• “I was nervous about the online format, as we have moved away from this since COVID. However, it was very well structured and at a great pace, meaning I got a lot out of it. We were all encouraged to participate, so it wasn't like a lecture, which made it so engaging” - Sakura Singh Corke
• “This week was intense, but ultimately an amazing experience. Every speaker was incredibly talented and inspiring. Pitching to the industry panel at the end of the week felt monumental for me. I’ve always been terrified of public speaking, but this experience has genuinely shifted my perspective” - Jonah Hall

Industry speaker highlights included...

• “Kirsty Cunningham and Emily Turner’s discussion about the making of Netflix’s Alieen: Queen of the Serial Killers was my standout session. In an industry historically dominated by men, the importance of women telling women’s stories struck me. Particularly, the importance of creating individual relationships and trust with contributors” - Lillie Brazier
• “Kirsty and Emily spoke extensively about creating a safe space and providing physiological support to staff and contributors. It was so motivating and inspiring to hear industry professionals emphasise the importance of safeguarding and welfare in their work. I really enjoyed learning about the steps they took to build a trusting relationship with key contributors and how these relationships shaped the documentary’s narrative” - Katie Wilson
• “The finance for freelancers’ session with David Thomas stood out the most to me, especially as we are entering a predominantly freelance industry. Having dedicated time focussed on managing finances, tracking income and expenses, and building confidence around a topic that is rarely discussed openly was invaluable” - Dylan Coundley-Hughes
• “David managed to cram everything there we need to is know about a career as a freelancer in a mere 3 hours, whilst still making it incredibly engaging. It can often feel so overwhelming working out all the administrative aspects of a career in film and TV, especially in an industry that lacks stability. All the resources will be an absolute lifesaver for a recent graduate like me who’s just starting out in the world of freelancing” - Mila Boersma

The chance to pitch in front of an industry panel was a standout moment for most. Although they pitched individually, they supported one another throughout the process...

• “The highlight of my week was definitely the pitching day on Friday. In the lead-up to the event, everyone was incredibly supportive of one another, offering valuable advice, encouragement, and moral support. Each idea was unique, creative, and thoughtfully developed, and the passion behind every presentation was truly inspiring. I was so proud of everyone for producing such amazing pitches. Having the opportunity to spend time with so many industry professionals, who were incredibly generous with their time, insights, and feedback, made the experience even more valuable and memorable” - Olivia Hughes

• “Without a doubt, my highlight of the week was watching the group deliver their pitches. After all the late-night video calls, pep talks and messages hyping each other up, seeing it all come together felt like a real full-circle moment. Pitching to industry legends was an absolutely incredible experience in itself, but what I also really loved was everyone’s creativity: the decks, the sizzles and the variety of ideas. I’m so proud of how far we’ve all come! That sense of collective support is what made this one of the most memorable parts of my Grierson experience so far” - Dominique Baptiste

The group reflected on what they had learned, and what was ahead of them after the training...

• “Gaining knowledge of genres, skills in storytelling and pitching has helped me identify the areas of the industry that best match my skill set. The sessions on AI and digital-first approaches were insightful, highlighting how the industry is evolving and how I can adapt to these changes in my career. I am really excited to go forward into work!” - Jennifer Morrison
• “The training has exposed me to different aspects of the industry that I wasn’t aware of before. Like the value of formats for being not only a secure job prospect but also a platform to learn new skills and a way for many to debut as directors. It has also given me a pragmatic approach to how I navigate the industry as a freelancer, and understanding the importance of both production management and editorial as job roles” - Leah Adina
• “My biggest learning was gaining a much clearer understanding of how many roles and stages are involved in documentary and TV production. From researching initial ideas in development to colour grading in the edit room, the journey is a specialised one. Developing trust with contributors, taking an idea from its raw form into a TV ready idea with a narrative takes patience and a lot of work. The final product you see is the result of a lot of thought, massaging of ideas, backs and forths between different players and meticulous attention to detail at every stage” - Moyenda Lowe
• “More than anything, I think the online training week has helped me to better understand a real variety of areas in the documentary and factual industry. Coming from a degree in German, a lot of this was new territory for me, but I now feel much more confident and knowledgeable about a diversity of roles and departments, which has helped to broaden my considerations for my future career. I feel really excited thinking about all of the different and new directions my career could take, and can’t wait to get stuck in!” - Grace Acum