RTS Futures

Top scriptwriters offer advice on writing for TV drama

The panel (l-r) Sophie Petzal, Rachel Flowerday, John Jackson, Daisy Goodwin, David Hancock and Rachelle Constant (Credit: RTS/Paul Hampartsoumian)

“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.

Event report: Breaking into Broadcasting

Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian

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.”

Launch Event - RTS Student Awards 2018

This event will be of interest to television students and lecturers who want to hear more about how to enter this prestigious competition. We will outline the criteria, categories, entry procedures and timeframe for the forthcoming awards. Coming along to this event ensuring you submit your entry correctly is the first important step towards getting your hands on a coveted RTS Scotland trophy.

From Youtube to TV

Whether you are a presenter, producer, or director, is a broadcast platform more desirable and relevant in creating and distributing content to your desired audience?
 
Join us as we unravel the blurred worlds of online and broadcast content. Which one is more desirable to work in and on? Are they the same? What has most relevance in the future of the consumption of content? 
 

VFX & Animation: Meet the Experts

Throughout their careers, our experts have worked across a diverse range of fantastic projects spanning film, TV and advertising, utilising a range of VFX and animation techniques.

Learn how they have made it in the industry, the secrets of their career success and view some examples of their outstanding work, looking at both their creative inspiration and the “nitty gritty” of the technical and logistical aspects that come with this line of work.

Event Report: RTS Futures Careers Fair 2017

More than 800 people attended RTS Futures’ most successful careers fair yet. Eight sessions during the day featured some of television’s biggest names as well as its rising talent.

More than 30 broadcasters, indies and industry bodies took stands in the exhibition hall, offering the inside track to the telly hopefuls.

TV magician Dynamo and ITV News presenter Charlene White also made guest appearances.

Some 900 tickets were sold for the event, which was held in Islington, London, on 1 February – with another 400 on the waiting list.

Magician Dynamo wows crowds at the RTS Futures Fair

Magician Dynamo wows the crowd with some close up magic at the RTS Futures Careers Fair 2017 (Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian)

Eight sessions during the day featured some of TV’s biggest names as well as its rising talent. More than 30 broadcasters, indies and industry bodies took stands in the exhibition hall, offering the inside track to the telly hopefuls. TV magician Dynamo and ITV News presenter Charlene White also made appearances during the day.

Some 900 tickets were sold for the event, which was held in Islington, London on 1 February – with another 400 on the waiting list.