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 20th Oct for 5 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

Full Schedule & Links To Book Your Place:

Week 1: w/c 20th October

Mastering Digital Content for TV Productions: Monday 20th Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

This course equips TV professionals with the digital content skills needed for 2025, covering user behavior, platform-specific production (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube), and editorial strategies. Learn to create behind-the-scenes clips, cast interviews, and original digital content that complements TV. With practical guidance, technical best practices, and interactive learning, you'll master how to engage digital audiences—and become an indispensable freelancer in a multi-platform world.

Led by Alun Jones and Elan Iâl from Libera. A marketing and media company established in 2023, specialising in digital strategy and content for TV and culture.

They have a wealth of experience in social media and digital marketing for various disciplines including broadcasting, charities and third sector, events, sports, and vast experience working on marketing campaigns to reach diverse audiences.

Click here to book your place

Creative AI for TV Freelancers: Tuesday 21st Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

This practical, jargon-free course introduces participants to generative AI tools that can support and enhance creative workflows in TV production. We’ll cover how to use ChatGPT for pitch development and problem-solving, generate high-quality images with tools like Midjourney, and explore video tools such as Runway and Google Veo3. The session also includes live demos in music generation, a discussion on AI ethics and compliance, and an introduction to emerging AI agents and their potential impact on the industry.

Stephanie Ronan-Chlond is an experienced Producer and Director with over 15 years in traditional TV, having worked on acclaimed documentaries such as Ambulance, 24 Hours in A&E, and Hair Power: Me and My Afro. In 2023, she transitioned into AI filmmaking, founding theaifilmmaker.com. Since then, she’s led AI training for industry professionals and explored how AI can enhance storytelling, production, and creative workflows. Her work spans content creation, corporate films, and AI-integrated documentaries, with a focus on helping creatives navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape responsibly.

Click here to book your place

Screen to Stream: Podcasting for TV People: Wednesday 22nd Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

This workshop 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. Participants will work in small groups to develop and pitch an original podcast concept, before editing a short audio clip using free software. The session also looks honestly at opportunities in this industry and offers practical pointers on how to begin exploring potential routes into the world of podcasting.

Beena Khetani built her career as a freelancer in factual television, proudly rooted in Manchester. She worked her way up from researcher to self-shooting PD, across the UK and beyond, shaping new ideas into commissions. In 2016, she expanded into audio, producing for the BBC and organisations like National Prison Radio, and co-creating the award-winning podcast Effin’ Hormones. Today, Beena 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.

Click here to book your place

Broadening Job Horizons Through Skills Alignment: Thursday 23rd Oct | 10:00 - 11:15

This course enables participants to recognise the diverse potential of their media and creative knowledge, and understand how the often-overlooked transferable skills can apply across various industries. Through interactive exercises, we’ll discover how your unique skill set aligns with sectors beyond the screen industries and gain the insight to explore new directions for securing opportunities during downturns in the business.

Samina Kiyani is a media skills trainer and career development expert with more than 30 years’ experience in the screen and creative industries. She has worked on popular TV shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Big Brother, The Big Breakfast, and on commercials for brands including Kelloggs and Schwarzkopf. Drawing on her background as a 1st Assistant Director, producer, and broadcast journalist, Samina delivers tailored courses and workshops that bridge the gap between creative talent and professional opportunity, with a focus on employability, career progression and financial literacy for freelancers.

Click here to book your place

Career Mapping: Thursday 23rd Oct | 14:00 - 16:00

A focused course designed to help participants create a clear, actionable plan for their career progression. Through a guided professional audit exercise and discussion, you will identify your strengths and knowledge gaps, set realistic goals and actions, and develop a personalised roadmap to navigate your next steps with confidence.

Click here to book your place

Broadening Job Horizons Through Skills Alignment: Thursday 23rd Oct | 18:30 - 19:45

Click here to book your place

The New Rules of Social Media Success: Friday 24th Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course explores how social media has evolved and why it remains one of the most powerful tools for reaching, engaging, and converting audiences. Participants will learn why creating good content is not enough and why the social media algorithm is the most important ‘AI’ function to master. For those who want to get the most out of social media from building a personal brand to getting content in front of your ideal audience, this workshop is a must.

Andrew Davis is a UK leader in social media and generative AI, known for keynotes and training that blend creativity with strategy. With 24+ years’ experience, he’s worked with FIFA, Forbes, Ogilvy, Sony, Dyson, Fremantle, and Tesco, while also championing freelancers and creators. From Pop Idol chatrooms to launching MySpace UK and advising Ofcom, Andrew turns complex trends into practical insights that help brands and individuals thrive in a digital-first world.

