Producing Truth: for UK documentary feature producers
This programme is for documentary feature producers based in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the English Regions outside of London.
This programme is specifically focused on building core production and business skills, confidence and a support network for independent producers working on documentaries outside of commercial structures, unscripted or factual TV formats. Participating producers will benefit from a programme tailored to the distinct challenges of developing, funding and distributing independent nonfiction cinema today.
This inclusive programme will follow the producing journey from project inception through to exhibition. Independent documentary involves creative and business risk taking, and strategic planning centred on relationship building. Producers need tools to create the environment for powerful stories and subjects to thrive and to help them manage the unpredictable nature of producing in this field.
This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions.
Who it’s for
Open to up to twelve mid-level producers based in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and English regions outside of London. The training will be delivered by a consortium of industry leading partners who have specific awareness of local context and networks, independent documentary filmmaking, as well a track record in talent development, training and outreach initiatives.
The outcome of the programme will be to offer real career progression for ‘experienced’ mid-level producers (Completed at minimum one feature length film as the lead Producer) to update their knowledge on production practicalities, gain insights into current distribution and marketplace, guidance and strategies for sustaining livelihood and resilience, and to broaden their professional networks.
ScreenSills offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which they can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let them know and they will be happy to work with you to meet them.
What it covers
This hybrid programme will include seven online sessions and case studies delivered by field leaders and will culminate in exposure to a professional market where the learnings can be applied. In-depth online sessions and case studies will be delivered as a 2.5hr session on a weekly basis from the 13th May to the 1st July 2024. Additionally the participating producers will attend Docs Ireland market on June 21st, and 22nd 2024.
Course overview:
Sessions will be dedicated to specific fields of the documentary producer skillset, including:
- business and legals: finance, budgeting and funding
- international co-production
- collaborative storytelling
- producer wellbeing and resilience
- markets and distribution
The final session, delivered after their in-person attendance at a documentary film market will offer a space for reflection, and guidance for next steps in career development. The programme will be delivered by BFI Doc Society Fund, Docs Ireland, Scottish Documentary Institute, and Screen Alliance Wales.
How to apply
Please click ‘apply now’ on the ScreenSkills website to submit your application. You will need to be logged into your ScreenSkills account to submit your application. The deadline for applications is 22 March 2024.
Screenskills is also supporting ‘BIFA Springboard: Producers’ for fiction producers who are currently working on their second feature film. If you are interested in applying, you can find the course page here.
Contact information
Email: sanne@docsociety.org
For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Faceb