Creative Skillset’s TV Skills Fund is supporting the Series Producer Programme 2017 following the staggering success of the 2016 programme, which saw over 50 percent of participants gain their first Series Producer roles and credits.

The programme is open to new or aspiring Series Producers throughout the UK with a minimum of three years as a Producer.

They encourage applications from under-represented groups particularly those from Black, Asian or Minority backgrounds, or those with a disability.

Applications open on 23rd November 2016 and close 7th January 2017 at www.creativeskillset.org/seriesproducer.

Developed by Creative Skillset and supported by the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5 through the TV Skills Fund, the Series Producer Programme responds to the lack of new talent coming into the Series Producer pipeline.

The 2016 programme saw 19 participants from across the UK receive personalised training to address their individual needs.

Delegates will go through a competitive selection process to obtain one of the 20 places on the 2017 programme, where they will receive 14 days training and masterclasses from the industry’s best, commissioners as mentors, insights into key departments at broadcasters, invaluable networking and peer support.

The programme focusses on non-scripted genres (factual, specialist factual, fact ents, popular factual, entertainment and comedy entertainment) and is not suitable for scripted producers. 

“The course has given me confidence to develop my career and move up to the role of Series Producer,” said Series Producer Programme 2016 participant Harjeet Chhokar. “Having access to some of the leading figures of the industry and hearing what they look for in Series Producers as well as their own experience, has been very worthwhile.”

Andrew Sheldon, Creative Director and Founder at True North, reflects on the extensive benefits to the industry: “The Series Producer course has been invaluable in helping to bring forward a new generation of programme makers. One of the key things out of London is that we need to invest in our talent - pulling someone good out of the freelance pool isn’t always possible. Our people have benefited enormously and that means going forward, the industry in the North will too.”

Participants attained series producer credits from the likes of 24 Hours In A&E, 50 Ways To Kill Your Mammies, NHS: Life and Death in a Week, Britain’s Benefit Tenants, Selling Houses with Amanda Lamb and How to Stay Young. Philip McCreery, Charlotte Smith, Fiona Wilson, Tom Currie, Lucie Duxbury and Sima Ray have all stepped up to a Series Producer role, alongside Steve McConville and Grierson award-winning Producer/Director Harjeet Chhokar who have secured Series Director roles since joining the programme.

RTS Futures committee chair Donna Taberer is set to run the programme again, bringing her extensive knowledge and networks to the programme content. Seetha Kumar, CEO, Creative Skillset, said: “Donna Taberer continues to deliver an excellent programme and I have no doubt that the 2017 cohort will enjoy the same success as this year’s participants.”

Charlotte Smith, now a Series Producer, highlighted, “It’s a brilliant, well thought out scheme and just what I needed to springboard me back to work after my second baby. It gave me great insight, fantastic networking opportunities and an invaluable peer group.”

More information can be found at www.creativeskillset.org/seriesproducer