Grierson DocLab In Focus Returning for Third Year

The Grierson Trust and Netflix have partnered again for the third edition of the Grierson DocLab in Focus training program for production management.

The training initiative is aimed at supporting the U.K.’s documentary and factual industry by identifying and developing new talent and tackling skills shortages through training opportunities. The eight chosen candidates receive intensive training, mentoring from a leading industry figure and a paid three-month work placement on a Netflix production.

Trainees also receive continued support from The Grierson Trust, including access to networking events, professional development opportunities and mentoring as part of the Grierson DocLab Alumni group.

The training is led by Birte Pederson and covers the documentary genre and formats; budgeting; cashflows and production paperwork; health and safety and risk assessments; demystifying postproduction; jargon-busting; managing and looking after personnel; the importance of diversity and inclusion of a production; and when to consider stepping up to the next level in a career.

Applications are being accepted through September 22. The training will commence in November 2023.

Sylvia Bednarz, managing director of The Grierson Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Netflix again to deliver this industry-leading training program for aspiring production managers. We hope it helps address skills shortages and contributes to sustaining the long-term creativity of documentary filmmaking in the U.K. We are proud to see alumni of this programme thriving in the documentary industry and look forward to welcoming the next cohort of trainees.”

Alison Small, grow creative manager at Netflix, added: “We’re delighted to support The Grierson Trust in opening up the industry to those passionate about documentary-making. Production management is vital to the success of every project, but an often overlooked part of the creative process. This is the third year of our partnership with Grierson, and we’re so proud to continue our work to improve representation at all levels of the creative process and offer opportunities to work on Netflix titles.”