Straight answers on course formats, kit, group sizes, payment and what to expect before you book a place with us.
Most people write to us with the same handful of questions before booking. Here are the answers, and Tom Whitaker can fill in anything that is missing.
Our courses suit aspiring and working television reporters and camera operators in the UK. Some learners are newcomers building a first showreel, others are in a regional newsroom and want to tighten their technique. Each course description says what level it assumes, so you can choose the right starting point.
We keep groups small so every learner gets time with a tutor and time on the equipment. Exact numbers depend on the course, because camera days need more space and supervision than a classroom workshop. Tom Whitaker can confirm the group size for the dates you are considering when you get in touch.
Not necessarily. Field camera and live coverage sessions use kit we provide, and Daniel Okafor shows you how to set it up before you shoot. If you already own a camera and would like to work with it, mention that in your enquiry and we will tell you whether it suits the exercise.
Mostly practical exercises. Camera learners shoot handheld sequences and record audio, reporters deliver pieces to camera and get feedback, and live coverage groups plan and cue a broadcast from a location. Classroom sessions cover story structure, editing choices and interview technique, with discussion alongside the work.
Yes, that is the purpose of our Reporter and Camera Pairing Days. A reporter and an operator take a story from the brief through planning, shooting and edit as one team. Many learners say it showed them how the other role thinks, which is hard to learn on your own.
Send an enquiry through the contact page or phone the office. We reply with a written quotation or confirmation, and once you accept we send an invoice. Nothing is bought on this website itself, so there is no checkout and no card payment.
Payment is by bank transfer against the invoice we send you after the written confirmation. The invoice states what the price includes and the payment details. If you need the invoice made out to an employer or a training budget, tell us when you enquire.
Cancellations and refunds follow our payment and refund policy, which sets out what applies and when. If your plans change, write to us as early as you can, because an earlier message gives us more room to help, for example by moving you to a later group where that is possible.
Phone the office and Tom Whitaker will answer questions about dates, group sizes or which course fits your experience. If it is easier, write to us and we will reply in writing.
Call us directly
0118 661 9326The right course depends on your role, your experience and what you want to be able to do afterwards. A short conversation usually settles it. These notes explain how we think about the decision, so you arrive at that conversation prepared.
Reporters usually begin with On-Camera Reporting, where Helen Marsh coaches delivery, scripting for pictures and keeping calm when the situation is not. Camera operators tend to start with Field Camera Techniques, which covers composition, exposure, audio and handheld stability. If you do both jobs, say so, and we will suggest an order that does not repeat what you already know.
We would rather place you in a group that stretches you than one that bores you or leaves you behind. Tell us what you have shot or reported, even if it was student or hospital radio work, and what you found hard. Small groups mean tutors notice quickly if a level is wrong, but a good match from the start saves everyone time.
Some learners want a showreel, others want to cover live events or work better with a partner on the road. Live Coverage Strategies with Priya Shah suits the second group, and the Pairing Days suit the third. Knowing what you want to do next lets us point you to the sessions that lead there.