Zora Kuettner started the NFTS’ Factual Development and Production Diploma course in January this year, and just half way into the course secured a prestigious place on the BBC's new Central Development Team. She was selected from hundreds of applicants to be part of the BBC's new team, headed up by Ana De Moraes (formerly Twenty Twenty Productions) who made her name by launching Gareth Malone in BBC 2’s The Choir.
Here Zora shares her experiences of being on the course and how it helped her secure her new role at the BBC’s HQ!
“I applied for the NFTS Factual Development and Production Diploma because it’s unashamedly industry focused. I’d made a few of my own films doing a visual anthropology MA last year, but I wanted to learn the nuts and bolts of how programmes get made for TV or cinema release and get seen by thousands if not millions.
"I think the course helped prime me for the job selection process and gave me confidence and an insight into the industry. I’d say one of the biggest take outs for me has been our debate about audiences and the level of detail is I think one of the biggest challenges for factual programme makers. Not being too dry, not dumbing down and underestimating your audience.
I also applied for the course to learn how to turn a good idea, an interesting story or subject into a tangible programme or even a whole series. I am a big people watcher and am naturally very curious about people and their stories, and that’s where most of my ideas come from.
The course follows the whole process from the seed of an idea, its development, the budgets and nitty gritty of all the things that need to be in place for the production to happen. You are forced to think about form and how your story should be told; whether it should be observational or have more obvious format points; and importantly to think about your audience.
We’ve had impressive and approachable guest speakers: from leading commissioners from almost all the major broadcasters, TV talent, award winning film archivists, music copyright lawyers, the head of BARB talking about audiences, and independent filmmakers talking about their experiences. Our sessions are normally lively, discursive and not without disagreements on what TV should be and what it is. The course has certainly shown us just how varied the industry is and the difference between channels and broadcasters and the independent sector.
Our tutor has been fantastic and supportive. He has pushed me out of my comfort zone to consider and develop all sorts of factual programmes from the serious to the trashy.
I worked hard to get my job at the BBC with Ana de Moraes, the Creative Director of Development Central, who is a strong woman, with strong editorial judgment. I admire her ability to fight for the best ideas.
My new job is challenging. Being at the BBC is an amazing training and environment. It’s also a serious feat because you are part of a bigger institution and all your work is closely scrutinized by the media and the public. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year and as a new team we’ve just had our first idea commissioned.
As Michael Grade, former head of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, said: “You have to go on believing that the audience is not stupid, that quality and popularity are not mutually exclusive qualities. Be ahead of the tastes of your audience, not behind."
APPLY for the NFTS Factual Development & Production Diploma by September 25th
This course is delivered in partnership with Discovery Networks International. Read more about this coursehere
Pictured is Zora Kuettner outside the BBC's HQ in London.
