Television Training

SuperSizer

SuperSizer delegates at Channel 5

SuperSizer 2018 Delegates

SuperSizer delegates at Channel 4

Could your TV production company develop the next big hit?

SuperSizer is a training programme for ambitious independent production companies in the Nations and Regions who want to win big, high value commissions that will transform their business.

Running from September 2019 through to March 2020, SuperSizer brings Development Executives who produce factual, factual entertainment or specialist factual programmes together for monthly one-day training sessions. SuperSizer will address three key areas:

The Role of the Development Executive: Understanding the importance of the role of development and creating specialists in this field.
The Commissioner: Insider knowledge of how commissioners work, think and act and the importance of understanding differing channel needs.
Creative Thinking Skills: Think Big! How to create scale and ambition and motivate your team. Creative thinking and ideas generation.

Sessions and Contributors

Each month our SuperSizer training sessions will offer intensive workshops focusing on key development areas including:

Leading Creative Teams
Pitching & Presentation
Personal Impact & Influence

SuperSizer offers exceptional access to leading commissioners and senior personnel at broadcasters. Previous contributors for the programme include:

Ben Frow (Channel 5)
Emma Wetcott (Channel 5)
Greg Barnett (Channel 5)
Daniel Pearl (Channel 5)
Andrea Amey (Channel 5)
Linda Daubrey (Channel 5)
Lucy Willis (Channel 5)
Jo Street (BBC role – Jo is now at Channel 4)
Priya Singh (ITV)
Peter Tierney (ITV)
Fatima Salaria (BBC, now Channel 4)
Ricky Cooper (BBC)
Claire Mottershead (BBC)
Beejal-Maya Patel (BBC)
Emily Allen (BBC)
Martha Housden (BBC Studios)
Danny Horan (Channel 4)
Charlie Palmer (Channel 4)
Becky Cadman (Channel 4)
Deborah Dunnett (Channel 4)
Nicola Harrison (Channel 4)
Lucy O’Neill (Channel 4)
Lucy Leveugle (In Channel 4 role. Lucy is now at Netflix)
Ramy El-Bergamy (formerly Channel 4)
Diana Carter (A+E Networks UK)
Jake Chudnow (YouTube Originals)

Am I eligible for this course?

As this is a company-focused programme you must have endorsement from production company owner or Managing Director (written statement of support)
Applicants should have significant experience in television programme development and have been responsible for at least ONE idea that has gone on to be commissioned
The production company must be based in Nations and Regions
The company should focus on the development of factual, factual entertainment or specialist factual programmes
The Development Executive must be based in Nations and Regions
Availability to travel to Glasgow or elsewhere* and attend ALL of the monthly training sessions (dates below)

Dates

18th September 2019

16th October 2019

26th November 2019

December, January, February and March sessions TBC.

Dates are subject to change

Course cost

SuperSizer is funded by BBC Nations and Regions, Channel 4, Scottish Enterprise and Screen Scotland. The course cost is £470.

For Development Executives based out-with Scotland and in the Nations and Regions there may be discretional support available for travel costs. For further information please contact Caroline McGonigle.

Applications closed

The deadline for SuperSizer 2018/19 applications was 19th August at 12pm.

Outcomes

Companies will gain a renewed emphasis on professional development for the crucial role of the Development Executive who can transform their business
Increased pitching of ideas of scale and programmes that can return season after season to bring the company’s business to the next level
Increased industry knowledge, network and profile
Strong support network of fellow Development Executives

“A real opportunity to get ahead of the game, develop professional skills, meet incredibly inspiring fellow programme makers and develop relationships with leading commissioners."

Laura Farrell, Tern (Glasgow)

“It's integral that programs like this exist in order to connect regional indies with the commissioners who can make their business grow”

Thomas Popay, Stellify (Belfast)

"SuperSizer is a gateway for any indie to grow and expand its horizon of opportunity. The knowledge gained from the programme is priceless."

Khurram Adnan Sheikh, Imagemaker Media (Manchester)

Money can't buy this sort of access to commissioners - fantastic chance to build those all-important relationships!

Patricia Moore, Tyrone Productions (Belfast)

Supersizer is a rare gem of a course. An amazing experience to get in front of the full set of UK broadcasters and to spend such a lot of time in their company. I now have a far fuller understanding of every UK broadcaster, and have made so many connections with current commissioners and made friends with a room full of talented creatives on the course who, one day, will undoubtedly will be commissioners themselves.

Connie Fisher, Wildflame Productions (Cardiff)

The course has been really great, with brilliant bookings from TRC – from commissioners to trainers. It’s really helped me take back some new ideas to help me and my team develop our slates.

Jennifer Gilroy, Firecracker Scotland (Glasgow)

SuperSizer provided exclusive access to commissioners in a relaxed training setting coupled with the opportunity to work alongside and learn from other experienced development executives. We’ve made invaluable new contacts and won a commission as a result of the programme.

David Kavanagh, Title Role Productions (Manchester)