Click here to book your place

Week 2: w/c 27th October

Tickets for week 2 will be released w/c 13th October

Resilient Futures: Resilience & Wellbeing for TV Professionals: Mon 27 Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

Freelance TV life is fast-moving and uncertain - but it can also be a launchpad for growth. This one-day workshop is designed to help unscripted professionals boost resilience, protect well-being, and gain fresh strategies for career progression or change. Through interactive exercises and peer discussion, you’ll build confidence, sharpen leadership skills, and leave with a personalised resilience plan to support both your health and your next career move.

Ife Okwudili spent over 20 years working as a television producer & executive in both the UK and North American markets before transitioning to a new career in the world of coaching and training. She holds an MSc in Positive Psychology and coaching and extensive experience managing talented teams both on & off screen. Ife believes that every individual has unique strengths and untapped potential, and her coaching philosophy revolves around harnessing these assets to achieve personal and professional success. By blending evidence-based psychological interventions with compassionate, client-centered coaching, Ife empowers her clients to navigate life's challenges confidently and gracefully.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 13th Oct)

Career Pivot: Tuesday 28 Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

Change is all around us. The Digital Revolution has disrupted so many industries and ways of working. So whilst many of us thought our careers were going to be linear, where we started at the bottom and worked our way to the top, they’re not.

Do you develop a portfolio career where you use your skills in many different ways or pivot completely and still do what you love to do? How do you go about this?

If you are thinking about it but don’t know where to start, then come along and join The Fast Track to Fearless 3Ps of Pivoting Day Workshop.

Tracy Forsyth, Leadership & Career Coach. Tracy is founder of www.fasttracktofearless.com and has been working in the creative industries since 1993. She has been producer / director, commissioner, part of the global leadership team of the BBC before making a pivot and building a portfolio career. She now works across the creative industries as a coach and speaker on career confidence, modern leadership skills and resilience for the long haul.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 13th Oct)

Building Confidence and Emotional Stamina: Wednesday 29 Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

Facing deadlines, handling high-stakes situations, be it stressful productions, job interviews, conflict resolution, stakeholder presentations, or just dealing with life’s setbacks and outright failures. All these events, however ‘normal’, are often costly on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Building Confidence and Emotional Stamina is an intensive and highly motivational course on dealing with some of the mental and emotional challenges of professional and personal life, with particular focus on some of the unique challenges faced by freelancers.

As a coach and educator, Sasha Damjanovski works with a great variety of corporate and individual clients from all around the world. He is also an Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins (UAL), and collaborates regularly with NFTS, Creative HQ, Breaking Through The Lens and several other filmmaking organisations and festivals. An award-winning filmmaker, Sasha has over 30 years of experience writing, directing and producing film, TV, theatre and short-form commercial projects. He’s currently writing a sci-fi comedy series “House of T”.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 13th Oct)

‘Train the Trainer’ for Freelancers in TV and Film: Thursday 30 Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

This introductory course is designed for freelancers working in TV and film. Guided by a highly-experienced trainer and educator, participants will explore if training could be part of their career portfolios. For anyone already doing some training in their roles, this is an opportunity to consider how your training practices could be improved. The course activities will model best practices and be highly inclusive and interactive. During the day, participants will be invited to: agree broad principles underpinning effective training, recognise barriers for trainees and trainers, and suggest and adapt training approaches to overcome these barriers.

Claire Cullinan is a qualified teacher and trainer educator with over 25 years’ experience in her field. As well as training trainers, Claire supports public and private sector organisations to develop inclusive, innovative ways of working. She has worked across a breadth of different industries; in further education, prisons, the screen and creative industries, vocational trades and higher education. She led the development of the ‘Best practices for training in the screen industries’ course for ScreenSkills UK and her team offered the first accredited ‘Award in Education and Training’ contextualised for the screen industries. One of Claire’s specialist areas is equity, diversity and inclusion, in particular, neurodivergent group inclusion.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 13th Oct)

Screen to Stream: Podcasting for TV People: Friday 31 Oct | 10:00 - 16:00

Click here to book your place (released w/c 13th Oct)

AI for Creative Businesses & Freelancers: Saturday 1 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course is for media production freelancers interested in using Generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, Veo) to be more productive and to open up new creative possibilities, while navigating ethical, legal and reputational risks for themselves and their clients.

