Applicant Portal

Production Training Scheme 2023/24

The Channel 4 Production Training Scheme is for entry level talent who are passionate about breaking into the television industry. In 2023/24 we will be offering 12 month paid placements in scripted television at one of the UK's independent production companies.

There are opportunities available across the UK – in Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and London.

Applicants applying for this scheme may already have a degree in Film & Television, Theatre/Drama or have some previous experience of the television industry through running, work experience or short-term placements, but no more than 6 months.

The scheme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.

Please note:

1. We encourage applicants to only apply for one placement and would advise that you focus your efforts into applying for the company that best suits your skills and interests. Channel 4 is committed to investing in the nations and regions, creating opportunities that were once not there. Please bear this in mind when making your application, as we hope to grow a pipeline of talent from our trainees in these areas.
2. Please be aware that you will need to submit two documents when you apply, a CV and your completed application questions. The application questions can be found by scrolling down to the bottom of this advert.

Dancing Ledge Productions (London)

Dancing Ledge is a London-based independent production company founded in 2016, developing and producing TV and film projects with a wide range of UK and international broadcasters. Our credits include: Crossfire, Wedding Season, The Salisbury Poisonings and The Responder with Martin Freeman with whom we have a development deal. 

We want to make drama and comedy we love and that audiences will love and treasure. We want to tell stories that are bold, mischievous, entertaining, visceral, emotional, personal and universal.

Dancing Ledge is passionate about mentoring the next generation of new talent and have launched the UK’s first TV Writer in Residence scheme. We also work closely with our local school Kensington Aldridge Academy fundraising and support local projects in the regions we film in. 

Link to company website: https://www.dancingledgeproductions.co.uk/

Development Assistant 

The Development Assistant is a key member of the team who ensures that everything runs smoothly and in an organised manner. You will work collaboratively to provide administrative and creative support to the Development Team and be able to get a fantastic overview of how scripts come to life. 
 
This role would ideally suit someone with great organisational skills who is proactive and able to work both on their own initiative and collaboratively within a team. You will require great analytical and interpersonal skills and will be responsible for the smooth running of the department’s administrative systems as well as providing research across a varied slate of projects. 
 
Assistants must have a keen interest in film and television but for this scheme, we are really looking for people who have a wide variety of interests and bring their unique voice and perspective to the industry. 
 
Job Responsibilities may include:

• Reading submissions and composing script and novel reports on their potential for development.
• Taking and circulating notes at script meetings and story conferences.
• Proof reading scripts / pitch documents and formatting scripts in Final Draft. 
• Research for projects in development, including sourcing appropriate reading and viewing material and finding advisors to consult on storylines. 
• General office administration such as: answering telephones, filing paperwork, arranging travel and accommodation, organising lunches, and organising events.

Candidate Essential Experience and Skills

• A demonstrable passion for TV drama.
• Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills.
• Good diary management/booking skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate administration systems.
• An understanding of primary and secondary research, confident note taker and interest in or experience of summarising books and script reading.
• A demonstrable interest in TV scripts and the scriptwriting process.
• The ability to work flexibly and independently

Application Timetable

Applications Close: Midnight on 6th November 
Assessment Days (Virtual): Week commencing 5th and 12th December 
Company Interviews: Week commencing 16th and 23rd January 
Offers Made: By 8th February
Bootcamp and Trainee Contracts Start: 13th March
Trainees Start with Companies: 20th March

*Please note whilst we will try to keep to these dates, they may change due to unforeseen circumstances.  

If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please get in touch with us at 4skills@channel4.co.uk

To complete your application please provide a response to the below application questions, you can upload your response to the application questions as an attachment when submitting your application. This can be attached to your application as a PDF or Word document.  Please note the word count for each question and make sure you are being comprehensive in your answers.

1. Outline how you meet the “Essential Experience and Skills” stated in the Job Description you are applying for. (Make sure you read the Job Description carefully and address each element of the “Essential Experience and Skills”. Use examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.) Max 500 words
 
2. Looking at the website for Dancing Ledge — please choose one programme they have made and tell us why you like it and what would make you want to work on it. Max 300 words
 
3. Channel 4 celebrates unique voices - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvpld-YbIrY&ab_channel=Channel4) - tell us about your background and how you hope to bring your unique perspective to the industry. Max 300 words
 
4. We are looking for people who are passionate about drama and have a love for writing, theatre and particularly television drama. Tell us about what you have done to pursue your goals whether it be through voluntary work, dedicated viewing or any other experience. Max 300 words
 
5. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one British drama with you, what would it be and why? Max 200 words