The Production Managers course is designed for service leavers and veterans with a keen interest in the world of media and who wish to use their existing skillset within a new and challenging environment. This course is designed with valuable practical knowledge and work placement opportunities, so that it will provide students with all the necessary skills and relevant experiences in order to gain a Production Co-Ordinator or Production Manager role within the media industry.
A fully-funded course to help get you into one of the industry’s most in-demand roles !
Applications for this year's course are now closed.
At A Glance
Cost
Completely free.
This course is fully funded by BFBS.
Duration
7 Months
For Whom
Service leavers and veterans.
Experience
No prior experience needed.
What We Offer
Financial Support
There are no course fees to pay. All costs are borne by the BFBS Academy. All students also receive a tax-free bursary of £9,000 over seven months to help with living costs and accommodation.
Work Placement Opportunities
In addition to the core curriculum, the students at the Academy have as least two weeks of work placement during the course.
We are lucky to have several very supportive partners within the wider broadcast and media industry. Our Students will have opportunities to gain valuable work placements within these organisations.
Extra Qualifications and Masterclass Program
Our students will have opportunity to work through and be assessed in two additional Level 3 awards, which are Level 3 in Podcast Production and Level 3 in Multicamera Production.
Every week a Masterclass is scheduled into the course scheme of work. The subject matter covered varies from Digital Media skills to Production Risk Assessment for Outside Broadcast.
Skills You Will Gain

The core curriculum will cover all aspects of creative media skillsets.
- Single and multicamera operations
- Audio and Podcast production
- Postproduction (editing)
- Content capture
- Planning and researching
- Risk assessment and budgeting
- Legal and compliance themes
- Logistics and resource management
The course very much emulates working within the media industry in that there is individual as well as group tasks working to tight deadlines to exacting client briefs. The course focuses on factual production including; documentary, reportage as well as multicamera studio productions.
An important aspect of the curriculum is progression planning. This involves getting a portfolio of evidence together in preparation for employer interviews and work placements.
Who Should Apply?
The course is for
The Production Managers course is designed for service leavers and veterans with a keen interest in the world of media and who wish to use their existing skillset within a new and challenging environment.
The role of Production Manager or Production Co-ordinator may be new to you, however, once you realise that this role involves all aspects of planning and supporting the wider production team – overseeing a project from concept to delivery, you will see that it dovetails very well with your previous military experiences.
Entry requirements
Only a limited number of spaces are available.
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Students will be selected on aptitude, attitude, and suitability
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All applications will be considered, and potential students interviewed
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No age limits
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English and Maths GCSE (A*–C Grade or equivalent)
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Personal statement (required)
If you have any queries in relation to course requirements, please do email us on [email protected].
How To Apply

The course runs for seven months.
Applications are now closed.
Please download and complete the form below and return it to [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Friday 24th February 2023; due to high volumes of applications we intend to begin the interview process before that date, with offers being sent out in March.
About The Role
All TV and film productions require skilled Production Managers in all phases of production.
At the pre-production planning stage, Production Managers are deeply involved in each aspect of locations, budgets, crewing, scheduling, and transport logistics. During filming, they are a crucial senior member of the team, in charge of every aspect of successful production, with special emphasis on health and safety of crew and equipment.
The key skills and attributes of a successful Production Manager are those that excel at planning and communications, those that work well under pressure and have a detail-oriented approach. They must be adept negotiators with a wide range of contacts and knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations.
Post pandemic there is a lack of suitably qualified Production Managers within the media industry so we have designed this course to fill this gap.
There has been considerable research carried out on the Production Managers’ skills shortage within the media industry here on this comprehensive report.
Learning Resources
Facilities
The BFBS Academy has facilities to suit and support all service leavers and veterans, including those who are wounded, injured or sick. The classroom, Green Screen area and library are all wheelchair accessible.
Materials and Equipment
Equipment such as video cameras, computers and editing software will be provided. Each student will be allocated a laptop with all the latest Adobe software uploaded.
Student have access to broadcast standard equipment in our multicamera studio. They will be instructed in safe working practices. Once kit has been signed out to an individual, they have sole responsibility of the safety and security of said equipment.
Each student will be allocated a laptop with all the required professional software uploaded. Each student is also responsible for utilising safe working practices in relation to IT safety and to protect their laptop from virus infection.
Course lecturers
Course Lecturers
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Adam Blackmore -Heal- Subject Specialism - Postproduction
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David Kline - Subject Specialism - Scripting and TV Production
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Andy Sayers - Subject Specialism - Radio & Audio Technologies
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Kim Nguyen – Subject Specialism – Production Management and TV Production
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Lyndon Ives - Subject Specialism - Production and Postproduction technician
Our tutors have been selected based on their professional media experience gained in industry, as well as their proven academic ability.
As our intention is to bring current and credible industry practice to the course, this will be achieved by utilising a range of guest speakers, visiting lecturers and masterclasses.
Masterclass
Masterclass Program
Each Friday morning a masterclass is scheduled into the course scheme of work. The subject matter covered varies from Digital Media skills to Production Risk Assessment for Outside Broadcast.
The Academy has been generously supported by the wider media community who deliver bespoke masterclasses to support progression to Production Manager roles after graduation.
Some masterclasses are planned and delivered by our in-house staff who very generously share their subject knowledge and experience with the learners. The sessions are peppered with real life examples, which brings the subject to life for the cohort.
Student Insight

Emma W – former Royal Navy
I am currently studying on the Production Managers course with BFBS Academy. The quality of training has been exceptional. We have weekly Masterclasses from industry experts, which have been a real insight into the media world. Anyone thinking about the media industry after serving in the military, I would highly recommend this course, we have an abundance of transferable skills. The BFBS team are supportive and always on hand for advice. We are currently awaiting our allocations for work experience, which will really give us a chance to network and put into practice the skills we are learning.

Ben C – former Royal Marine
I enrolled on the Production Managers course to learn the nuts and bolts of production to make me a better Producer. The course covers the creative elements of production and the more administrative elements, perfect for anyone wanting to enter the media industry. So far, I am deeply impressed with the commitment of all the teaching staff and the skills my fellow students bring to the table. It is a great learning environment, and I look forward to the remainder of the course, particularly the weekly Masterclasses chaired by industry experts – these are always inspiring and informative, in equal measure.
What is the BFBS Academy?
The BFBS Academy is designed to provide veterans and service leavers with the training, experience, and qualifications to help them transition into a multi-media role.
The BFBS Academy is run by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS). We specialise in providing media services to the UK Armed Forces.
We have approximately 200 staff that are specialist broadcasters, journalists, camera operators, studio directors, broadcast technicians and experts in digital communications.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the BFBS Academy, the course or the application process please get in touch via the contact form or email us: [email protected]
GETTING TO US
The BFBS Academy is run out of BFBS's headquarters in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire, just 30 minutes by train from London.
The closest overland station is Gerrards Cross, and the closest underground station is Chalfont & Latimer. We are also within easy reach of the M40, M25 and M4.
ADDRESS
BFBS Academy · Chalfont Grove · Narcot Lane · Chalfont St. Peter · Buckinghamshire · SL9 8TN