We'll cover:

Generative AI Overview – How it works, key uses in TV and evidence of productivity/creativity gains
Challenges & Ethics – Moral, legal, and reputational issues (bias, rights, privacy, transparency) and awareness of broadcaster guidelines
Large Language Models – Using LLMs (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini) for writing, research, analysis, and translation, covering prompt engineering and quality checks
Visual AI in Production – Storyboarding, editing, pitches, social media, with a curated list of AI tools to take away.

Robin Moore is a Creative Technologist and the Director of SHWSH Ltd, with over 20 years of experience integrating new technologies into radio, TV, and digital production. A former Head of Innovation at BBC R&D, he now supports businesses and creatives through his role as Innovation Consultant for Media Cymru. Robin specialises in Generative AI for the creative industries, delivering practical training for BBC Academy, TRC, S4C, and others. He combines hands-on tool testing with real-world insight and takes a pragmatic approach, mixing enthusiasm for new technology with cynicism around the hype. He is also a Visiting Professor at the University of South Wales.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 13th Oct)

Week 3: w/c 3rd November

Tickets for week 3 will be released w/c 20th Oct

The New Rules of Social Media Success: Mon 3 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Pairing, Sharing and Managing a Job-Share: Tues 4 Nov | 10:00 - 12:30 & 13:30 - 16:00

This one-day course explores the sphere of job sharing, including what job-sharing is, why it is key to sustaining your career, how to find a partner who complements and enhances your skillset, work relationships and managing your share, boundaries, leadership and more.

Michelle Reynolds started her career in Fact Ent TV, working for 17 years as a Producer and Director in the UK and the US. She then went on to become the High-End TV Manager for ScreenSkills before joining Share My Telly Job, a not for profit aimed at promoting job-sharing as the best way of retaining experienced and diverse talent in the industry. Now as Co-Director of ReelTime Media, Michelle is an accredited trainer and works with Dr Rowan Aust to devise and implement multiple job-sharing programmes across the industry, supporting many people to stay in film and TV in happier, healthier ways. She was a founding officer of the Unscripted TV Union (part of Bectu) where she served as Women's officer for three years.

Please note we are running the same session twice on this day:

Session 1 10:00 - 12:30 - Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Session 2 13:30 - 16:00 - Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Introduction to Virtual Production: Wed 5 Nov | 10:00 - 12:30 & 13:30 - 16:00

This one-day course on virtual production gives participants an introduction to key tooling within Unreal Engine, an overview of VP production case studies and the technology setup in an LED VP studio, as well as workshop exercises that delve into career pathways in the virtual production sphere.

Johnny Johnson is a creative technologist with over two decades of filmmaking and interactive application development experience. Early forays in the camera department on feature films and TV dramas were followed by businesses in camera facilities and virtual reality production. Johnny has provided specialist technical consultancy for global sporting events, produced over ninety VR applications, directed a variety of filmed content and worked as a virtual production supervisor on a range of LED and animated VP content. He is presently engaged in R&D focused on Creative AI at the CoSTAR national lab.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Making a Mid-Career Pivot: Thurs 6 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

In this practical one-day mid-career course, participants will be guided to eframe their personal narrative, identify transferable skills, and explore opportunities to pivot into new directions. Through exercises, participants will unpack the value they bring to productions, translate their expertise beyond film and TV, and align their goals with future opportunities. By the end, participants will leave with a reframed narrative and a clear action plan for their next career move.

Alison Grade describes her key skill as transforming creative concepts into a business reality. She accomplishes this with the films she produces, the creative entrepreneurs she mentors, SMEs she advises in her book, The Freelance Bible (Penguin).
Alison has formal academic training (INSEAD MBA) as well as being an entrepreneur who has established her own businesses. She has worked at senior level in many media companies - predominantly in international television and film production, rights management and strategy.
Currently Alison owns Mission Accomplished, a consultancy offering training, mentoring and strategic advice to start-ups and established SMEs in the Screen and Creative Industries.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Getting the Best out of Generative AI: Skills, Tools and Challenges: Fri 7 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course helps TV freelancers new to using AI tools explore how AI can support, not replace, their creative work. We’ll cut through the jargon, address concerns, and show how AI can take on time-consuming tasks, so you have more time to do the stuff you do best. AI is in a golden era, so now is the time to capitalise on it and this workshop will show you how.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Creative AI for Film and TV Production: Sat 8 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course explores how generative AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the creative industries, tracing the evolution of media from broadcast to streaming and AI-native production. Participants will gain practical knowledge of generative models and creative workflows, with real-world applications in script development, editing, VFX, and marketing, supported by live demos of leading tools. A hands-on Creative Lab and sessions on ethics and copyright equip participants to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI in media.

