Step Up to Production Coordinator (Unscripted)

The Production Coordinator sits at the heart of every production team. The role varies with each production and company, but at its foundation has as key skills: organisation, forward-planning and adaptability.

This new short course is both for people ready to step into a full Production Coordinator role in unscripted, and for those who want to broaden their understanding. It takes these key skills and looks at how they can be applied in different contexts, highlights the value of your work to the wider team and encourages you to explore how you become a PC in your own style.

The programme offers a mix of in-person group workshops and individual mentoring and is led by Ashley Jackman. Ashley has 25+ years’ experience in TV production, many of which in senior production management roles. He is also a qualified Executive Level Coach and Mentor (ILM L7).

Session 1 - Tuesday 12 January 2027

Owning the role: become a Production Coordinator in your own style
Skills Insight: Music & Archive clearance: why it’s important
Common challenges; finding your voice, managing boundaries, prioritising
Specialist Insight: Intro to foreign filming

Session 2 - Tuesday 9 February 2027

Cost management for Production Coordinators and finance systems
Skills Insight: Getting by with Post-Production
Common challenges; getting answers, kit knowledge, working with teams
Planning a path to grow

The mentoring element of this programme is where you focus on your own situation. Your company, your projects and your own approach.

Over 2 x 90 min online sessions, your tutor will create a confidential space where you can talk about what concerns you.

This course is aimed at Production Assistants and Production Secretaries ready to step-up, or newly promoted Production Coordinators.

You will need to be well-organised, effective under pressure, resourceful, a problem solver, computer literate, financially minded and have good leadership skills.

You may also have a background in business/financial management, or a job with transferable skills and be looking for a career change.

We aim for this course to be accessible so please let us know if you have any access requirements.

Freelance Rate: £525
Corporate Rate: £1050

Bursaries, supported by Screen Scotland, to contribute to the costs of attending this course may be available to those who are eligible. Please read the bursary guidelines which are published below first to check if you are eligible. If you are eligible, please indicate if you are also applying for a bursary or not.

Please apply as far in advance of the course date as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a supported place, as we may not be able to accommodate all applications.

Your bursary application and supporting documents should be sent to scotland@nfts.co.uk after submitting this application form. Please submit your bursary application within 24 hours to ensure your course place is reserved while your bursary application is processed – otherwise we may be required to release it to another applicant. Your bursary documents are reviewed by a panel and we aim to be in touch as soon as possible with an outcome for you.

NFTS Scotland Bursary Guidelines

NFTS Scotland Bursary Application Form

If you are not eligible for an NFTS Scotland bursary, please read our Alternative Funding Avenues document, which points you in the direction of a few other places which may be able to help. Please submit your application in plenty of time as timescales for funders differ.

Please fill in the application form, attaching your CV

Step Up to Production Coordinator (Unscripted)

Effective Documentary Interviews

Entry Level Roles in Film and HETV

Ethical Frameworks for Documentary Storytellers

Film Distribution and International Sales

Film Distribution and International Sales 1.0

Filming with a Smartphone

Filming with a Smartphone - Part 1 and Part 2

Filming with a Smartphone - Part 2 only

Step Up to Production Coordinator (Unscripted)

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