Digital Content Skills for Unscripted TV
Digital content training for early-career and experienced professionals
Digital Content Skills in Unscripted TV is a practical training programme designed to help people working in unscripted TV develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to create content for digital and short-form platforms.
There are two courses, depending on your level of experience.
The series is led by a working producer with digital content credits across public service broadcasting and streaming platforms, and industry awards for cross-platform innovation and digital content.
This training programme is funded by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.
Early-career
The programme is aimed at researchers, production staff and content producers working in/have previously worked in TV (broadcast or steamers) but not those working solely in YouTube or on social media platforms.
Applications are open to anyone across the UK. While we expect you to apply for the instance you are closest to geographically, bursaries we may be able to partially support travel and accommodation costs if your circumstances require it. Please contact melaniep@ruralmedia.co.uk as soon as you apply to discuss any travel or accommodation bursary you may require.
The early-career programmes are two-day, in-person intensive taking place in four regional locations:
Bristol – 14th & 15th December 2026
Birmingham – 11th & 12th January 2027
Cardiff – 25th & 26th January 2027
Hereford - 8th & 9th February 2027
You must be available to attend both full days of your chosen training cohort.
We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to those from minority ethnic groups, disabled people, people from the LGBT community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
For any questions about the programme, please contact juliec@ruralmedia.co.uk.
Application deadline: 13 November 2026
Who its for
What it covers
The training will explore the current digital commissioning landscape and three key modes of digital unscripted content:
Original content – bespoke content made specifically for digital platforms
Shoulder content – content designed to sit alongside a television programme or larger commission
Activations – audience engagement content, campaigns and interactive formats
During the programme, participants will work with others to develop, produce and publish an original piece of short-form content in response to a live industry brief.
If successful in applying, you may be asked to:
Draft a 200-word max written reflection submitted 48 hours before each session, which the lead trainer reads in advance and uses to shape the opening of that session.
Prepare one in-development idea of your own for a pitching opportunity
Experienced
Who its for
The programme is aimed at anyone working at mid to senior level in production, commissioning, development, digital or related roles in unscripted TV such as APs, producers, content producers, and mid-career creative leads who are looking to develop their knowledge and practice in digital-first content.
This is not an entry-level programme. Applicants should already have experience working in creating, producing, developing or managing screen content. We are interested in applicants who can demonstrate relevant professional experience and a clear interest in developing their digital-first practice.
If you are working at a more senior level than the above stated roles, you may be interested in a series of online masterclasses on digital content for execs in which you can apply later in the year. Please register your interest here
Applications are open to anyone across the UK. While we expect you to apply for the instance you are closest to geographically, bursaries we may be able to partially support travel and accommodation costs if your circumstances require it. Please contact melaniep@ruralmedia.co.uk as soon as you apply to discuss any travel or accommodation bursary you may require.
The mid-senior level programme is a two-day, in-person intensive taking place in two regional locations:
Birmingham – 22nd & 23rd March 2027
Manchester 12th & 13th April 2027
You must be available to attend both full days of your chosen training cohort.
We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to those from minority ethnic groups, disabled people, people from the LGBT community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Application deadline: 19 Feb 2027
What it covers
The programme will explore the rapidly changing digital commissioning landscape and three key modes of digital unscripted content:
Original content – bespoke content made specifically for digital platforms
Shoulder content – content designed to sit alongside a television programme or larger commission
Activations – audience engagement content, campaigns, interactive formats and other activity designed to build participation and reach
Across the programme, participants will explore how digital content is commissioned, developed, funded and monetised, and how digital-first thinking can be integrated into existing television and production businesses.
The programme will have a strong practical focus. Participants will have opportunities to develop and test ideas, work collaboratively and respond to industry-style briefs.
If successful in applying, you may asked to:
Prepare a maximum 200-word written reflection 48 hours before each session, which the lead trainer may use to help shape the session
Bring one in-development idea or creative opportunity that you could potentially explore as part of the programme;
Contribute to the development of a short-form or digital-first piece of content during the practical sessions.