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Anyone can have a good idea once in a blue moon, but how can you confidently – and regularly - come up with eye-catching ideas for popular factual programmes and documentaries with network potential?
This 2 day course is here to help. It’s about idea origination, pure and simple: how to come up with that raw concept that gets everyone excited in the first place.
This course will help you hone your development skills, and increase your chances of working in development it is also designed to give you some insight into what actually happens in a pitch. As well as exploring what the winning ones share and introducing you to the basic principles of how to communicate your ideas effectively.
With top tips and advice – including commissioning dos and don’ts – the aim of the course is to help you increase your chances of success.
Tutor Simon Broadley has worked in Development for broadcasters including BBC, ITV, STV, IMG, LWT, MTV and Sky along with indies including September Films and Hotbed Media. For the past 8 years, Simon has also been the Course Leader for the NFTS Factual Development & Production Diploma, a year-long, part-time course sponsored by Discovery.
The sessions feature an assortment of interactive tasks, brainstorming tips and practical advice designed to equip you with the tools you need to come up with factual ideas of all kinds, from daytime strips to peak-time series and everything in between - the kind of shows that most people watch and most of us work on.
The sessions are intended to be enjoyable, inspiring, confidence-building and participatory.
The course will cover:
THE MARKET PLACE FOR DOCUMENTARIES AND FACTUAL PROGRAMMES
Broadcasters and financing structures.
Online channels and opportunities.
DEVELOPING
Researching the slots – what works where?
Researching the commissioners – their likes and dislikes.
Constructing successful treatments and sizzle tapes.
THE PITCH
Preparation – what do you want to get out of the Commissioning Editor meeting?
How to pitch to a Commissioning Editor.
Presentation skills – making the most of your personality and character when selling.
At the end of the two days, you will know how to generate lots of inventive ideas quickly and will have met a group of likeminded people who share your passion for ideas creation.
Developing Ideas for Factual TV Programmes is intended for anyone who wants to gain professional insights into developing ideas for factual television programmes, from new entrants to seasoned professionals.
Please fill in the application form, attaching your CV.
If you need any assistance please contact us at shortcourses@nfts.co.uk or call us on 01494 677 903