Reskill Upskill Programme: Online

Prime Video Pathway (PVP) | Amazon Prime - has partnered with the National Film and Television School to support the reskilling and upskilling of TV freelancers across all regions, roles, departments, and genres.

If you're looking to build a portfolio career, we are offering FREE courses in TV adjacent industries, including podcasting, digital, AI, gaming, branded, social, project management and lots more.

This online programme is aimed at TV freelancers with 3 credits or more. The programme starts on Monday 19th Jan for 6 weeks. Freelancers can choose three courses to attend within this timeframe.

All sessions will be hosted on Zoom. Please note, these are live training sessions and will not be recorded.

The full programme of online sessions can be viewed here.

Please read the FAQ's here. If you have further questions, drop us an email at reskill.upskill@nfts.co.uk

Ticket release dates:

Thurs 8 January – 10:00am (week 1 & all webinars)
Tues 13 January – 8:00pm (week 2)
Tues 20 January – 2:00pm (week 3)
Thurs 29 January – 10:00am (week 4)
Tues3 February – 8:00pm (week 5)
Thurs 12 February – 2:00pm (week 6)

1 Hour Webinar Sessions

Click here for our webinar dates and how to book your place.

The full programme of online webinars is coming soon. Bookings will open on Thursday 8th January.

Date & Time: Mon 19 Jan 13.00-14.00
Title: Pivot into Academia: Opening the Door to Working in Higher Education
Host: Dom Pisani Speaker: Dan Twist
Description: Join host Dom Pisani in conversation with former SP, Development Exec and Channel 4 exec Dan Twist, who successfully pivoted from two decades in TV freelancing to shaping the next generation of storytellers inside UK higher education. Dan will demystify how to break into academia; from associate lecturing and guest teaching to the growing demand for industry practitioners across universities, colleges and even secondary schools. Expect an honest look at the realities (yes, including pay), the research and industry engagement universities expect, why your transferable skills are more valuable than you think, and how teaching can reconnect you to the craft you love. If you’re curious about life beyond production, and how to turn your experience into a meaningful academic pathway, this session will show you where to start.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Mon 26 Jan 13.00 - 14.00
Title: Beyond the Hype: Real Careers You Can Build in AI Now
Host: Dom Pisani Speaker: Stephanie Chlond
Description: Join host Dom Pisani with filmmaker and AI specialist Stephanie Ronan-Chlond, a former documentary producer who pivoted from TV into AI filmmaking and creative tech. Steph shares how career disruption led to AI experimentation and new work in content, training and animation. She explores emerging AI jobs, transferable TV skills, ethical questions, and how AI can empower under-represented creatives, offering practical routes into this fast-growing frontier for modern storytellers today.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Thurs 29 Jan 13.00 - 14.00
Title: The Truth About Working in Podcasting
Host: Jon Willers Speaker: Beena Khetani
Description: This one-hour session helps TV professionals move into podcasting. Drawing on her shift from factual TV to award-winning audio, Beena explores overlaps and key differences between screen and sound. She shares how TV skills translate to audio, offers practical routes into podcasting, guidance on ideas, workflows and portfolios, and real-world insights for freelancers considering the move from television to audio storytelling.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Mon 2nd Feb 13.00 - 14.00
Title: The Impact Pivot: Turning TV Research & Communication Skills into Real-World Change
Host: Dom Pisani Speaker: Rachel Millar
Description: If you love research, people and uncovering the “why” behind big issues, research, engagement and policy could be a natural next step. Former documentary and science PD Rachel Millar shares how TV skills translate into public health campaigns and policy work. With host Dom Pisani, she demystifies public engagement, research impact, day-to-day roles, and how factual storytellers can pivot into careers driving real-world change.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Thurs 5th Feb 13.00 - 14.00
Title: Balancing Branded Content with a Portfolio Career
Host: Stephanie Wessell Speaker: Dom Pisani
Description: With 20 years in reality, fact-ent and obs-doc TV, series producer Dom Pisani pivoted into branded content for BUPA, Lidl, Samsung and Hilton. He’s also built a portfolio career, founding SPEX UK and working with TV Mindset. Dom chats with fellow pivoter Stephanie Wessell—series producer, BUNS co-founder, story consultant and trainer—about adapting skills, balancing branded and TV work, and managing multiple creative projects.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Mon 9th Feb 19.00 - 20.00
Title: From Location to Classroom: Turning Practical Skills into a Further Education Career
Host: Dom Pisani Speaker: Anthony Thomas
Description: Director-turned-educator Anthony Thomas shares how TV freelancers can move into further education. Drawing on 20+ years across music video, TV, branded content and live performance, he explains day-to-day FE teaching, required qualifications, and why industry skills translate so well to the classroom. Now a full-time Film & TV teacher at London Screen Academy, Anthony explores the rewards, challenges, and impact of shaping diverse 16–19-year-old talent entering the modern screen industry.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Wed 11 Feb 13:00 - 14:00
Title: The Truth About Working in Digital
Host: Jon Willers Speaker: Diane Glynn, Head of Social @ Channel 4
