About the Programme

The Creative Leadership Shadowing Programme is designed for experienced producers who have established their craft through scripted film and television and are seeking to progress their careers within High-End Television (HETV) drama.

Delivered on Season 2 of 60Forty Films new Production, the programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain first-hand insight into the realities of creating large-scale television drama. Through extended shadowing placements, participants will observe and support the creative and practical decision-making that takes place across prep, production and post-production, gaining exposure to the pace, complexity and collaboration required to deliver a HETV drama production.

The programme is intended to help participants bridge the gap between their existing experience and the demands of working at the scale of a high-end television drama production. Through direct exposure to senior creative leadership, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how large-scale drama productions are developed, shaped and delivered in practice.

The Producer Shadow will undertake an extended placement of up to 14 weeks. This placement is a paid opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The Producer Pathway is open to applicants who:

• Are aged 18 or over.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Are a freelance producer (not currently employed in an in-house producing role).
• Are able to evidence industry recognition through festival selections, awards, commissions, broadcast credits.
• Have a clear ambition to move into High-End Television (HETV) drama producing.
• Can demonstrate a strong interest in story development, script development, and the creative producing process.
• Have experience working collaboratively with writers, directors, and other creative stakeholders in a Producer capacity*

Eligible applicants must have at least three credits producing narrative content, which may include:

• Scripted short films (they must have been screened at one or more BIFA recognised festivals)
• Independent features (that have been distributed)
• Documentary features (with a strong narrative focus)
• Scripted television (excluding high-end television)

* For the purpose of this programme, relevant producer capacities include: Producer, Associate Producer, Co-Producer and Development Executive/Producer.

Applicants must not be currently working in a producing capacity (Producer, Associate Producer, Co-Producer) on a high-end television drama production. Applicants who have previously held producing roles in HETV may still be eligible where they have not worked in a producing capacity on a HETV drama production within the last 10 years and can demonstrate that the placement would support their return to the sector.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from groups currently underrepresented within the UK Film & Television industry.

Training & Development

As part of the shadowing placement, the selected participant will have the opportunity to take part in selected training and development activities to support their transition into creative leadership roles within High-End Television drama. Topics may include:

• Production orientation 
• Inclusive leadership and management within HETV productions
• Personal goal setting 
• Introduction to key production documents, including budgets and schedules
• Networking and peer learning opportunities with fellow programme participants

Programme Timeline & Structure

• Sunday 26th July: Application Deadline
• Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th August: Interviews
• Thursday 6th – Friday 7th August: Offers and onboarding
• Monday 10th August onwards (14 non-consecutive weeks)*: Producer Shadowing Placement

*Exact weeks to be determined with the final participant.

Note: Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the production.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form linked below and upload the required supporting documents.

Applications for the Creative Leadership Shadowing Programme: Producer Pathway are now closed.

Note: As a reminder, due to the anticipated volume of applications, we’re unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants. If you have not been contacted by Wednesday 5th August, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.