NI Step Up to HOD: Lead and manage your team with confidence
2025-01-13 - 2025-03-24 | Belfast TBC, Belfast, Ireland
Register InterestApplication deadline 23:59 on 15th December 20240000Days00Hrs00Min00Sec
Are you a Northern Ireland based screen professional with 5+ years' experience?

Are you looking to Step Up to Head of Department and/or lead your team?
We are looking for Northern Ireland based industry professionals working in craft, technical, editorial or production roles across scripted (Film, HETV or continuing drama), unscripted, animation or post-production and who are looking to step up and lead their teams.
Stepping up to lead a team can be daunting. As a leader and manager, your approach and thinking needs to develop as you take on extra responsibility.
Led by Mission Accomplished CEO, Alison Grade, with guest speaker sessions from a range of exciting industry experts, this training course is designed to support you as you Learn to Lead in Film and TV and Step Up to HOD.
Mission Accomplished is particularly keen to receive applications from traditionally excluded groups especially those from:
People from racialised identitiesPeople that are (d)Deaf, Disabled and/or NeurodivergentThose who are care-experienced.People from a refugee or disadvantaged migrant communityThose from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller communityPeople from LGBTQI+ CommunitiesPeople from a working class/low-income background (or if you have identified as such in the past)We welcome applications from all individuals. If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email training@mission.guru
Register InterestTHE COURSE WILL COVER
THE COURSE WILL COVER:

What does stepping up to lead your team involve?
Understanding team dynamics and personalities
Managing budgets and schedules
Inclusive recruitment, working practices
Dealing with conflict and managing performance
Health and Safety considerations for leaders and manager
Looking after ourselves and our teams
Pitching myself to take on an HOD / leadership role

By the end of the course, participants will have practical and actionable leadership and management strategies to build a vibrant, motivated and resilient creative team, as well as having developed their confidence in taking on a new challenge and thriving in a leadership / HOD role.
COURSE FORMAT
The course will be delivered as a mix of in-person workshops in Northern Ireland and online masterclasses from working leaders / HODs.

4 x Saturdays In-Person Workshops.
6 x 2 hour Monday-Evening Online Workshops.
2 x 1 hour Mentoring and Shadowing (arranged to suit).
3 x 1 hour Online Employability 1-2-1's (arranged to suit).
Book club

Along side in-person training participants are expected to complete On demand E-Learning Modules.
APPLICATION PROCESS
KEY DATES

Applications close at 23.59 on 15th December 2024

Interviews (online)

17th of December 2024
18th of December 2024

COURSE DATES AND OUTLINE
COURSE OUTLINE

Session
Duration
Course Content

Session 1 – in person
Saturday, 18th January 2025
All day
What does Stepping up to HOD involve?

What does success look like? What role is the goal to step up to? And on what size/scale of production? (which band / time slot / channel?)
What is leadership and management? And expectations
Why delegation is important

Recruitment, inclusion and team dynamics

Building inclusive and diverse teams / building cultural awareness and sensitivity
Inclusive and good hiring and working practices
Ensuring content and practices are culturally sensitive
Knowing and motivating my team

About me: Skills audit and Building a CV and portfolio for Stepping Up
Book Club

Masterclass 1 – online
Monday, 27th January
2 hours
Midweek evening
Working with Line Producer, Series Producer, Producer and Director – Dealing with and planning for changes
Guest speaker Q&A

Session 2 – in person
Guest Speaker Budgeting – Caroline
Saturday, 1st February 2025

All day
Managing budgets and schedules

How do you create a department budget and schedule?
Estimating labour and materials
Tracking and forecasting costs
Contingencies
Relationship with Production Accountant and Line Producer
Negotiation fundamentals – rates/industry standards/labour/material

Pitching and Presenting

Interview prep, pitching and presentation prep

About me: Building networks and supporters
Book Club

Masterclass 2 – online
Monday, 10th February 2025

2 hours
Midweek evening
Make a Move, Agents and gaining representation
Guest speaker Q&A

Session 3 – in person
First Option
Saturday, 22nd February 2025

All day
Health and Safety

H&S for HODs and leaders
Risk Management of Production course delivered by First Option

