Content Tabs
No Second Takes: The Art of Live Television
Live production is booming across the industry, with content creators and streaming platforms now investing millions in an area that was once the stronghold of linear channels.
This three-day course is for anyone on the editorial side, from new entrants to seasoned professionals, who want an insider’s view of how live television is made. Leading producers and guest speakers will share the tips, tricks and tactics that prime-time producers and presenters use to keep millions of viewers glued to their shows. It covers everything from writing stand-out briefs to working with famous on-screen talent, as well as the power of on-screen storytelling and how to use it in your own programme-making.
The course is led by Victoria Kennedy and Benjamin Fergie.
Victoria Kennedy is an executive producer who spent nearly a decade at ITV in two of British television’s most demanding live roles: Deputy Editor of This Morning and Editor of Lorraine. She oversaw five hours of live TV a week, reaching 2.7 million weekly viewers and 36 million monthly digital views. Under her leadership, Lorraine earned two BAFTA nominations, launched campaigns recognised by the King and Queen, and secured headline-making interviews with George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey. She steered the programme through the biggest stories of recent years, from Covid to the Epstein-Andrew scandal, as well as breaking news such as the LA wildfires and major live events like the Oscars red carpet.
Benjamin Fergie is a senior television producer and showrunner with more than 25 years’ experience across some of Britain’s best loved live programmes from Kilroy to Loose Women and Lorraine. He has produced more than 1,000 hours of live television including exclusive interviews with everyone from Harry Styles and Adele to Keir Starmer and The McCann Family. His career has also seen him cover the biggest breaking news stories of the last two decades from celebrity deaths to royal announcements.
DAY ONE — MAKING MUST-WATCH LIVE TELEVISION
Day one looks at what makes live television so compelling, from unforgettable television moments to the rise of live streaming. You’ll learn what goes into putting a live magazine show together and how to begin producing your own.
Day one will also cover:
· What makes great live television — and why audiences keep coming back.
· How to research and write a five-star guest brief.
· Finding the story, angle and questions that make a live interview unmissable.
· Booking, briefing and managing celebrity and human-interest guests.
· Working with agents, PR companies and publicists.
DAY TWO — KILLER INTERVIEWS AND WORKING WITH HIGH-PROFILE PRESENTERS
A great live interview can make headlines, generate viral moments and keep audiences talking long after the show has finished. On day two, you will learn the secrets behind producing a brilliant interview, the art of the killer tease, and how to build a strong relationship with your presenter to create those live must-see television moments.
Day two will also cover:
· Writing killer teases that keep viewers hooked.
· How to make that interview compelling, surprising and memorable.
· How to create viral moments.
· How to build trust and get the best performance from your on-screen talent.
· How to produce a live interview from the gallery.
DAY THREE — MASTERING THE LIVE SHOW
Day three looks at what happens when live television doesn’t go to plan. You will learn how to prepare for the unexpected, protect the people involved and keep the show on track when things go a bit off script!
Day three will also cover:
· Duty of care and protecting the wellbeing of your guests and team.
· Handling live mistakes, unexpected guests and last-minute changes.
· Managing breaking news and making editorial decisions under pressure.
· Building a compelling running order for a live topical show.
· The importance of the opening menu, the big interview and the end-of-show show.
· Managing a live television team.
· How to build your career and land your next job in live television.
Please fill in the application form, attaching your CV