Cody Updegrave is the co-founder and CEO of The Ambiguous Company, an award-winning global studio pioneering filmmaking through generative AI and traditional craft, as well as CEO of its video game arm, Ambiguous Interactive. A leading voice in generative AI and virtual production in the UK, he has lectured at Channel 4, NFTS, and contributed to a BFI screen sector report. He also tutors at NFTS and serves as Producer for the Prototype Team at CoStar National Lab. Ambiguous, founded by collaborators in film, animation, and game design, creates original films, branded content, and experimental media that fuse AI, VFX, animation, and live-action, delivering innovative storytelling with the flexibility and personal touch of a small, dedicated team.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 20th Oct)

Week 4: w/c 10th November

Tickets for week 4 will be released w/c 27th Oct

Freelancer to Brand: Sparking Creative Freedom & Opportunity: Mon 10 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course designed to help freelancers define what makes them unique, identify their ideal clients, and shape a clear vision for the future. Through interactive activities, participants will uncover their “WOW,” explore their skills, and build the foundations of a brand that reflects who they are and the work they want to attract. The course covers mindset shifts, boundaries, and client management, while exploring how a strong brand can create opportunities, provide space for creative growth, and future-proof careers by positioning freelancers as distinctive, resilient brands.

Charlotte Holroyd Charlotte Holroyd is the founder of Creative Wilderness, an ethical, nature-inspired branding and design studio based in Manchester, UK. With a background in major design and advertising agencies, she’s worked on projects for brands like Wilkinson Sword, KP Nuts, Peroni, and McCann. Now, she uses that experience to help ethical and sustainable brands create impactful, purpose-driven identities. Her work has supported clients in securing national stockists, media features, and growing meaningful communities.

Outside the studio, Charlotte finds inspiration in nature—hiking, wild swimming, and adventuring in her campervan, Summer.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 27th Oct)

From Possibility to Pitch - Developing Your Ideas: Tues 11 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This interactive pitching session helps participants develop a one-line idea into a clear, compelling proposal ready for pitch and production. Working on their own concepts, participants will explore what makes an idea stand out, experiment with formats and story approaches, and build a simple story framework to bring their vision to life. The session also covers strength-testing ideas, storyboarding, and peer feedback, giving participants the tools and confidence to refine and share bold creative ideas.

Alex Dalton is a consultant, facilitator, and trainer specialising in creativity, leadership, personal development, and communication. She designs and delivers tailored training programmes, from supporting young apprentices to coaching senior teams through complex production challenges.

Her work includes creating a strategic innovation model used across BBC digital teams, leading UK-wide training for TV development teams, and helping production teams win over £30 million in business. She’s also developed a respected personal development programme for senior media leaders.

Alex has worked with organisations including Netflix, Channel 4, Sony Pictures, The NHS, L’Oréal, and Coca-Cola. At the BBC, she produced major events such as the Olympics, General Election, Grand National, and Wimbledon.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 27th Oct)

Freelance Growth Pathways: Wed 12 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

Freelance Growth Pathways: Identity, Confidence & Career Planning
This one-day course helps TV and media freelancers step back from the daily grind to reflect, plan, and build strategies for long-term career growth. Through interactive sessions on Career Mapping & Growth Pathways and Self-Worth, Identity & Confidence, participants engage in coaching, exercises, and peer learning to create a personalised 12–24 month career roadmap, identify strengths and unique industry identity, and develop practical tools and confidence to navigate freelance growth and opportunities.

Emma Dobinson is the founder of Creative Reset and a coach specialising in personal and professional growth. With over 25 years’ global experience in TV production, creative leadership, and talent development, she’s led projects in complex environments worldwide, including roles with BBC Media Action and as Global Partnerships Director at First Draft with the Google News Initiative.

Emma holds an EMCC Global coaching accreditation and blends deep media leadership experience with practical coaching. She supports individuals and organisations through career development, resilience building, and navigating change with clarity.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 27th Oct)

AI in Action: Smarter, Faster, World-Class Creativity for Freelancers: Thurs 13 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This intensive one-day course is designed for participants who already have a working knowledge of AI and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and group work, you will explore how to apply Generative AI to accelerate your creative process, improve workflows, and unlock new opportunities across TV, film, and media. Freelancers will leave with a practical toolkit for using AI to develop concepts, visuals, and presentations - helping you work faster, smarter, and to world-class standards. The course emphasises how AI is democratising the creative field, enabling freelancers to compete with larger players on equal terms.

