – 3 credits in their role of line producer, producer, series producer, production manager and showrunner
• those returning to work as line producer, producer, production manager or showrunner and looking to refresh their VFX management skills and knowledge

We aim to offer inclusive training. If you have any requirements which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to see how we can meet them- applications@productionguild.com

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

Work in Unscripted TV? (Documentaries/SpecialistFactual/Reality/Entertainment)     If so, please follow the link to the VFX Management Essentials course for those working in Unscripted TV which takes place on 6 and 7 June 2026.

What it covers

The course will cover:

• VFX - What is VFX? Overview of VFX vs. virtual production, SFX, Graphics and animation.  Visible vs invisible VFX
• key VFX milestones in the lifecycle of a project. This dept is unique in that it is the 'first in - last out" in the production process
• breaking out VFX from scripts and concepts
• breaking down VFX for ballpark budgeting  
• VFX shot types and asset creation  
• bidding, tendering and engaging with vendors  
• the business part of VFX: from Tax incentive strategy to departmental spend and cost reports  
• communication strategies, conflict resolution and best practises during production lifecycle
• shoot and physical production: the team, who does what, equipment and technology required and integration with the rest of physical production  
• tracking & managing VFX work during Editorial and Post as well as key principles for a healthy final VFX delivery  

Trainer:

Sophie Jackson who will be leading the training is an industry expert with a wealth of experience in VFX and in delivering training.  Relevant real world case studies will be referred to throughout the course, with hands on exercises and key takeaways.   There will also be industry guest speakers to share knowledge, experience and effective ways of working. 

How to apply

Please note that there are three options of training dates to choose from so please only select one option. 

This two day online course will run over the following weekends:

• Option 1:
  • Saturday 7 March to Sunday 8 March 2026: 10.00 - 17.00
  • Deadline for applications: 18 February 2026
• Option 2:
  • Saturday 18 April to Sunday 19 April 2026: 10.00 - 17.00
  • Deadline for applications: 1 April 2026
• Option 3:
  • Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026: 10.00 - 17.00
  • Deadline for applications: 1 July 2026

Places on these free online courses are limited and applications are often highly competitive. 

To stand the best chance of securing a place, please be sure to consider the following: 

• When asked to list your three most recent credits, please include the programme title, your job role, dates, approximate production budget and if and how VFX was used.
• When asked what you hope to gain from the course, please be concise but ensure you cover the specific elements of the topic you would like to gain knowledge of and what gaps in your skillset you believe the course may address. 

If selected, your place will be confirmed at least two weeks before the start of the course.

If you are no longer able to attend, we ask you to please use the 'decline ticket' function on the right-hand side of the page so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration. 

Click ‘apply now’ to submit your application for one of the three options. You will need a ScreenSkills account to complete your application. 

Contact information

Name: Susanna Hargreaves
Email: applications@productionguild.com