Description: Former TV producer and now multi-award-winning content strategist Diane explores the realities of moving into digital content. Drawing on her leadership of Channel 4’s social teams, she examines the creative freedom and audience insight digital offers, alongside the pressures of speed, metrics and constant platform change. The session breaks down how TV skills translate, where learning curves lie, and what it truly takes to succeed in fast-moving, social-first environments today.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Mon 12 Feb 19:00 - 20:00
Title: TV Freelancer to High Street Founder
Host: Stephanie Wessell Speaker: Michelle Coombes
Description: Michelle Coombes is an award-winning Series Producer/Director with 20-plus years in factual and documentary TV. Credits include the Broadcast Award–winning Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds (C4), Hunted (C4), and Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas (BBC). She told powerful stories such as Neil’s Story from Diagnosis Detectives (BBC2), whose account of suffering touched so many that it went viral with over 27 million views. She series-produced shot and directed Ben Fogle: Make a New Life in the Country (C5). After years spent telling stories of people transforming their lives, Michelle made her own “new life” leap — leaving TV to open Weigh It Up, a refill shop and café in Highworth with her husband, Matt.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Mon 16 Feb 19:00 - 20:00
Title: From Unscripted Producing to Podcasting
Host: Stephanie Wessell Speaker: Charlotte Dawes
Description: Charlotte Dawes has moved from shaping stories for television to leading them across podcasts and digital platforms. Now Creative Director at podcast and social agency Joy Peddlers, she shares her journey from TV freelancer to senior creative leader. Charlotte explores how TV skills translate to podcasting, what agencies look for, available roles, technical expectations, and how hours and pay compare—offering candid insight for creatives considering a pivot.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Wed 18 Feb 19:00 - 20:00
Title: The Truth about Working in YouTube
Host: Jon Willers Speaker: Emily Boulting
Description: Executive Producer Emily Boulting FRSA shares how Time Team transitioned from Channel 4 to YouTube. She examines the creative and practical shifts between broadcast and digital-first production, including scheduling, compliance, funding and audience engagement. The session explores YouTube’s potential for experimentation and community building, alongside the challenges of sustaining quality, scale and visibility without a broadcaster—offering an honest look at what’s gained and lost in the move to digital.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Thurs 19 Feb 19:00 - 20:00
Title: Don't Call it Charity? The Third Sector / Impact Economy
Host: Stephanie Wessell Speaker: Katie Tait
Description: Katie Tait, CEO of spinal injury charity Horatio’s Garden, explores how TV storytelling skills translate to the charity sector. Drawing on her journey from BBC journalist to charity leader, she explains how freelancers can help charities engage funders in a crowded landscape. Katie shares practical advice on which organisations to approach, how to pitch effectively, and what rates to expect—offering clear insight into purpose-driven work beyond television.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Mon 23 Feb 13:00 - 14:00
Title: Go Digital!
Host: Stephanie Wessell Speaker: Lucy Smith
Description: As opportunities for content-making decline in the traditional television landscape, so they increase in the online digital one. Lucy Smith went from launching new formats on Netflix, BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to founding Fawkes Digital, which makes original content for brands like Garnier, the Korean Tourist Board, and Channel 4.0. She works hand in hand with creators and platforms and has never been busier. With advice on how to pitch, budget and monetise digital-first IP for these new kinds of clients, this will be an essential webinar.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Tues 24th Feb 13.00 - 14.00
Title: The Truth About Working in Branded Entertainment
Host: Jon Willers Speaker: Jude Lightbody
Description: Drawing on Jude’s experience creating editorial-led films for global brands, this session explores how TV skills translate into branded content. Jude demystifies the landscape, key workflow differences and client collaboration, and shares practical guidance on pitching, visual storytelling and balancing narrative with brand goals. With experience across major campaigns, she offers insight into building a portfolio and thriving creatively across commercial platforms.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Date & Time: Thurs 26 Feb 13.00 - 14.00
Title: Break Into Branded Content: Inside a Hiring Manager's Mind
Host: Dom Pisani Speaker: Renuka Chapman
Description: What does a branded content leader actually look for when hiring someone from TV, and how do you position yourself to stand out? In this session, Dom Pisani is joined by Renuka Chapman, Director of Branded Content at Parable and former BBC Specialist Factual EP, to unpack the roles, skills and instincts that make TV professionals so valuable in the brand world. Renuka has built teams across broadcast, charities, global agencies and brand-led production, and she’ll share her knowledge on what hiring managers may pay attention to: the transferable skills that matter most, the roles TV talent naturally excel in, how to talk about your experience in a brand-friendly way, and how to network your way onto the radar of the right companies.
BOOK YOUR PLACE

