Fast Train

Want to know how to get your shows commissioned? Fancy yourself directing a multi camera studio? Need to know how to sell your series via social media? Want to learn the secrets of great writing from developing an idea through to pre-titles tease?

Sponsored by Skillset and hosted by the BBC Academy at White City on Wednesday 18 May, Fast Train will offer up to 500 TV freelancers the unique chance to sample a wide range of training from the industry's leading providers.

Here's everything you ever needed to know, and more, about getting your broadcast career on the fast track!

Short training sessions will be provided by the BBC Academy, The Indie Training Fund, DV Talent, VET, ShortCourses@NFTS, BECTU, Skills2Film, and Skillset Media Academies, with the support of many independent production companies.

Skillset will also be on hand to discuss bursaries and guide freelancers through the application process.

All attendees at Fast Train could be eligible to receive up to £1000 for training from Skillset via the TV Skills Fund, subject to availability.

To find out more, just visit the Skillset stand on the day, or go to www.skillset.org/tvfunding.

Fast Train will comprise practical workshops, half-day courses and short "taster" sessions covering all aspects of production; In total there will be 68 different practical sessions covering career development, editing, technical, multiplatform, social media, creativity, lighting, sound and directing.

A host of key industry figures including Stuart Murphy, Director of Programmes, Sky Atlantic HD, Sky 1HD, 2 & Pick TV; Zai Bennett, Controller of BBC3 and Richard Klein, Controller of BBC4 will be holding master classes at Fast Train.

‘How To Make It As An Indie', run by Pact, will be a practical master class for those thinking about starting their own Independent Production Company.

Karl Warner, Commissioner Comedy Entertainment, BBC1 & BBC3 and Andrew Jackson, Deputy Head of Features, Channel 4 will reveal the secrets for pitching and winning commissions. And the programme makers behind the hit shows of the past year will be telling all.

Want to learn how to use music creatively in your programmes? Composer Julian Hamlin (Cutting Edge, Katie Piper: My Beautiful Face) will lead a workshop to help you learn how to work with composers, understand how music can enhance your film and why music shouldn't be left to the last minute.

Desperate to get your hands on the latest HD and 3D cameras? If you've always fancied yourself as a presenter or wanted to break into drama, now's your chance!

Get top tips from the people in the know and hear from the industry's finest how they did it!

Kate O'Connor, Executive Director/Deputy CEO Skillset. "Skillset is delighted to be partnering with the BBC on this unique event. The Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for freelancers to come into direct contact with the broad range of training providers and hear about funding opportunities that are out there for them, but perhaps they were not aware of."

Zai Bennett, Controller, BBC Three, said "I'm delighted to support the BBC Academy's Fast Train day. It's important that freelancers have access to quality training opportunities to enable them to keep up to date with the very latest in television and multiplatform production skills."

Carla Mitchell, Chair MITA* adds: "MITA welcomes this breakthrough occasion where the industry training providers are coming together to showcase the wealth of training that is available to TV freelancers."

Registration opens on Thursday 14th April 2011 on http://fastrain.eventbrite.com

Minimum entry requirement is two years working in the broadcast industry and/or three broadcast credits.

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For further information, please contact:
BBC Academy Communications
Janie Ironside-Wood: Janie.ironsidewood@bbc.co.uk
Sara Tidy: Sara.tidy@bbc.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
*MITA (Moving Image Training Alliance) is a membership network for independent training providers working in the moving image sector. www.mita.org.uk