Skillset Funds DV Talent To Launch Fast Track Series Producer Scheme

Skillset has announced that it has funded DV Talent to launch the Fast Track Series Producer Scheme.
The funding comes from the Skillset TV Freelance Fund, which the main broadcasters in the industry contribute to. DV Talent represents top-end programme-makers and is a leading training provider in the broadcast industry.
The scheme will be taught by some of the biggest names in the broadcast industry and has been designed to develop the next generation of senior production talent.
The scheme was launched at an event at BAFTA on May 12.
The scheme is unique as it includes workshops from some of the most influential programme-makers of recent times, high-profile executive mentors as well as masterclasses with key Executives and Commissioners. Among the leading figures involved are: Ben Gale, Director of Programmes for Five; Richard Woolfe, Director of Programming for Sky One, Two and Three; Robert Thirkell, BAFTA award-winning programme-maker; Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Popular Factual for ITV; Helen Black, MBE, Managing Director of Creative People.
The Fast Track course provides experienced freelance producers and directors with the key managerial, editorial and creative skills needed to be a successful Series Producer. Over the six months of training, topics covered will include how to renew and refresh established formats, how to run large production teams, an examination of the ethical and compliance issues involved in factual and entertainment programming post-Queengate and how to create content in a multiplatform age.
Sarah Lee, the Fast Track Project Manager at DV Talent, said: "We are extremely grateful for the funding that Skillset has dedicated to this scheme. This training will hopefully help expand the Series Producer pool by mitigating the risks involved in a production company or broadcaster giving someone a break at series producer-level."
Fiona Chesterton, Director of Television at Skillset, said: "DV Talent has produced an innovative and clever concept through this Fast Track Scheme. It is crucial that the broadcast industry capitalises on the experience that these top TV Executives and Commissioners can bring, to maintain the broadcasting talent of the future."
The ten successful applicants will start their first week of formal training from May 12.
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media, which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. Further information is available at: www.skillset.org.
DV Talent is an agency representing top-end programme-makers as well as a leading training provider.
Further information is available at: www.dvtalent.co.uk.
(KMcA/JM)