Masterclass 3 – online
Monday, 10th March 2025

2 hours
Midweek evening
Looking after ourselves, our people and our planet

Building resilient teams and becoming a resilient leader
Dealing with imposter syndrome
Mental Health for you and your team
Creating a safe space
Sustainability in industry
Environmental impact and the role of HODs in promoting sustainability

Session 4 – in person
Saturday, 15th March 2025

All day
Managing performance, challenging situations, giving and receiving feedback

Dealing with conflict
Managing team performance
Giving feedback
Delivering bad news
Making difficult decisions
Managing up as well as down

Pitching and presenting

Practical activity – practice pitches and mock interviews

Masterclass 4 – online
Monday, 24th March 2025

2 hours
Midweek evening
About me: Where do I fit in the NI landscape and how to do I find Stepping Up opportunities? Step Up Stories.

Q&A with NI Screen and recently stepped-up alumni from across UK

MENTORING AND COACHING
MENTORING AND COACHING
Each learner will be matched with a mentor from their department who is a couple of steps ahead of them on their journey. This will enable the learners to gain department specific knowledge for their stepping up journey, along with the broader leadership and management challenges faced by all those who step up.
In addition, each participant will be offered 2 x 1 hour 1-2-1 bespoke CV / employability support to help them identify the role and production they are looking to step up to and assist them with their CV, pitch and interview skills.
BY THE END OF THE TRAINING COURSE
By the end of the training course, participants will:

Understand the role and responsibilities of a leader / HOD
Have the skills and knowledge to step up to leader / HOD
Have developed knowledge of budgeting responsibility as leader / HOD
Know themselves and what they bring to a team
Have developed Leadership and Management skills needed for the role
Understand the Health and Safety responsibities of a leader / HOD
Have strategies and tactics for managing a team
Feel confident to pitch themselves into a stepped up position as HOD and/or team leader

COURSE DIRECTOR AND LEAD TUTOR
Alison Grade | Course Director
Alison founded and runs Mission Accomplished. The company regularly delivers training courses for ScreenSkills. Alison is an experienced Line Producer and Production Manager as well as a Nesta Accredited Creative Enterprise Trainer. She regularly delivers training that enables creatives to take their careers to the next level. Alison is the author of Penguin published book, The Freelance Bible and offers many workshops and training programmes to support freelancers.
Register Interest Delivery team Our Funders This course is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, supported by the BFI and the National Lottery.
Register InterestTraining (87)
ScreenSkills (75)
HETV (61)
Film (44)
Unscripted (32)
Children's (14)
Experienced (13)
Freelancing (13)
Early Experienced (10)
Scripted (8)
Career stage Early (5)
For Approval (5)
Age +18 (4)

NI high-end TV: Step Up To Script Supervisor
2023-11-15 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-11-15 09:30 - 2023-11-19 17:30 (Europe/London)
Training (87)
ScreenSkills (75)
HETV (61)
Film (44)
Unscripted (32)
Children's (14)
Experienced (13)
Freelancing (13)
Early Experienced (10)
Scripted (8)
Career stage Early (5)
For Approval (5)
Age +18 (4)
HETV has identified that there is a shortage of new Script Supervisors for productions in Northern Ireland. This free-to-attend course has been designed to fast-track industry professionals with relevant experience, who are ready to 'step up' and become Script Supervisors.
This course is open to those living and/or regularly working in Northern Ireland who have a minimum of 2 years' professional experience and at least 2 relevant credits.
If you are someone who wants to be close to the action on set, likes to work independently, relishes responsibility and has:
Fantastic attention to detailStrong organisational and administration skillsAn analytical brain and a knack for solving problemsAdvanced diplomacy skillsResilience and staminaThe ability to remain calm under pressure…. then Script Supervisor might be the role for you!
Led by a highly experienced Script Supervisor, this training course will enable 6 participants to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to step up into the role. In addition to the training course, there are two 'step-up' placements available for eligible participants.
Click here for more information on the role of Script Supervisor.
This course is free to attend.
Please note that the duration of this training is a full working week and will take place in-person in Belfast. Eligible applicants will already be living and/or working in Northern Ireland so participants will be responsible for arranging their travel to and from the venue and, if necessary, any accommodation. In order to make this course accessible to the widest possible audience, there is some limited support available to contribute to these costs. Evidence of hardship will be requested.
Closing Date for Applications: 18th October 2023
This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills HETV Skills fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions.
We welcome applications from all eligible individuals. If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email training@mission.guru.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
This course is open to those living and/or regularly working in Northern Ireland who have:

