BBC and TRC launch new intake for series producer programme

The BBC and TRC (The Research Centre) will be celebrating six years of the Series Producer Programme at the Television for the Nations and Regions Conference in Salford in January 2009. They will also be announcing recruitment for the new intake for year seven.

The Series Producer Programme is a strategic partnership between BBC Training and Development and TRC (The Research Centre).

The BBC plays a key role in delivering and supporting training within the broadcast industry and this programme is aimed at developing the skills of network producers from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English Regions to the level of series producer.

It is open to talented freelance, independent or internal BBC producers with a strong track record in network television production.

The Series Producer Programme is one of a number of contributory elements to the BBC’s Network Supply Strategy.

The BBC’s move to boost production across the UK is focused on developing the returning series to sustain our network centres, both in-house and independent. Supporting the makers of these shows with high-level training and access to network decision-makers is a key part of that ambition.

Sixty-seven network television producers have so far benefited from taking part in the programme.

Former graduates of the Series Producer Scheme include Fiona Campbell, recently appointed as executive producer in BBC current affairs commissioning, Harry Bell, Creative Director at Tern Television in Glasgow, Anna Cox, Series Producer at BBC Manchester, Sarah Hey, producer of the recent Panorama on Shannon Matthews, Robin Ashbrook, MD of Shine North, Judith Winnan, Commissioning Executive, Factual, BBC Wales, and Matthew Laza, Series Producer on The One Show working out of BBC Manchester.

The year-long training scheme consists of 12 sessions lasting one or two days per month.

The programme delivers a range of high-level masterclasses which focus on honing skills across key areas including the creation of programme ideas for multiplatform, creative thinking, audience research and behaviours, pitching, writing programme proposals, accessing decision-makers, managing talent and team-building, as well as subjects such as diversity, compliance, and legal, ethical and editorial practice.

Krishan Arora, BBC’s Independents Executive, said: "Growing the production sector around the UK is all about supporting talent, and the BBC is pleased to support this scheme which has proved its worth and is a vital part of the BBC’s out of London and Network Supply plans.

“The participants on the SPP have shown over the years that in terms of network shows, especially the series which are so vital to a thriving production sector, they have what it takes.”

Carol Sinclair, Managing Director, TRC, said: “We’ve been working with the BBC for a number of years on developing key talent. It’s great to be announcing this major BBC investment to strengthen the creative production base in the nations and regions.”