Essential Skills for TV Researchers

Researchers: How to be the best and beat the rest.

A one day course for aspiring - and existing - researchers. Taught by established programme-makers, this course will teach you all the key skills needed to be a first-rate researcher including finding and assessing contributors, taking briefs and reporting back to producers, working with agents and talent, keeping records, best use of online - and offline - research tools, what makes a good TV story, finding, recceing and working on location, and crucial compliance and legal issues. And much more! 

Recent Testimonies:

'I went in not really knowing too much what to expect. But came away so informed and full of confidence that I can push my career forward!'

'I thought it was incredibly helpful. The teaching was fantastic as was meeting other people in the same boat. I enjoyed collaborating with everyone.'

For Runners, Researchers looking to improve their skills

None. Delegates will be sent a detailed booking form before the course so we can gauge their experience and objectives and tailor the course accordingly. 

  • Good research practice: Corroborating, contact lists, status notes, briefs.
  • Stories: What makes a good TV story?
  • Casting: Where to start, interview techniques & questions, decision making.
  • Legal and compliance: Advertising rules, paper trails, duty of care.
  • Location finding
  • Recce-ing: What to look for, what to ask, how to photograph /shoot.
  • Talent and agents: The etiquette and protocol.
  • Setting up and scheduling a shoot from scratch
  • Skills on location: How to prepare, how to be a first class location assistant.

Do I need to bring anything to the course?It’s advisable to bring a pen and some notepaper. Otherwise, all you need is a receptive mind and your energy and enthusiasm.Is lunch provided?We keep you replenished with teas, coffee, biscuits and fruit. We don’t provide lunch – although there are a number of sandwich shops, cafes, restaurants close by, as well as a supermarket.What if I have to cancel?If you cancel more than 10 working days before the course date, you will get a full refund. If you cancel with less than 10 days' notice, or once the course has been confirmed, the full course fees are still due. We will however endeavour to get you onto to a future course as and when we have a spare space. Although this cannot be guaranteed and will usually involve you being offered the place at short notice, we have a great track record of making sure people get their training – even it takes a bit of time.

Maximum 12

Times

10:00-17:30 (please arrive 15 minutes early for induction on the first day)

Location

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be in writing and must be received at least 10 working days prior to the course date or the full fee will be charged. DV Talent reserves the right to cancel courses at any time (e.g. if there are insufficient enrolments) without liability, and delegates will be offered an alternative date or full refund. In booking a course, you are acknowledging you have read and accepted our Terms and Conditions.