Jason Yates is a Creative Executive and Generative AI consultant, trusted by global brands, agencies, and creative studios including the British Film Institute, Adidas, Sky, and Khloé Kardashian. With a career spanning acting, directing, and senior creative leadership, Jason has delivered world-first campaigns and breakthrough storytelling moments across film, TV, and branded content. Alongside his consultancy, he is actively acquiring and developing IP for TV, film, and beyond, working with new writers and producers to bring bold stories to screen. Jason specialises in helping freelancers and creatives embrace AI to work smarter, faster, and at world-class standards.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 27th Oct)

Speed Coaching Power Hours: Fri 14 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

Speed Coaching offers a safe and confidential space for freelancers to get clarity on their future development and the obstacles holding them back. These focussed individual 50-minute sessions are designed to provide high-impact coaching tailored to each freelancer’s specific needs, helping to address challenges, unlock potential and drive personal and professional growth. Freelancers will leave the sessions knowing what their next steps are and how to take them.

Clare Laycock is a highly experienced media executive and ICF-accredited business and personal coach. With over 30 years in global media, she has led creative, commissioning, and content teams through constant industry change, including mergers, restructures, and digital transformation. Clare held senior roles at major broadcasters including the BBC, UKTV, and Discovery Networks, most recently serving as SVP, Head of Content – Networks & Streaming UK at Warner Bros. Discovery. In 2024, she transitioned to full-time coaching, working with leaders, executives, and teams to build confidence, communication skills, and career fulfilment. She also volunteers as a career and interview coach for Smart Works, helping women into meaningful employment.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 27th Oct)

Week 5: w/c 17th November

Tickets for week 5 will be released w/c 3rd Nov

Producing Digital Entertainment Formats: Mon 17 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course equips participants with the practical skills and confidence to develop, pitch, and produce original digital entertainment formats for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Through case studies and interactive workshops, participants will learn to create digital-first IP, budget and produce series, pitch to commissioners and brands, work with creator talent, distribute content, and monetise their work, ideal for those looking to transfer broadcast experience into the digital marketplace.

Lucy Smith is the founder of Fawkes Digital - a digital production studio specialising in developing and producing original entertainment formats for brands, creators and digital broadcasters. Recent shows include Baddest in the World (Channel 4.0's first international commission), Korea Ladder (Korean Tourism Board), Texture Talks (Garnier), CEOs Go Wild (LinkedIn), MOVE IT: The Dance Off (Immediate) and My Child Killed (Hearst Networks).

Click here to book your place (released w/c 3 Nov)

Redesigning What's Next: Tues 18 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This session is designed for experienced TV professionals navigating a changing industry, where slower commissioning cycles, tighter budgets, and shifting demand have disrupted familiar career paths. It creates space to reflect, release what no longer fits, and reconnect with what energises and inspires you. Through self-reflection, paired exercises, and guided discussion, participants will explore new possibilities, redefine success, and leave with clarity, renewed purpose, and a concrete first step to move forward with intention and confidence.

Ursula Capell is a leadership and life coach, creativity researcher, and guide for mid-life professionals who feel stuck, disconnected, or ready for change. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the creative and broadcast industries (BBC, Sky, Hoxby) and an MSc in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, she helps individuals clarify what truly matters, reconnect with their purpose, and take small, brave steps toward meaningful change. Through her coaching programmes, Ursula creates a supportive space for reflection, clarity, and action, empowering participants to reimagine success on their own terms.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 3 Nov)

Introduction to Podcasting: Wed 19 Nov | 10:00 - 16:00

This one-day course is designed for participants looking to explore the growing world of podcasting, where 25 million people in the UK consume content each month and audiences often spend more time engaged than with other media. Participants will learn the essentials of creating a podcast series, understand why podcasts work, and be guided through a practical task to develop their own series, gaining hands-on experience and insights to engage audiences effectively.

Steve Austins is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of audio production company, Bengo Media. A former head of BBC Radio Wales, Steve has spent over 30 years working in audio. Bengo Media makes branded audio and video podcasts for the likes of the World Health Organization and Macmillan Cancer Support, and also produced the 8-part history series, Strike, for BBC Sounds. The company also produces audiobooks for coaches and consultants, as well as live radio and documentaries for the BBC, including the weekday Early Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.

Click here to book your place (released w/c 3 Nov)