Week 1: w/c 19th January

AI in Action: World-Class Creativity for Freelancers: Monday 19th Jan | 10:30 - 16:30: Creative Executive and AI consultant Jason Yates brings his experience working with the BFI, Adidas, and more to this intensive one-day course. Designed for those with a working knowledge of generative AI, the course offers demonstrations and exercises to accelerate creative workflows in TV, film, and media. Participants will gain practical tools to develop concepts, visuals, and presentations.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
*Your place will not be confirmed until you have completed the follow-up form which confirms your eligibility
A Successful Pivot or Portfolio Career in the Creative Industries: Tuesday 20th Jan | 10:30 - 16:30: Join Tracy Forsyth, Leadership & Career Coach and founder of Fast Track to Fearless, for this one-day course designed for creatives exploring career change. Whether you want to develop a portfolio career or pivot completely while staying true to your passions, Tracy will guide you through practical strategies to plan your next steps with confidence. Learn how to identify opportunities, overcome fear, and take action to shape the career you want.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
*Your place will not be confirmed until you have completed the follow-up form which confirms your eligibility
Generative AI: Skills, Tools and Challenges: Wednesday 21st Jan | 10:30 - 16:30: This one-day course with UK AI and social media and expert Andrew Davis helps TV freelancers new to AI tools discover how AI can support, not replace, their creativity. Drawing on 24+ years’ experience with brands like FIFA and Sony, Andrew cuts through the jargon, addresses concerns, and demonstrates how AI can handle time-consuming tasks, freeing you to focus on what you do best in today’s AI-driven era.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
*Your place will not be confirmed until you have completed the follow-up form which confirms your eligibility
Creating Social Media Content for TV Productions: Thursday 22nd Jan | 10:30 - 16:30: Join We Are Libera, digital strategy and content specialists for TV and culture, for this practical one-day course on creating effective social media content. Participants will explore how Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube work, learn why digital platforms need a different approach, and discover ways to repurpose TV content. With interactive exercises and examples, participants will develop platform-specific ideas and quick wins. The team at We Are Libera bring extensive experience delivering impactful campaigns for major Welsh organisations and broadcasters.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
*Your place will not be confirmed until you have completed the follow-up form which confirms your eligibility
Enhance Your Confidence and Emotional Stamina: Friday 23rd Jan | 10.30 - 16:30: Led by award-winning filmmaker, coach and educator Sasha Damjanovski, this intensive one-day course helps freelancers and creatives build confidence and emotional stamina to face high-stakes situations and setbacks with resilience. With over 30 years’ experience in film, TV, theatre and teaching at institutions like Central Saint Martins, Sasha blends industry insight with practical strategies. Participants will explore tools to manage stress, boost wellbeing, and navigate professional and personal challenges with greater confidence.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
*Your place will not be confirmed until you have completed the follow-up form which confirms your eligibility

Week 2: w/c 26th January

Selling Your Ideas – How to Craft a Killer Pitch: Mon 26 Jan | 10:30 - 16:30

Join Alex Dalton for this one-day course on crafting and delivering winning pitches. Learn the art of turning strong ideas into compelling stories that inspire decision-makers and secure investment. Bring a real idea and build a clear, persuasive business case you can reuse with confidence. Led by an expert consultant who’s helped teams win over £30m, this practical session sharpens strategy, structure, and delivery.

