Factual Fast Track – Interview

During her Factual Fast Track placement, Jo worked with Tern Television as a Development Executive.

After many years working in television, I set up my own company filming corporate content and weddings. I was still involved in producing and directing in TV, but I’d reached a point where I wasn’t sure what the next step should be. I felt disheartened by the limited opportunities in Scotland – especially after building strong momentum during my years in London.

I applied to Factual Fast Track to regain a clearer sense of direction and connect with others who were also looking to grow within the industry.

There’s a lot I could mention, but one of the biggest takeaways was the chance to step outside my comfort zone – particularly during the industry placement. It gave me the space to challenge myself in a new environment and see things with a fresh perspective.

The mentor sessions were also incredibly valuable. I’m hugely grateful to Elspeth O’Hare, Managing Director of F22, and Anna Miralis, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, for sharing their time and insight so generously. Their advice really helped me reflect on what I want to do next.

The mix of training, from the in-person sessions to the regular Q&As with commissioners and programme makers, offered a level of access and openness that’s rare in this industry. It’s been an experience I’m extremely grateful for.

Meeting commissioners alongside my cohort—and seeing how open and generous they were with their time—gave me a much clearer, more grounded understanding of how the process really works. That insight has been invaluable in my role as Development Executive.

The first brief I worked on during the programme was commissioned after I wrote the treatment and secured access. Since then, I’ve been developing two new ideas—both of which originated with me—and both are generating genuine interest from commissioners. I filmed and edited the sizzle for one and developed both proposals from the ground up.

Factual Fast Track helped me bring together creative instinct and strategic thinking. It gave me the confidence to trust my ideas and the tools to develop them fully. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with a sharper sense of what’s needed—and a stronger belief in the stories I want to tell.

Apply! I’m incredibly grateful to Kathryn Ross and Claire Scally for their support—it’s genuinely been one of the most insightful experiences of my career. If you’re considering it, take the time to think about where you want to go next, and the kind of programmes you want to make. This is a brilliant space to explore that—with meaningful support and the chance to learn from and share ideas with an inspiring cohort.