Unscripted: Inside the Industry
Channel 4 have partnered with the National Film and Television School to deliver two weeks of free online sessions aimed at freelancers working in the UK. The schedule includes masterclasses, workshops and advice for those working in unscripted production. Delivered as webinars, they will offer practical knowledge, skills and support on topics as varied as casting, storytelling, editing and AI.
All sessions will be hosted on Zoom. Please note, these are live sessions and will not be recorded. Questions? Wales@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:
- Truth Well Told: The Art of Unscripted Storytelling: Monday 16th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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Unscripted programmes come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have a set of organising principles which are fundamental in helping you make sense of your idea and your material. If you know what they are and how to use them, the problems you encounter throughout the film-making process will be more easily solved.
The session will be led by award-winning documentary director Ashok Prasad - a former Head of the Directing Documentary MA at the NFTS.The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Tuesday 17th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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Every standout show starts with a spark—but turning that spark into something sellable takes strategy and strong visual storytelling. This 60-minute session guides you through the journey from raw idea to polished proposal, culminating in a pitch deck that opens doors. You’ll learn how to structure your materials with purpose, understand what commissioners are really looking for, and what's needed to make your ideas both visually and emotionally compelling. With real-world, network-backed insights, practical Canva hacks, and accessible design tips this session is perfect for anyone ready to turn big ideas into pitch-ready packages.
Elizabeth Kantor is Director of Development at Cineflix and Lead Tutor for the NFTS Unscripted Development Diploma, bringing over a decade of experience across broadcast, digital, and branded content.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Editing Insights: A Panel Discussion: Thursday 19th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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Join top unscripted editors Vera Simmonds (Life & Death Row, Half Way), Rahim Mastafa (Doctor Who Unleashed, Saving Lives), and Therese Lynch (Spooked, Scam Interceptors) for an exclusive look at how great stories are crafted in the edit. In this one-hour webinar, they’ll share insights from the edit suite, discuss their creative processes, and answer your questions about working in unscripted TV.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- On Location: Tips for Producer Directors: Friday 20th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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A rapid-fire rundown of the basic advice that new PD's in Unscripted TV need to know to make their job on location go smoothly. The session includes tips on analysing your project, shot-lists, schedules, directing an interview, cover shots and sequences, your role as director on location, problem solving and how to avoid "crossing the line". Led by self-shooting Director Dan Donnelly.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Behind the Scenes: Digital Producing: Monday 23rd June | 12:00 - 13:00
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Go beyond the broadcast and discover how to craft compelling digital content for unscripted TV. In this session, experienced digital producers will share practical tips on planning and producing engaging behind-the-scenes content, social clips, interviews, and extras that complement the main show. Learn how to tailor content for different platforms, work effectively with editorial teams, and make your digital output stand out.
This session will be led by Libera, a marketing and media company specialising in digital content for TV and culture, with experience creating social media and YouTube content for productions alongside production companies and broadcaster-side, including S4C, BBC Studios and Tinopolis.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- AI Tools for Creators: Tuesday 24th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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In this dynamic session, Creative Director Jason Yates explores how AI is revolutionising visual storytelling—from idea generation and storyboarding to video creation and editing. Learn how today’s filmmakers and content creators are using cutting-edge AI tools to create cinematic content faster, smarter, and more creatively than ever before.
Jason Yates is an Exec, Creative Director and AI content specialist with a background in film, TV, and advertising. He has led projects for global brands like adidas, Missguided and Expedia, with talent including Khloe Kardashian and now creates and consults on the future of storytelling with Generative AI.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- Exciting session with Channel 4, TBA
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Exciting session with Channel 4, TBA
- Casting for Factual Entertainment: Thursday 26th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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This one hour webinar will cover the many ways we set about finding an engaging, relatable and representative cast. And how to ensure that people feel fully informed and prepared for what is ahead.
Mel Walden is an experienced Casting Executive with 25 years’ experience in producing and casting for all the major broadcasters. Credits include Big Brother (Channel 4), The Voice (BBC One) and Virgin Island (Channel 4).The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.
- In Conversation with Stephen Lambert: Friday 27th June | 12:00 - 13:00
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Join us for an exclusive one-hour conversation with Stephen Lambert, one of the most influential figures in unscripted television. As the creative mind behind iconic formats like Race Across the World, The Traitors and Gogglebox. Stephen will share insights from his career, discuss the evolution of factual entertainment, and offer his perspective on where the industry is headed. Expect honest reflections, career advice, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create genre-defining TV.
The session will close with 15 mins of Q&A.