Beginner’s Guide to Creative AI for Film and Digital Storytelling (2 DAY COURSE): Tue 27 Jan & Tue 3 Feb | 10:30 - 16:30

Join Cody Updegrave and Holden Boyles of Ambiguous, a creative studio specialising in generative AI filmmaking, for the first day of this two-day course. Participants will explore the evolving media landscape and navigate ethical, copyright, and IP considerations in AI-driven film, TV, and digital content. Participants will gain hands-on experience with generative models and creative workflows, seeing real-world applications across script development, editing, VFX, and marketing. A Creative Lab will allow participants to start developing their own AI-enhanced project.

Day 2 - Participants will showcase their AI-enhanced projects for feedback and discussion, explore advanced generative techniques, and examine innovative approaches to visual storytelling. The day concludes with an interactive Q&A, giving participants insight into the future of AI in creative media and practical guidance for applying generative AI tools to their own work.

Self-Shooting: An Intro to Filming Factual Content: Wednesday 28 Jan | 10:30 - 16:30

This one-day course with veteran self-shooter Dan Donnelly is aimed at researchers and APs new to cameras or seeking a refresher. Learn to set up broadcast camera and sound equipment, master focus, exposure, white balance, and sound, and prepare for typical shooting assignments. Covering interviews, sequences, observational filming, and panel lights, the course blends demonstrations, clips, quizzes, and Q&A. Dan spent 15 years at the BBC and continues to shoot and teach across shows from The One Show to Antiques Roadshow.

Producing Digital Entertainment Formats: Thursday 29 Jan | 10:30 - 16:30

This one-day course equips participants with the skills and confidence to develop, pitch, and produce original entertainment formats for digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Covering budgeting, funding, creator collaboration, production, distribution, and monetisation, it’s perfect for those transferring broadcast skills into the digital space. The course is delivered by Lucy Smith, founder of Fawkes Digital, who has created innovative digital-first shows for major brands and broadcasters.

Creative AI Unlocked: A Practical Intro for TV & Media Professionals: Friday 30 Jan | 10:30 - 16:30

Join Stephanie Ronan-Chlond, award-winning AI filmmaker and former TV producer, for a practical, hands-on one-day course designed for freelancers and creatives. Learn how AI can boost idea generation, speed up pitch development, create visuals, and streamline post-production, while exploring ethical and legal considerations. With demos, practical tips, and insight from Stephanie’s transition from acclaimed TV documentaries to AI storytelling, gain clarity, confidence, and creative tools for the evolving media landscape.

Screen to Stream: Podcasting for TV People: Saturday 31 Jan| 10:30 - 16:30

This one-day course introduces TV freelancers to the audio industry, with some focus on visualised podcasts where TV and audio skills overlap, highlighting opportunities and showing how TV experience can transfer into this medium. Beena Khetani works across both TV and audio, navigating the evolving media landscape, channelling her insight into projects like Audio Connect and her work with Creative Cities Convention, Multitrack, and Art with Heart. Beena is passionate about original storytelling and supporting the people behind it.

Week 3: w/c 2nd February

Introduction to Podcasting : Mon 2nd Feb | 10:30 - 16:30: With over 30 years in audio and as co-founder of Bengo Media, Steve Austins brings expert insight into podcasting’s power. This one-day course introduces participants to creating a compelling podcast series, exploring why podcasts engage millions daily and often hold listeners longer than other media. Participants will learn the essentials of podcast production and complete a practical task to develop their own podcast series, building skills for today’s audio-driven market.
Building Resilience & Wellbeing for TV Professionals: Wed 4th Feb | 10:30 - 16:30
Mapping Your Creative Career and Opportunity: Thurs 5th Feb | 10:30 - 16:30: This one-day course is led by Samina Kiyani, media skills trainer and career development expert with 30+ years in TV and creative industries, including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Big Brother. Through exercises and discussion, participants will assess their strengths, identify transferable skills, and create a personalised career roadmap. Also covered will be CV crafting and strategies to plan, position, and confidently advance careers across the wider creative industries.
Session TBC: Fri 6 Feb | 10:30 - 16:30: Session TBC

Week 4: w/c 9th February

The New Rules of Social Media Success (2 DAY COURSE): Mon 9th Feb & Mon 16th Feb | 10:30 - 16:30

Join Andrew Davis, UK social media and generative AI expert with 24+ years’ experience, for the first day of this two-day course. Explore how social media has evolved, why algorithms matter, and why great content alone isn’t enough. Learn practical strategies for building a personal brand, reaching your ideal audience, and understanding what makes social media truly effective for creators and freelancers.

