Questions from the webinar answered

Placements

Regarding the placements, are they full time? My experience of Archive Producers is they often work two or three days per week whilst project is being shot etc and then maybe full time for final post/archive paste, also; ten weeks on an archive heavy project is only a small window and it would be unlikely to cover the start to finish of the project? Would the placement likely be working alongside an archive producer in a ten-week block or is it spread across the duration of the project?

We are aiming to be as flexible as possible with each placement. Where trainees request a part-time opportunity, we will endeavour to arrange this. Many variables are involved in arranging placements and each production is unique and needs to fit into the needs of the production company, so we can’t predict at this stage what they will each look like. For example, some maybe spread out over more than 10 weeks if the role is only for a few days a week, or you could be working across a number of projects simultaneously across the block. There will not be one size fits all.

Is there a timeframe for when the placements are likely to take place?

We are planning on placements starting from May 2024 onwards, but this is subject to what productions are able to support placements, and what each trainees’ individual work situations require, amongst other variables.

Are the work placements paid?

Yes.

Experience

I have experience working in the TV industry from 2017 - 2023 finishing up as an Assistant Producer but I have left the industry to do a post grad degree which is related to archive (information management and preservation). Am I still eligible to apply?

Applicants are not eligible if they are in full or part-time education.

Will a candidate be considered if they have under a year of experience?

This is not a new entrant scheme and less than a year is not enough experience to be eligible.

Can the years of experience have been within scripted productions?

No, the scheme is to support those who have been working across documentaries/factual television.

Can I apply if I have several years of experience (I’m a recent returner)?

The optimum level of experience we are seeking is two-three years, but in exceptional circumstances, such as those who are returning to work, we will consider those with more experience.

When you say two-three years’ experience, is that is a range of TV roles or is it ideally in archive adjacent roles?

Experience can be drawn from other roles in unscripted, as long as you can illustrate you have worked on productions using archive or have a strong passion for them.

Would you consider an applicant with 7+ years’ experience working in podcasting/radio? I predominantly make factual content and have experience working with archive material.

You would have transferable skills to apply for the scheme, but you will need to bear in mind that there will be applicants who have direct experience from broadcast/streamer productions, whom may be stronger candidates.

Would applicants with experience of working on only one film that used archive be considered or is it necessary to have worked on two or more?

We have not stated the minimum number of productions you need to have worked on, but if you have worked on one production for two-three years you will meet the criteria. However, those with more credits, and therefore a range of productions with different teams, ways of working and subject matter, would be stronger applicants.

I have worked on documentaries independently, is this scheme looking for candidates with awards or recognised work?

No, the training programme is not looking for people with award-winning work, we want to encourage applications from those with two-three years’ experience working on documentaries that use archive.

Archive Producer Roles

I would appreciate if someone could give me an idea of what the current going rate is for a new Archive Producer?

We suggest looking at Bectu’s rate cards.

There is a dearth of Archive Producer roles available at the moment. Many archive people I know are not working. Do you see this picking up soon?

Work will pick up but as to exactly when is an unknown. This training scheme aims to upskill and futureproof trainees, so in the long term, they can navigate working in archive.

I would love to become an Archive Producer, but I am worried about the impact AI will have. Any thoughts you can share?

A recent article from The Hollywood Reporter discusses the issues the industry currently faces.

Are there any good resources to learn more about the archive world? (Coming from a DIT in production)

We recommend looking at ScreenSkills resources.

Are you looking for people to pitch ideas at a directorial level as well as the practical side of archive production and research?

No. This scheme is to train Archive Producers, not to pitch ideas.

In the application it states that it would be a good opportunity for people looking for part-time work pattern. Is this the reality for Archive Producers? As the job ads I’ve seen are short contracts and full-time.

Yes, there is a mixture of opportunities available.

Applications and Eligibility

Is a two-page CV preferred or is the industry standard of a one-page CV OK?

Two pages is fine given we are looking for people with two-three years’ professional experience in documentary to apply.

For anyone unsuccessful with the application, but has experience, can you still help connect us with opportunities?

I’m afraid that, as a small team with limited resources, we cannot help individuals who are not successful with connections to opportunities.

I feel my age might be a barrier - is there an upper limit for training courses? I am 56.

There is no upper age limit, candidates need to be 18+, but age is definitely not a barrier.

I know you want to boost diversity. I support that. But am I at a disadvantage applying if I'm a white man?

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. The work we do at the Grierson Trust does aim to widen the participation of those currently under-represented in documentary/factual TV, but this is not limited to gender and ethnicity. We welcome applications from those from lower socio-economic groups, disabled people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and other groups who may not be well represented.

Can people from Unscripted Editing apply for the scheme?

If you can demonstrate a passion for moving into archive producing and working with archive for documentary and unscripted productions, then yes you can apply.

Would love to hear if there any opportunities for newcomers to archival / non-scripted and how to access experience to perhaps apply to a scheme like this later down the line.

The Grierson DocLab core scheme is open for those who are just starting out, with little to no experience in documentary or factual TV. Applications for that are currently open, you can find out more on the Grierson DocLab 2024 webpage.

The competition will be very fierce and so no doubt lots of disappointed applicants. Do you have plans to expand the scheme in the future?

This is a pilot, so no current plans about future courses for the time being.

Do you have any other schemes covering other roles in the pipeline?

Yes, we currently have four training programmes: Grierson DocLab core, and the Grierson DocLab In Focus programmes for Unscripted Editing, Production Management and Archive Producers. You can read more on our Grierson DocLab webpage.

I'm from Germany, can I apply?

You must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK, to be eligible for the scheme.

Can you assist me with the visa application?

You must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK already to apply. We are unable to assist with visa applications, or similar.

Will there be other similar programmes designed for candidates outside of the UK (like the US or Canada)?

The Grierson Trust works predominantly in the UK, so we have no plans to expand this to international audiences.

More you need to know?

For anyone who still has questions about the programme or application, we will be holding a Zoom drop-in session on Tuesday 23 January from 1-2pm.

Come along to ask any questions you might still have about eligibility, the training programme, placements and more.