We answer some of the questions we didn’t get a chance to cover in the webinar…

Q: No production credits but have worked with 5 years in distribution worked with producers in development stage with pitch decks, ideation. Are formal credits very important/essential for the scheme? Am I eligible

A: Sounds like solid base – yes do apply.

When is the deadline for the opportunity, and would you accept an application in a different format (I do have access needs)?

Deadline: 5pm on Thursday 3 April. Yes, we accept applications in a different format such as audio or video recording, you can find out more about that on our webpage.

There are Easy Read guidelines and Large Text versions of the guidelines.

Get in touch via [email protected] and a member of the team can discuss your access requirements with you.

I have 5 years’ experience in distribution and marketing. I don't have any formal TV credits to cite in an application, but I have worked with producers on pitching programmes at the development stage to secure presales. Is this sufficient experience to apply, or is it essential to have production credits to apply?

Yes, no problem to apply.

The website says you need 3-5 years’ experience, am I reading this right? I thought this was a training opportunity

Correct, this is not a new entrant programme, but a professional development training opportunity.

Will you be checking every CV or focus on the monitoring responses first during the first round of shortlisting? What holds more weight during the application, the responses or the CV?

8All applications are assessed and are done so on their own merit. We do not look at any details about the applicant at the first stage, to remove any unconscious bias. Both application and CV are taken into consideration, to decide who is invited to interview.

How regularly are development producers able to be involved during the production?

It varies from company to company. If you have passion for the topic, and have that relationship with the contributors, it might make sense to go onto the production. Suggests that you have that conversation if that is something you are interested in and can value. Your role depends on skills needed and your skills. Not one size fits all. Some producers equally do not want to necessarily be involved with the production once it is moved onto the next stage, their job is done.

If I have five years of experience in producing and directing short films with my own production company, one of which is a documentary, and am currently developing my first feature length documentary, am I an eligible candidate?

We are looking for applicants who have experience of working within a development team, in a production company, as this is very different from working on independent films and projects. Tuning into a company with that they are known for. We will expect a certain baseline of understanding how productions and production companies operate from the trainees.

Apologises if I missed this but can you apply if you only have development experience from shadowing and the majority of your time in TV has been in production and research?

Yes, you can.

I have no development or production experience - but am an editor of 15 years with two feature documentary credits. Is this too much of a jump across from one specific area of filmmaking to another? Might I be too under-experienced?

It is a jump, but you would be able to do it. On applying, ensure you think carefully about why you want to pivot to development and try to articulate why now too.

How many people will be accepted onto the scheme?

Eight places are available.

I have about 3 years’ experience in the Indian unscripted TV industry (development and production) for networks like NatGeo and Discovery. I am now based in Glasgow but I do not have any experience in the Scottish/UK industry yet. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, that is fine.

I've worked for 15 years in Television in India as a director-producer. Recently worked in a development role at Vice Studios for two years. I'm doing my masters in documentary filmmaking right now which will end in July. Can I still apply?

The ideal experience level for this programme is 3-5 years of experience working in TV/documentaries overall. You will likely be over-experienced.

I have over six years’ experience working in broadcast and post-production environments in factual and documentary programmes. I worked as a researcher and development researcher, and I was wondering if I am eligible to apply?

Yes, you can apply but our focus is on those with 3-5 years’ experience.

Regarding having worked with a production company in the past and taking into account the answer given by Nelesh, working in docs for brands, institutions and other bodies… could this be seen as similar to having experience with a production company?

Yes, that is all fine, do apply and we will be able to see your experiences in your CV.

Sounds like a brilliant development scheme. Apologies I might have missed this as I joined the webinar a bit late. Where does the training take place? Is it in person in London? And is there any funding towards travel/accommodation for those coming from nations and regions?

The training is a mix of in-person (in London at the Netflix offices) and online, with all cost covered, including travel, accommodation and food, if you are selected. You can read more on this webpage.

My background is in post-production, as edit assistant and offline editor on documentaries. I've been involved in a bunch of development for impact/BTS shorts, and I've seen what the dev process looks like and really enjoyed it. Would my background in post be a barrier for entry?

No not an issue, one of the questions asks you to tell us why the pivot and why now?

Applications close Thursday 3 April 2025 at 5pm.