On the second day of this two-day course. Participants will build on Day 1’s insights as they deepen their understanding and apply strategies to maximise reach, engagement, and audience impact on social media, with practical exercises and examples to turn knowledge into action.

**Please ensure you are available for both days of the course Mon 9th Feb & Mon 16th Feb. There will be homework set between the 2 days

Screen to Stream: Making Podcasts with TV Skills (2 DAY COURSE): Tues 10th & Tues 17th Feb | 10:30 - 16:30

Join Beena Khetani, Manchester-based TV and audio freelancer with experience producing for the BBC and co-creating the award-winning podcast Effin’ Hormones, for the first day of this two-day workshop. Explore the audio industry, understand where TV and audio skills overlap, and get hands-on with editing using free software. Participants will also leave with a simple creative task to try in their own time.

Day 2 - Participants will build on Day 1 by reviewing their creative task, exploring challenges, and optionally sharing for feedback. Participants will deepen their audio craft, discover examples of visual podcasts, and gain honest guidance on routes into paid audio and visual podcast work, applying existing TV experience to this expanding field.

**Please ensure you are available for both days of the course Tues 10th & Tues 17th Feb. There will be homework set between the 2 days.

Advancing Into Podcasting: Wed 11th Feb | 10:30 - 16:30

With over 30 years in audio and as co-founder of Bengo Media, Steve Austins brings expert insight into podcasting’s power. This one-day intermediate course is aimed at those who have a great idea for a podcast series, and are wondering what do you do next. We'll cover some of the editorial and practical considerations for launching a podcast and keeping it maintained. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore podcast set ups, formats, marketing, how to prep for a launch and how to keep that podcast series running and running.

Strategic Social Media Production: Advanced Workflows and Amplification for TV Content: Thurs 12th Feb | 10:30 - 16:30

Join Libera, specialists in digital strategy and content for TV and culture, for this intensive one-day course designed for experienced creators. Participants will explore advanced techniques for maximising TV-related social media impact, from algorithmic trends to content funnels and embedding social workflows into production. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will tackle budget constraints, technical challenges, and stakeholder alignment. We Are Libera brings extensive experience delivering impactful campaigns for major Welsh broadcasters and cultural organisations.

Career Pivoting - Redesigning What's Next (Coaching): Fri 13th Feb | 10.30 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 16.30

In this half-day online course, coach and industry leader Ursula Capell supports participants to explore and step into ‘what’s’ next in both their leadership and their life. With 20+ years in the creative and broadcast industries (BBC, Sky, Hoxby) and an MSc in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, Ursula helps participants find clarity, explore new possibilities, and take one small, meaningful step forward, with support, courage, and a fresh sense of direction in the changing TV landscape.

10.30 - 13.00

14.00 - 16.30

Week 5: w/c 16th February

Session TBC: Weds 18th Feb | 10.30 - 16.30

Session TBC

Creative AI Unlocked: A Practical Introduction for TV & Media Professionals: Thurs 19th Feb | 10.30 - 16.30

Fear-Free Finance for Freelancers: Fri 20th Feb | 10:30 - 12:00; 12:30 - 14:00; 14:30 - 16:00

Fluctuating income and TV downturns can make money stressful. This interactive one-day course helps freelancers regain control and reduce anxiety. Learn simple budgeting, cash-flow planning, available state support, and how pensions really work. Led by David Thomas, a finance and networking trainer with 20 years’ experience and a 22-year BBC background, the course is practical and ideal for creatives who dread spreadsheets.

10:30 - 12:00
12:30 - 14:00
14:30 - 16:00

Week 6: w/c 23rd February

Speed Coaching Power Hours: Mon 23rd Feb | 50 min sessions: Speed Coaching with Clare Laycock offers a safe, confidential space for freelancers to gain clarity, overcome obstacles, and take confident next steps. Clare is an ICF-accredited coach and former senior media executive with 30+ years’ experience at the BBC, UKTV, and Warner Bros. Discovery. In focused 50-minute sessions, she helps freelancers unlock potential, tackle challenges, and drive meaningful personal and professional growth with tailored, high-impact coaching that delivers real results.