Bristol’s internationally-acclaimed Green Umbrella television production company is adding hands-on film and tv workshops to its other activities in an effort to create more opportunities for trainees and newcomers to find out what ‘real’ tv is all about.

The 4-day courses are the idea of Green Umbrella MD, Nigel Ashcroft, an award-winning producer and director who, during more than 20 years in the business, has provided the on-the-job training that kick-started the careers of many now-celebrated producers, directors, editors, sound designers and production managers.

But, he says, the changing shape of the tv industry makes it difficult for newcomes to train on-the-job now. “With smaller budgets, less major series being made and smaller, lightweight equipment, the majority of production companies either don’t need or just can’t afford to employ assistants, making it almost impossible for newcomers to gain vital experience”

His answer is to assemble a team of experts from different aspects of programme-making to provide a grounding in scripting, research, budgeting, logistics, security, shooting, editing, music, graphics, sound design and mixing, as well as the complex world of deliverables.

The first courses are happening in Bristol but Nigel Ashcroft has already been approached about running them in other locations, including as part of major film festivals.

Meanwhile, Green Umbrella continues to make the science, history, nature and discovery productions for which it has won numerous international awards. The company’s latest venture is a high definition astronomy special for the US public service channel, PBS, made in San Francisco and directed by Nigel Ashcroft.

For more information about the company and the courses see Green Umbrella