Grierson DocLab in Focus: Archive Producers Training Programme (UK)

The Grierson DocLab In Focus programmes were created to directly address skills shortages in documentary and factual programme making by identifying new talent and providing training and career opportunities.

The Grierson DocLab In Focus: Archive Producers programme is aimed at people with a deep passion for documentary and factual programming, and who have two-to-three years’ experience of working in television, film and online content production in roles such as researchers, production assistants, production coordinators, casting researchers, and production managers.

Benefits

• Trainees will receive a ten-week bursary-supported work placement at a UK production company.
• The placement will provide the opportunity for trainees to draw on what they have learnt on the training programme and put into practice the knowledge and skills gained.
• Successful trainees will get the chance to work closely with an archive producer on a single feature or series.

Ongoing Support

• With ongoing support from The Trust, trainees will be invited to in-person networking events, plus continuous professional development opportunities through webinars. They will also actively support trainees, connecting them to production companies and work opportunities.
• Trainees will be invited to the Grierson Awards, taking place in London on Wednesday 6 November 2024, to network with industry guests.
• All trainees will then join the Grierson DocLab Alumni group for continued support through the network.

Training Information

• Taking place online over five-days, the programme will cover a range subjects and topics including:
  • The archival landscape and the fundamentals of producing.
  • Developing the soft skills to enable successful negotiation, working to budget, plus giving and receiving feedback.
  • Ethical challenges and how to work with challenging subject matter.
  • Leading industry professionals will deliver masterclasses, case studies, panel discussions, plus group and individual exercises over the week to supercharge the learning. Trainees will also attend guided tours and trips, and a short residential to consolidate the training.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Grierson DocLab In Focus: Archive Producers programme is aimed at people who have who have two-to-three years’ experience of working in television, film and online content production in roles such as researchers, production assistants, production coordinators, assistant producers, casting researchers, and production managers.
• Applicants will need to demonstrate their experience of having worked on productions which have used archive, strong research skills, attention to detail, exceptional communication and organisational skills, and be a creative problem-solver.
• The Grierson Trust has an established track record of supporting under-represented groups in the documentary industry and therefore particularly encourages applications from those from lower socio-economic backgrounds; disabled people; those from ethnic minority backgrounds and people from the LGBTQ+ community.
• There is no upper age limit for applicants to this training scheme.
• You must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK.
• You must not be in full-time education or a recent graduate as this is not a graduate training scheme.
• You must commit to the whole of the Grierson DocLab In Focus: Archive Producers programme.

For more information, visit The Grierson Trust.