Factual TV chiefs from top international television networks and production companies have been flocking to speak to students on the NFTS’ Discovery Factual Development & Production Course.
This new 1-year part-time diploma course, run in partnership with Discovery Networks International is held weekly at Discovery’s HQ in London and has included money-can’t-buy presentations from Julian Bellamy, Creative Director of Discovery Networks International who candidly discussed the psychology of commissioning from the commissioner’s point of view and Head of Factual, Dan Korn who provided a pan-European perspective on Discovery’s many channels.
Other stellar speakers this year have included: Ralph Lee (Channel 4), Tom Edwards (BBC), Sarah Thornton (TLC), Katy Thorogood (ITV), Rob Carey (Cineflex), Sheldon Lazarus (Rize USA), Rob Hifle (BDH), Patrick Uden ( Uden Media)– and many more!
Students have also enjoyed a tour of Discovery’s impressive technical facilities by Paul Dignan, Director of Broadcast Operations and Gabby Redfern, Senior Vice President of Media Operations, including the main control room which broadcasts +100 channels across Europe and the giant servers which store the company’s programme output.
Channel 4’s hit series The Undateables, produced by Discovery-owned production company Betty TV was the subject of another special speaker session that included a Q&A with Mary Russell, a major contributor to the programme, and her son, Reece.
Starting in January, this diploma is divided into six modules and explores factual production from the initial idea through to its production and delivery. Students conclude the course in December, when they’ll pitch their own ideas to Discovery executives, with one person seeing their idea receive development funding and the support of a senior Discovery producer.
Senior Tutor, Simon Broadley said the stellar cast of guest speakers was unparalleled in any other course: "It is this close relationship with the industry that distinguishes it from any other. This course isn't only for post graduates or new entrants to the industry. There are many people working at researcher level in the industry who would benefit from both the range of subjects covered and the expose to senior industry practitioners that this course provides.
“Although the course is identified as 'factual', it embraces factual content in all its forms. There's as much about factual entertainment and format creation as straight factual programming'.
APPLY for this course by the July 10 DEADLINE
Pictured: Discovery Network International speakers with students fom the NFTS Factual Development & Production Diploma
