RTS Futures

Married at First Sight: E4’s big day

(credit: Channel 4)

Critics might argue that the global reality show Married at First Sight makes a mockery of marriage. But, perhaps, behind all the make-up, fake tans, glamorous honeymoons and emotional drama sits a programme that, ultimately, provides people with the opportunity to find love and friendship.  

An RTS Futures event in October heard how the UK version of the show, launched originally on Channel 4 in 2015, evolved in its latest, sixth series into a beefed-up incarnation on E4, where it has become the channel’s most successful show of 2021.  

Casualty and BBC Writersroom launch writing contest for frontline medics

In celebration of its 35th year on air, the team have planned a competition to find a new writer with first hand medical experience.

Applicants will be tasked with writing part of a Casualty episode based on a brief about clinical Lead Dylan Keogh having a hellish day in the emergency department.

Applications open for the BBC’S New Documentary Directors’ Initiative

Sudden Death: My Sister’s Silent Killer (credit: BBC)

The initiative will offer four participants the chance to produce and direct their first long form documentary for BBC Three, with the hope of finding and showcasing the next generation of documentary makers.

Many successful, award-winning documentaries have been created as a result of the initiative, including Manchester Bomb: Our Story, Abused by my Girlfriend, Why Dad Killed Mum: My Family’s Secret, and Defending Digga D.

All About TV Casting | RTS Futures

Casting professionals discuss their TV careers working on shows such as Love Island, Saturday Night Takeaway, The Voice, and Take Me Out, and provide top tips on how to get into TV casting.

Henry Byrne, Casting Producer, Bianca Clayton, Casting Assistant Producer, Lewis Evans, Series Producer, Mo Mohsin, Casting Producer and Charlotte Welsh, Casting Researcher, join Lauren Evans, ITV Entertainment Talent Manager, for the RTS Futures event. 

Industry professionals give tips and advice on how to break into TV casting

“‘You’re only as good as your last cast’– that’s the mantra we use every year on Love Island,” said Lewis Evans, one of the series producers on the show, which is currently casting for its next run. He has been part of the Love Island casting team since the first series.

He added: “The key to working in casting is that you’ve got to like people… I love chatting and I am incredibly nosey – casting gives you the opportunity to go and talk to anyone.”

The RTS Futures Virtual Careers Fair spurs ambitions

Emmanuelle Lhoni (Credit: Emmanuellelhoni.com)

The annual RTS Futures Careers Fair returned early this month in a new and bigger form, with exhibitors from the length and breadth of the UK.

Held over two days, More than 2,200 people signed up for the-two day virtual event, hoping to get their foot on the first rungs of the TV ladder.

“This year’s virtual careers fair has been a huge success. We have welcomed more attendees, and offered more sessions and industry exhibitors than ever before,” said RTS Futures Chair Alex Wootten. “It has also been more accessible and inclusive. 

BBC Studios launches Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme for researchers

If so, check out a BBC Studios’ initiative which is offering 14 one-year contracts to researchers who have a minimum of three researcher credits.   

The successful 14 people will be employed and paid as assistant producers and work on productions as well as receive training. 

The 14 roles are for different genres and are based throughout the UK. Applications must be in by January 31.  

The genres include natural history, history and documentaries, science and arts, factual and factual entertainment, and entertainment and music.