Paid Production Training Scheme with The Forge
- hboyes0
- Oct 22, 2021
- 5 min read
Production Training Scheme 2022/23
The Channel 4 Production Training Scheme is for entry level talent who want to break into the media industry and are passionate about making television programmes. In 2022/23 we will be offering paid places at one of the UK's independent production companies for 12 months. This round, we will be offering placements in scripted television (i.e. drama).
Our first cohort will open for applications from Monday 18th October with opportunities available across the UK in Yorkshire, Liverpool, Glasgow, and London.
Applicants applying for this scheme may already have a degree in Film and Television (or related) or have some previous experience of the television industry through running, work experience or short term placements, but no more than 6 months.
The scheme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.
Please note: we encourage applicants to only apply for one placement and would advise that you focus your efforts into applying for the company that best suits your skills and interests.
The Forge Entertainment
The Forge is a UK-based independent drama production company specialising in original, innovative and high-quality TV drama, working in collaboration with the UK’s leading and emerging creative talent.
Production credits include Jack Thorne’s multi-BAFTA-winning trilogy National Treasure, Kiri and The Accident (C4/HULU); Ayub Khan Din’s award-winning returning schools’ series Ackley Bridge (C4), John Brownlow’s adaptation of Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist (BBC1/WGBH), Levi David Addai’s Dark Money (BBC1) and David Hare’s Collateral (BBC2/NETFLIX) starring Carey Mulligan and political thriller Roadkill (BBC1/MASTERPIECE) starring Hugh Laurie.
Jack Thorne’s most recent collaboration with The Forge, Help, transmitted on C4 in September 2020. Set in a fictional Liverpool care home, it tells the moving and urgent story of the relationship between a young care home worker and a patient, whose lives are changed forever by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic last spring. Directed by Marc Munden and with a stellar cast heralded by Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer, the drama shines an unflinching light on the terrible events of 2020 through a compelling, warm and heart-wrenching friendship
The Forge are currently in production with Becoming Elizabeth, an 8-part original series for STARZ, created and written by writer Anya Reiss, Rules of the Game (BBC1), a 4-part thriller, written by Ruth Fowler and starring Maxine Peake and Marriage (BBC1), a 4-part drama from two-time Bafta-winning writer and director Stefan Golaszewski, starring Sean Bean and Nicola Walker.
Scripted Development Assistant
The Scripted Development Assistant will gain a broad range of experience with an aim to developing a comprehensive understanding of the scripted process. Working to support members of the development team and the Executive Producers, the role will be varied and the assistant an integral part of assisting the team with the ever-evolving development requirements of the business.
Applicants for the role should have a demonstrable passion for TV drama and the scripted development process, with a view to developing further knowledge and experience in this area. We are keen to hear from individuals with a unique voice who can bring a fresh perspective to the industry. We would also welcome candidates who have worked in theatre but who are looking to make the step into television drama.
Candidates should be organised, pro-active and able to prioritise - and should enjoy working collaboratively in a dynamic, creative and varied industry. They should demonstrate good attention to detail, with strong communication skills and will often be the first point of contact for the company, which may include liaising with writers, talent and key contacts across the industry.
Job responsibilities may include but will not be limited to the following:
Supporting and responding to the development requirements of the development team/Executive Producers
Diary management/co-ordination of meetings
First point of contact for calls ensuring that messages are passed on and dealt with professionally.
Maintaining and updating the development logs, filing systems and databases.
Taking, finalising and issuing notes from meetings and actions logged
Co-ordination/logistics for development meetings/Writers’ rooms
Reading scripts, manuscripts, books and pitch documents, as required
Writing up reports on submitted scripts, manuscripts, books and pitch documents, as required
Proofing drafts and labelling scripts
Assisting in working up internal pitch documents for projects in development
Supporting the development team with travel and bookings
Preparing documentation/industry research as required
Research on projects/targeted areas as required
Maintain up to date knowledge of greenlights, industry news and marketplace trends
Supporting the team with submissions and logs
Providing informed comments/feedback on material as required, assessing its value within the current TV landscape and thinking about whether it could be a good fit for The Forge
Candidate Essential Experience and Skills
A demonstrable passion for TV drama
Excellent communication skills
Strong organisational and time management skills
Good diary management/booking skills
Great teamwork skills
Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate administration systems
The ability to work flexibly and independently
Candidates should be proficient in IT skills to include word, excel and experience in working across a variety of software programmes and databases
Knowledge of final draft would be preferable but not essential
Application Timetable
Applications close: 8th November
Online Assessments (via Hirevue): week commencing 22nd November
Shortlisting and company interviews (virtual): Early December
Offers made: by 17th December
Bootcamp and trainee contracts start: 17th January
Trainees start at companies: 24th January
* Please note that these dates are not final and may be subject to change. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please get in touch with us at 4skills@channel4.co.uk
Salary£24,000Application questions to complete
To complete your application please provide a response to the below application questions, you can upload your response to the application questions as an attachment when submitting your application. This can be attached to your application as a PDF or Word document.
Please outline how you meet the “Candidate Essential Experience and Skills” stated in the Job Description you are applying for? Please make sure you read the job description carefully and address each of the points outlined. (Max 500 words)
Take a look at the website of the independent production company you are applying for and choose a programme that they have made. Tell us why you like it and why you would want to work on it? (Max 300 words)
Channel 4 is always looking to make television more inclusive. Using your own experience, how would you influence diversity and inclusion in television? (Max 300 words)
We are looking for people who are passionate about drama – whether its television, theatre or through their own writing. What have you have done to pursue your love of drama? This can include work experience, studying, dedicated viewing, writing or any other experience. (Max 300 words)
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one drama with you, what would it be and why? (Max 200 words)
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