Fast Train - training in action

Fast Train - the UK's biggest ever TV freelance training event - brought a huge buzz to White City last week. The event was hosted by the BBC Academy, sponsored by Skillset, and involved 14 training partners and commercial training providers.

Around 350 freelances took part in the taster training sessions and masterclasses. There were 1,457 attendances across 72 separate practical training sessions - everything from scripting, pitching, self-shooting and editing to 3D, to multi-camera directing of a pop band.

The masterclasses - with some of the biggest names in the industry including BBC Controllers Janice Hadlow, Zai Bennett, Richard Klein and Liam Keelan; pioneering documentary producer Roger Graef; Nic Morris, director of photography on the BBC TV series Being Human; Shine's Jamie Munro; Silver River owner and author Daisy Goodwin; Richard McKerrow of Love Productions; ITV commissioner Jo Clinton-Davis; Channel 4's Andrew Jackson; So Television's Graham Stuart; and Sky's Stuart Murphy - were also fully subscribed.

The informal feedback from the day showed just how much training is valued by freelances. Eighty-seven per cent of attendees said they found the day extremely useful, and the other 13% very useful. All respondents said they would consider booking more training after Fast Train, and they all also said they would be interested in attending next year.

Fast Train organiser Donna Taberer said: "We were amazed at the response to Fast Train, and the demand for places. We've had nothing but positive feedback from delegates and contributors.There was overwhelming gratitude that the BBC, along with its partners, could offer such a range of training - and all for free.The day had amazing support from BBC programme-makers and executives. We're now actively looking to see how we can replicate the event in other parts of the UK."

A short film and photos highlight the day's events.