Content Tabs
Duration: 2 days
Dates:
Timings: 10am - 5pm
Location: Glasgow
Cost: This course is fully funded by 4Skills and therefore free to attend.
The National Film and Television School has once again partnered with 4Skills to offer 12 participants in Scotland the opportunity to attend a fantastic two-day training programme exploring the world of Story Producing for reality and factual entertainment.
This engaging and practical course shines a spotlight on one of the most vital yet often overlooked roles in unscripted television — the Story Producer. Designed for those looking to strengthen their storytelling skills and better understand the craft behind shaping narratives for the edit, this session explores how to turn raw footage into compelling, coherent, and emotionally resonant stories.
Across a series of focused discussions and interactive exercises, participants will learn what a Story Producer truly does — and doesn’t do — and how to work collaboratively with both production teams and editors to bring out the best in every story. Topics include writing powerful questions, managing contributors, avoiding common storytelling pitfalls, and understanding the narrative beats that make editors (and audiences) happy.
The course also features insider tips from experienced senior story producers — the lessons they wish they’d known when starting out — from handling silence to controlling the uncontrollable. Whether you’re new to story producing or looking to refine your craft, this session will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to become an editor’s best friend.
TOPICS INCLUDING:
- What a Story Producer Is and Isn’t! (E.g. oversees the narrative arc making sure a story can be told satisfactorily in the edit, not sinister puppet masters)
- How to Write Killer Questions and When to Ask Them (E.g. The power of now and Next)
- Common pitfalls and How to Avoid Them (E.g. overplaying backstory and archetypes, impatience)
- Getting the Best from Even the Trickiest Contributors (E.g. Is honesty the best policy?)
- How to Make the Edit Happy (E.g. Know the beats, always beginning, middle and end)
- Controlling the Uncontrollable (E.g. Even when can't control, cover)
- Top things senior story producers wished they’d known when starting out (like not to be scared of silence!)
Designed for those looking to strengthen their storytelling skills and better understand the craft behind shaping narratives for the edit, this session explores how to turn raw footage into compelling, coherent, and emotionally resonant stories.
Apply using the form here
Closing date is XXX