Career Compass Week : Early Careers in Film and TV
Channel 4 have partnered with the National Film and Television School to deliver one week of free online sessions aimed at early and new entrants to the film and television industry in the UK. Join us for a week of expert-led online workshops designed to boost your skills, confidence, and career in film and TV. From managing wellbeing and finances to mastering networking and understanding career pathways, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress
All sessions will be hosted on Zoom. Please note, these are live sessions and will not be recorded. Questions? scotland@nfts.co.uk
To see the full schedule of sessions and to book your free place, please use the drop down links below.
Full Schedule & Links To Book Your Place:
- Stronger Starts: Wellbeing for New Entrants: Monday 22nd September | 10:00 - 11:00
-
So much is often outside of our control and uncertainty abounds in the Industry. This session will explore the ways to improve mental health, introducing key information and practical strategies to manage uncertainty and support positive wellbeing as you progress through your careers. The session will increase the awareness and understanding around mental health and will help individuals to recognise the signs and offer support to people suffering from mental distress in the workplace and in the community.
This workshop was designed by Sarah McCaffrey psychotherapist (MBACP) and founder of Solas Mind - The Go-To Mental Health Company in the Film and TV Industry.The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Managing Your Finances as a Freelancer: Monday 22nd September | 14:00 - 15:30
-
Most people in TV and film production will be freelance at some point, moving from job to job. So how do we manage our finances and reduce anxiety when income is unpredictable? And how do we keep control of the money without getting bogged down in boring paperwork?
In this fun session we’ll look at how to budget and organise your finances, how tax and national insurance work, how to get paid and what to do if you’re not. After the session you’ll get online resources and useful templates to get you started.
David Thomas runs a training business that helps creative people reduce anxiety around money. He hates paperwork.The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Career Pathways in Unscripted TV: Tuesday 23rd September | 10:00 - 11:00
-
Want to know how to build a career in unscripted television — from documentaries to entertainment, reality to factual formats? This session will explore the wide range of roles that power unscripted production, showing how they link together and how careers can develop within the industry.
We’ll break down the skills you need to succeed, the typical progression routes, and where entry-level opportunities can take you. Whether you’re interested in research, production, editing, or developing new ideas, this session will give you a clear roadmap to building your career in unscripted TV.The session is delivered by Ashley Jackman who is n is a freelance Production Executive and Production Trainer with over twenty years’ industry experience. Starting out in film and TV drama as an Assistant Director, Ashley moved over to unscripted and has worked in production management roles across the BBC and in the independent sector including on Panorama and Dispatches.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Navigating Your First Film & TV Job with Essential Soft Skills: Tuesday 23rd September | 14:00 - 15:00
-
Starting out in film and TV can feel like stepping into a whole new world — new faces, new places, and a whole new way of working. This session is all about giving you the confidence to navigate those first days with ease. We’ll explore the essential soft skills that make a big difference, from introducing yourself and joining conversations to understanding the flow of life on set and in the office. You’ll come away with practical tools to help you feel prepared, professional, and comfortable when meeting new people and finding your place in a team. Think of it as your friendly guide to getting work-ready!
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- How Not to Blow It: Surviving (and Thriving) in TV: Wednesday 24th September | 10:00 - 11:00
-
Join Laura Cockett for an hour of straight-talking advice on thriving as a trainee in film and TV. Learn what Heads of Department really value, how to bring value on set, and master the essentials—punctuality, adaptability, teamwork, and personality—without making rookie mistakes. Packed with practical tips and industry anecdotes, this session will help you make a lasting, positive impression in the industry. Laura is currently Training Manager for Outlander: Blood of my Blood.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Career Pathways in Scripted Film and TV: Wednesday 24th September | 14:00 - 15:00
-
Do you want to know how to build a career in scripted television? This session will map out the key roles that bring a TV drama or comedy to life — from entry-level positions to senior creative and production jobs. You’ll learn how different career paths connect, what skills are most in demand, and how to progress from where you are now to where you want to be.
Whether you dream of writing, producing, directing, or supporting the creative process behind the scenes, this session will give you a clearer picture of the opportunities available and the steps to get there.This session is led by Hazel Borthwick McShannon who is a Scottish film and TV production professional who has served in roles including Production Manager, Coordinator, and Supervisor. She is Production Manager on Outlander: Blood of My Blood.
This session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- First Steps into Production Assisting Thursday 25th September | 10:00 - 11:00
-
The Production Assistant role is the perfect entry point for anyone looking to build a career in film or high-end TV drama. In this condensed, interactive session, you’ll gain a clear overview of the PA’s responsibilities and get practical insights into how the production department works. Delivered via Zoom, this one-hour taster will introduce you to industry best practices, crew structures, and key production documents like call sheets, giving you a valuable head start on the skills needed to secure your first role.
This session will close with 10 mins of Q&A. - Job Application Essentials: CVs & Cover Letters that Work: Thursday 25th September| 12:00 - 13:00
-
Ready to make your CV and cover letter work harder for you? In this session, we’ll reveal what makes applications stand out — and what lands them in the “no” pile. Using real (anonymised) examples, you’ll see exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to showcasing your skills on paper even when you're starting out. You can send us your CV and it might be chosen as one of the ones we use as an example.
You’ll leave with practical tips you can put into action right away and we’ll wrap up with a Q&A so you can get your burning questions answered.
Make your first impression count!
- Mastering the Art of Networking: Friday 26th September| 10:00 - 11:00
-
The creative industries thrives on collaborative talent and a network of people all linking up and sharing their skills. Making and maintaining those connections can be tough, daunting and even exhausting, but that shouldn't hold you back.
This session explores how to prepare for networking, where to find networking opportunities, how to talk about yourself (when it can feel really awkward talking about yourself!) and how to maintain a positive connection with professionals. These are the skills that will help you find work and collaborate with others. - Exciting Masterclass - (TO BE ANNOUNCED) Friday 26th September | 14:00 - 15:00
-
We have a one hour masterclass with some exciting guests. Stay tuned to find out more!