FutureProof

Thriving in a digital-first landscape

Deadline

Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Deadline icon

To apply for FutureProof, please fill out this application form.

FutureProof aims to equip unscripted TV production companies in the Nations and Regions with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in the digital-first landscape by looking at emerging technologies, platforms, and business models.

 

This programme has been created with industry leaders in mind to help explore new directions, creative output and expand networks outside of traditional broadcasters. Throughout the programme, delegates will benefit from exclusive access to leading producers in digital content.

The programme will span both in person and online sessions, and the opportunity for 1:2:1 consultancy, providing personalised guidance and support to navigate a digital-first landscape.

There are 12 places available on this programme: it is aimed at Creative Directors, or Senior Executives who lead the business development or strategy within a company.

FAQs

The programme will guide you through a variety of digital-focused topics such as:

  • Understanding the Digital First Landscape / Industry Trends
  • Direct to Audience. Digital Distribution and Engagement
  • AI Tools for Content Producers – Enhancing Creativity and Efficiency
  • Building Mult-Platform IP: Monetisation Beyond Broadcast
  • Understanding Data and Analytics – Making Smarter Content Decisions
  • Brand Partnerships and Commercial Growth
  • The Buyers Landscape – Who’s Commissioning and Funding
  • Podcasting and Audio Content
  • Exploiting Back Catalogue
  • Developing Digital Originals – Creating Content Built for Platforms
  • Digital-First Production – How to Deliver Premium Content at Scale Without Breaking the Bank

This programme is tailored for Creative Directors or business leaders from indies in the Nations and Regions, seeking to expand their reach beyond traditional broadcasters.

Places are limited, with 12 places available, 1 delegate per company can attend the in-person sessions. Additional company representatives may be able to attend zoom sessions and consultancy meetings where appropriate.

To apply, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a Creative Director, or Senior Executive who leads on the company’s business development and strategy.
  • Have a production company with a substantive base in the Nations & Regions
  • Be an established indie with a minimum of two unscripted broadcast credits in the last two years.
  • The company must have a minimum of two full time staff across development and senior management who are instrumental in developing new content and have an in-depth knowledge of the company’s IP/back catalogue.

Criteria for Selection

  • Must be able to demonstrate an awareness of emerging platforms, and have identified assets, IP or talent that you think you might be able to monetize.
  • Must be able to demonstrate why the company is ready to participate in the programme and what long term benefits it will bring.

Places are limited, so please make sure you make a strong case for why you want to do this programme.

We encourage applications from under-represented groups in the TV industry, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

If you have any accessibility requirements, or if you would like to submit your application in a different format, please contact us.

If you have any questions with this application form, please contact:

Amy.baddeley@trcmedia.org

Justin Crosby is the founder and host of TellyCast, the leading podcast and events business for TV industry professionals. With a background in media strategy and communications, Justin helps companies navigate the fast-changing digital content landscape. He is the creator of events including the TellyCast Digital Content Forum and How to Make Money in Digital and the TellyCast Digital Video Awards. Justin regularly moderates industry panels, interviews global media leaders, and leads workshops focused on the business of digital content. He is a passionate about the new production economy and is a champion for the social video sector.

Running from May 2025 to July 2025, the programme will be held both online and in person (with in person dates taking place in Glasgow and London).

Dates are subject to change, but they will fall within the following weeks:

  • Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May – In person in Glasgow
  • May/June – online case studies
  • Tuesday 24th June and Wednesday 25th June – In person in London
  • June / July – 1:2:1 consultancy support

The delegate fee is £575. TRC’s programmes are subsidised by the generous support of our funders.

Accommodation will be provided, where required, for the in-person training sessions.

TRC is committed to sustainability and will encourage delegates to travel by train where possible.

The programme will provide indies with:

  • A clear understanding of the digital landscape and distribution market
  • Improved knowledge on platform specific development strategies
  • Clear understanding of data and analytics, and why data matters in digital content production
  • Insights into how to produce for multi-platforms
  • Improved understanding of what brands look for in content partnerships
  • Expanded networks within the digital industry, providing exposure for your shows, IP and your company.

Each participating indie will benefit from one-to-one consultancy which will help them identify areas of interest in the digital space.

If you have any further questions on the programme, please contact amy.baddeley@trcmedia.org

FutureProof is an original training concept by TRC.

TRC’s programmes are subsidised by the generous support of our funders.