Launched this month, Script To Screen is a new online learning series designed to help industry newcomers learn the fundamentals of creating scripted content by completing 12 easily digestible modules that can be completed in your own time on mobile or desktop.
Created by and for the industry - and endorsed by the likes of Netflix, Channel 4, Acorn TV and ITV - it aims to teach production best practices and help newcomers get the best possible start within the sector.
To tell us more, we spoke to our Director of High-End TV, Kaye Elliott, about the programme’s creation, its invaluable ‘cheat sheet’ of industry terms and how Script To Screen can help kick-start your career in the world of production.
Who is Script To Screen aimed at?
Script to Screen was created for people who are getting their first job or are in their first year of work and want to have a better sense of how everything fits together.
Sometimes, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to understand how a production comes together and who does what. People may feel ‘Now I’m working with a different production company, it all must be different here’ when in reality, there’s a thread that runs through all production, streamers and broadcasters in terms of the fundamentals. With Script to Screen we tried to create a sense of universal learning that applied wherever you are working.
It doesn’t negate the fact that streamers or broadcasters are likely to have other, specific things you need to learn as part of your onboarding, but this provides a baseline understanding of how it all fits together. Essentially, it’s a great place to start, no matter where you’re working in scripted production.
What inspired its creation?
Everything we deliver with Skills Fund investment is driven by industry – all our work is industry-led and Script to Screen is no exception. It came out of a number of broadcasters and streamers and indies saying it would be useful to have a series of modules that could be used by everyone so they’re not reinventing the wheel every time they take on someone at this level. Essentially, it’s the result of the industry seeking something of this nature to support their workforce.
It’s open to anyone regardless of location, right?
It is. Anything we can do to make the door feel open and make knowledge sharing transparent can only be better for the industry because we want to ensure it remains an attractive place for people to want to start and build a career. No matter who you’re working for, this is a fundamental blueprint of how aspects of scripted content gets made and the key requirements for starting out on the right foot to a long and successful career.
Hopefully, it cements that this is a unified industry - and not just all across the UK, but globally. We tried very hard to make sure it doesn’t feel based anywhere; it’s leaning into the idea that a career in the industry is for everyone, everywhere and there are common principles, no matter where you’re shooting.
It also provides answers to key questions that users can learn in their own time via its in-built glossary. Was that a specific goal when creating the programme?
Absolutely. We created it so that you can complete each task on desktop or on mobile, so you can do it on the move if you’re time-poor. Each module has been made to suit flexibility of completion and the series also comes with a handy glossary of terms, which we’re particularly proud of. You can create a link on their phone or laptop to the glossary and quickly look something up when someone uses an industry term maybe you don’t understand - it’s invaluable.
We tried really hard to include almost everything. Productions can be fast-paced and even if you ask questions, you might not remember what the answers are. With the Script to Screen glossary, you can easily look it up, so it hopefully gives people a really solid grounding.
It’s also endorsed by big names like Netflix, Acorn TV, Channel 4 and ITV…
It was written with the industry but having those endorsements goes a long way in showing that by completing it, you’re doing something that these broadcasters and streamers support. And because it’s remote there’s no barrier for people just starting out. They can complete this training in the knowledge that it’s understood and valued by the industry at large.
Plus you get a certificate to add to your CV or work portfolio
You do -- and I think that’s really important. Hopefully, as Script to Screen goes from strength to strength and we grow further subject modules, that completing all the modules will have a lot of cachet. Industry bodies will come to recognise it and you won’t get asked to do the same training again. You can just wave your certificate and say ‘I’ve already done it!’ It’s a really nice way of showing that you’re committed and that you’ve learned some valuable skills along the way.
Learn how great content gets made
Discover the script to screen e-learning modules