Minimum of 2 years' professional experience
A minimum of 2 relevant credits (not including entry level / runner credits)

Those who have current and/or previous experience in the following roles are likely to be prepared to step up:

Assistant Script Supervisor
Trainee Script Supervisor
Script Supervisor on shorts / microbudget films

We will also consider candidates who can demonstrate relevant experience of continuity in craft departments such as:

Costume
Hair & Make-up
Art department
Props

We welcome applications from those looking to return to work following a career break who have equivalent experience.
COURSE DATES
The classroom elements of the course have two parts: introductory Zoom sessions (x2) and in-person learning (5 days).
The in-person training will run over 5 consecutive days and applications MUST be available to attend ALL DAYS.
Zoom sessions:
Wednesday 15th November, 18.30-20.30
Thursday 16th November, 18.30-20.30
In-person sessions:
Monday 20th – Friday 24th November 2023, Full working days (approx. 9.30 – 5.30), – Central Belfast
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE OUTLINE
Prior to the first classroom day there will be a 90 mins Zoom call where participants will be able to meet each other and the trainers.

Session
Course Content

Zoom session 1:

Introduction to Course Leader, Lisa Mail
Who is in the room?

What is a Script Supervisor?
What is continuity?
What do we do in the prep process?

Zoom session 2:

Prep continued:
Timing a script
Breaking down a script
Shot language / on-set jargon

Day 1

Matching action
The coverage method
Eyelines
Continuity sheets

Editors' tramline scripts
Crossing the line
Working with actors

Day 2

Practical workshop:

Prep, blocking, rehearsal and shooting of scenes. (No camera / monitor)
Working with two actors
Props and costume continuity

Day 3

Practical workshop:

Prep, blocking, rehearsal and shooting of scenes. (With camera / monitor)
Handover of props
Cutting on the move

Jumping down the line
Careers and Opportunities in Northern Ireland with guest speaker

The iPad method

Day 4

Practical workshop:

Prep, blocking, rehearsal and shooting of a long scene (With camera and monitor, choice of pen and paper OR iPad method)
Crossing the line demonstration
Shooting phone calls
Working with directors

Good working relationships on set
Top tips for managing long working days and difficult conditions

Day 5

Progress reports
Line reads
Filming in cars
Working on 2nd Unit
Working as an assistant
Employability skills

Homework will be set between sessions to ensure each day can be as productive as possible. PLACEMENT OUTLINE
Following the classroom training, 2 'step-up' placements will be available on HETV productions. Successful applicants will be asked to confirm their availability and their base(s) to help facilitate this.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE...
By the end of the training course, participants will have:

Gained an in-depth insight into the role and responsibilities of the Script Supervisor
Learned how to time and break down a script
Learned the importance of coverage, eyelines, crossing the line and how to match the action
Had the opportunity to test out their skills practically in a safe environment
Gained knowledge of paperwork requirements
Developed the professional skills needed in the role

Participants who complete the course will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make the step up to Script Supervisor.
COURSE TUTORS
This course is delivered by Film and TV Industry Professionals and sector experts
Alison Grade | Course Director
Alison runs Mission Accomplished and regularly delivers training for ScreenSkills. She is an experienced Line Producer and Production Manager as well as a Nesta Accredited Creative Enterprise Trainer. She regularly delivers training that enables creatives to take their careers to the next level.
Lisa Mail | Course Leader
Lisa Mail is a highly experienced Script Supervisor who has worked at a wide range of budget levels and production sizes. Lisa has also delivered Script Supervisor training for BBC Academy and Bectu. Lisa knows the role of Script Supervisor incredibly well and is keen to share this knowledge with a new generation of Script Supervisors.

"If you want to be the eyes and ears on set for the Director and to ensure the creative & technical elements come together to capture the essence of the film this is the role for you. Over a 30 Year career as a Script Supervisor, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world working with an array of talented people and the satisfaction I have gained through a very responsible, problem solving role has been hugely rewarding."
— Lisa Mail
ABOUT OUR FUNDERS
This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills HETV Skills fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions.

Please note:
This course would normally cost participants £400, but thanks to funding from the ScreenSkills HETV Skills fund, it is currently being offered to you for free.
If you fail to attend we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.
