Skillset, Channel 4 and The Research Centre train next generation of TV's creative leaders
21 April 2008
Skillset announced today that it is partnering with Channel 4 and The Research Centre (TRC) to provide television producers with the managerial and leadership skills required to become Series Producers. The programme, which is the first nationwide training initiative of its kind with training taking place in London and Manchester, will also include modules on diverse topics including multi-platform content, audience behaviour and financial management, and a unique opportunity to shadow a Channel 4 Commissioner.
Informal consultations held in 2007 with Skillset's Television Skills Committee led to the conclusion that there was a serious skills shortage at Series Producer level, particularly in the factual entertainment, factual and current affairs genres. In a swift response to these findings, Skillset put out a tender for training providers to create an appropriate programme and selected The Research Centre's ‘Leading Edge' project, which offered the cutting-edge thinking and degree of ambition that Skillset was seeking. The Research Centre has previously pioneered a range of innovative training solutions including the Series Producer Programme for the BBC's Nations and Regions.
"These producer/directors may have ten or more years' experience in the industry and are at a critical stage in their careers, yet they have very little formal provision to help them develop the skills they need to progress further," said Fiona Chesterton, Director of Television, Skillset. "This programme will give them the creative, editorial, managerial and leadership skills they need to become successful Series Producers."
Carol Sinclair, Director of The Research Centre, said, "Our research has very clearly indicated that the dynamic changes in the broadcasting industry has led to a significant shortfall in high level producer talent equipped with the skills to take on the leadership and management role in a converged digital landscape. It requires a completely new approach to developing talent and a much wider set of skills to lead multi-disciplinary teams for multi-platform projects. We designed Leading Edge to directly address this issue."
Leading Edge comprises a combination of masterclasses led by industry specialists, group work facilitated by qualified training professionals and hands-on workshops. Each training session lasts one or two consecutive days per month and focuses on building skills across key areas. In addition, each producer will be afforded the opportunity of shadowing a Channel 4 Commissioner for a week. This exceptional offer by Channel 4 will give delegates exclusive access to the broadcaster, providing insight and perspective of the Commissioner's role and work and helping to build critical relationships.
Following a highly competitive selection process, ten experienced network producers have been selected to take part, six of whom are from London and four are from the UK's nations and regions: Wales, Yorkshire and the North West. The programme was open to freelance producers with significant and substantial programme making experience and a network track record.
"So much training provision tends to focus on new entrants, but it is just as important to be able to offer continued professional development to those already in the industry," said Jo Taylor, 4Talent Manager, Channel 4. "This course will make a huge difference to the producers who want to take that next step."
The programme will be funded and supported in kind by the Skillset TV Freelance Fund, Channel 4, North West Vision and Media, Creative Business Wales and Screen Yorkshire.
Notes for Editors
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. Our aim is to support the improvements to the productivity of our industry to ensure that it remains globally competitive. We do this by influencing and leading; developing skills, training and education policy; and through opening up the industries to the UK's pool of diverse talent.
Placing a premium on "innovation and experiment in the form and content" of its programming, Channel 4 has been Britain's most cutting edge, controversial
and creative broadcaster of the last two decades. Channel 4 was established by Act of Parliament in 1982 and came on air in November of that year. It enjoys unique status as the world's only major public service broadcaster funded entirely by its own commercial activities, including advertising-funded digital TV channels E4, More4 and Film4. Channel 4 commissions all its programmes from third parties and has played the leading role in helping nurture and grow a vibrant community of independent producers in the UK.
TRC is an independent charity launched in 1998 as The Research Centre. We are uniquely well-positioned to act as honest brokers and facilitators for a wide range of training programmes and industry events. Our key partnerships include Channel 4, the BBC and a host of public agencies. From our base in Glasgow, and now also in Manchester, we work with dozens of independent production companies around the UK every year. Our support ranges from hot-desking to high-end training, bringing people together and making things happen. Like our many partners, we are always growing and learning.
For all media enquiries please contact:
Jennifer Walters
e: jenniferw@skillset.org
t: 0207 713 9812