Education & Training

Although still early in his career himself, Brown has been making waves, having won the Bafta New Writing Prize of Drama in 2016, and been runner up in an Idris Elba-fronted writing competition, 'Write to Greenlight'.

Competitions are now key to breaking into the industry as a young writer, he believes. While in the past it was possible to get your break with a killer script and the right opportunity, now young writers need an ‘in’. Competitions, he believes, are the key.

“It’s important for me to have something to say. We’ve all written stuff that’s competent and empty,” said Sophie Petzal, whose television breakthrough came on CBBC dramas such as Wolfblood and Dangermouse. More recently she has written episodes for Sky Atlantic’s Riviera and BBC Two’s The Last Kingdom, and has original scripts in development with Company Pictures.

The RTS has announced the scholars of its 2017 undergraduate bursary scheme

At the late-September session, acquisitions, commissioning, marketing, media law and scheduling – rather than running and researching or presenting and producing – were the subjects for discussion.

Jay Davidson described her route into commissioning as “convoluted”. The BBC Two and BBC Four assistant commissioner moved from record labels to Radio 1Xtra to BBC television via a series of marketing roles.

“My expertise is understanding audiences, really knowing what makes them tick,” explained Davidson. “I’ve used my marketing expertise in a commissioning situation.”

The programme, run by ThinkBigger, will give disabled actors across the UK the opportunity to showcase their talents to professionals in the industry, gain training and widen their contact portfolio in the industry. 

Actors are invited to submit a self-taped audition under two minutes in length to apply for the scheme in which up 30 actors will be selected.

For more information on how to apply, click here.

Red Planet has invited four rising screenwriters to join the programme, where they will be paired with an established showrunner to develop an original idea from the its inception to production.

The first stage of the scheme will see the writers develop a contemporary crime thriller. The eight-part series, set in London, will be developed from start to finish by the Writers’ Room and be led by Red Planet CEO Tony Jordan.

At “How to survive as a TV freelancer”, the panel cited toughness, persistence and resilience as key qualities needed to work in the television industry.

Transferable skills are also important. “You should be shooting, doing sound and showing your creativity,” said RDF West head of production Angela Oakhill.

One of Oakhill’s pet hates is interviewees who talk about RDF productions made in London: “Do your research – it’s easy to find out what shows are made here in Bristol.”

The TriForce Short Film Festival aims to promote, support and showcase the range of talent within contemporary film-making.

The festival focuses on diverse talent, enabling filmmakers to break into the mainstream. Showcasing the best in short film, alongside a programme of career-focused seminars throughout the day and an industry expo, the TriForce Short Film Festival is designed to help people further their careers in film.

BT will offer a scholarship to support a student through the Production Technology MA, a two year course which equips students with the skills required in all aspects of production technology in live and recorded environments.

This scholarship will aim to help combat the current skills deficit in the sector. After completing the masters, graduates will be invited to apply for a job at BT.