Masterclasses

Writer and story consultant Furquan Akhtar discusses his experiences writing for dramas such as Wolfe and The Bay, why the soaps are excellent training grounds for writers starting out and how his identity as a Pakastani Muslim living in Northern England is a valuable asset when it comes to original storytelling. 

With more than 25 years’ experience of programme-making, award-winning executive producer Sanjay Singhal discusses his career and how he goes about creating documentary series for Voltage TV including Ant and Dec's DNA Journey and The British Tribe Next Door. 

BBC News's first ever specialist disinformation and social media reporter Marianna Spring discusses her route into journalism, working to uncover misinformation campaigns and the value of establishing a specialism early on in her career. 

Kenton Allen, CEO of Big Talk productions (Outlaws), discusses his illustrious career and reveals top tips for creating hit scripted entertainment shows such as Royle Family and Friday Night Dinner.

Watch the VFX Masterclass below.

Russell Dodgson, Creative Director, Television, Framestore (His Dark Materials) talks about the world of VFX, including his experiences of working on the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises and the TV adaptation of His Dark Materials.

Watch the Daytime and Entertainment Masterclass below.

Emma Gormley, Managing Director, Daytime, ITV Studios, talks about what it's like to run ITV Daytime and working on shows such as Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women in this Daytime and Entertainment Masterclass.

Watch the Drama Masterclass below.

Lisa Holdsworth, TV and Theatre Writer and Chair of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (Ackley Bridge, All Creatures Great and Small), gives a masterclass in drama and discusses her extensive experience writing for shows such as Waterloo Road, Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Midsomer Murders.

Watch the Journalism Masterclass below.

Mobeen Azhar, Journalist and Film Maker (Hometown, A Black and White Killing: The Case that Shook America, Webcam Boys, Muslims Like Us) shares his tips on how to break into the industry and talks about his 15 years of experience working in journalism, specialising in areas such as religion, extremism and counter extremism, drugs, addiction, sex work, Prince and Pakistan.