Production Manager Programme kicks off with 30 participants

ScreenSkills’ inaugural Production Manager Programme has got underway, with DV Talent training a cohort of 30 participants.

The experienced production co-ordinators and junior production managers come from across the UK nations and regions and began the six-month programme last month. (Some of the southern cohort are pictured on the blog homepage.)

They will work with indies and broadcasters on major shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, The Repair Shop, Strictly Come Dancing, Long Lost Family, Panorama and The Great British Bake-Off.

The aim is to help each of them step up to become production managers, and help grow recognition of the role and grow the pool of people with such skills to address the current shortage.

The participants will be trained in budgeting, scheduling, recruitment, contracting, insurance, kit, working on location and overseas, legal and compliance considerations, and post-production.

Each of them will be assigned a mentor and will undertake masterclasses and networking evens. There will also be smaller group sessions, facilitated by an executive coach, for ongoing support in job roles.

The programme includes a strong emphasis on people management, work-life balance, mental health and creating a positive work environment.

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund, with contributions from the BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Networks UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5, Netflix, ITV, Amazon and UKTV matched by production companies.

The training is being delivered by DV Talent, led by experienced HoPs and Production Execs through a mix of in-person training in Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and London as well as online sessions.

The Talent Manager is among the supporters of the programme, alongside Quartz Insurance, ABBAS Media Law, The Kit Room, Films@59 (Bristol), and Arteus (Glasgow).

DV Talent training manager Jon Durbridge said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering such an extensive, and much-needed training for PMs working in unscripted. PMs play a crucial, multifunctional role, holding a production together and ensuring it is delivered on time and on-budget.

“This programme is designed to give delegates both the technical expertise and crucial management and professional skills needed to work effectively and sustainably. We have a fantastic cohort of delegates on this inaugural PM Programme, and we’re really looking forward to working with them and seeing them flourish.’

ScreenSkills head of unscripted and children’s TV Sarah Joyce added: “At a time when demand for skilled production managers in unscripted TV remains incredibly high, this intensive programme which combines essential practical and interpersonal skills so critical for this leadership role, will make a tangible difference.”

Production Manager Programme: participants

London