Straight answers on who our training suits, how sessions run in Bath and on location, and what to expect before you enrol.
These answers cover the practical points people raise before joining a class. If your question is not here, write to us and we will reply in plain terms.
Our training is for aspiring and working television reporters and camera operators across the UK. Some students are starting out and want a solid grounding. Others already work in a newsroom and want to sharpen a particular skill, such as handheld stability, piece-to-camera delivery or live links. Sessions are pitched so both groups learn something useful.
For classroom sessions you only need a notebook and a willingness to take part. On location days we explain beforehand what is supplied and what we suggest you bring. If you already own kit and want to learn on it, tell us when you get in touch and we will see how best to fit your equipment into the session.
We keep groups small on purpose, so each student gets time with a tutor and a turn behind the camera or in front of it. A small group also means feedback is specific to your footage rather than general advice given to a room. Tom Ashworth, our course coordinator, can confirm the group size for a given session.
Classroom work happens at our base at 14 Walcot Yard in Bath. Field camera, reporting and live coverage sessions move out to locations, because framing, sound and nerves behave differently outdoors than in a room. Details of the meeting point and travel are sent to you before each location day.
Workshops and classroom sessions are group learning, led by a tutor, with shared exercises and discussion. Professional development mentoring is one-to-one. You bring your own footage or recent reports, and we review them together, pick out habits worth keeping and ones worth changing, and agree what to practise next.
Yes. Feedback is central to how we teach. After an exercise, the tutor and the group look back at the material together, and you hear what worked, what distracted and what to try next time. We aim to be encouraging and honest, because vague praise does not help anyone improve.
We do. Our newsroom classroom sessions cover how stories are chosen, how to interview fairly, how editing decisions shape what viewers understand, and where accountability sits. These habits matter as much as technical skill, and we weave them into practical exercises rather than leaving them as abstract talks.
Use the contact form on our contact page, email [email protected] or ring 01225 340187. Tell us which area interests you and your experience so far. We will reply with what is available and what each option involves, so you can decide without pressure.
Choosing training is easier when you know what you want from it. A few minutes of thought beforehand helps us point you towards the right session and helps you get the most out of the days you spend with us.
Think about what you already do well and where you feel least sure. A reporter might be steady in interviews but stiff in a piece to camera. An operator might frame confidently yet struggle with audio. Writing this down in a couple of lines gives us a clear picture, and it lets tutors aim the feedback at the things that will make the biggest difference for you.
If you have recent reports, clips or raw footage, keep a few to hand. Mentoring in particular works best when we can watch your actual work together. You do not need polished pieces. Rough material often teaches more, because the habits that need attention show up quickly. If you are new to the field, simply tell us what you hope to learn.
Field sessions happen outdoors, so comfortable clothing and sensible footwear matter more than you might expect. Bring something to carry notes, and allow time to travel calmly to the meeting point. Weather can change the plan, and we explain in advance how that is handled. Arriving relaxed makes the learning stick far better than arriving flustered.
A training hub in Bath for television reporters and camera operators: field camera technique, on-camera reporting and live coverage, taught in small practical sessions.