BBC launches website to help people produce TV programmes

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The BBC college of production website went live yesterday. It provides free practical advice on all aspects of TV, radio and online production.

Part of the BBC Academy, it is hoped that the site will be used not only for training BBC staff, but as a resource for the wider broadcasting industry along with those people seeking to break into the industry.

Like the BBC college of journalism website, it is part of the corporation's remit, under the terms of the BBC's charter agreement, to train the wider industry.

Launch editor Amanda Lyon says: "The premise behind the site's creation is 'the best made easy'. Through filmed talks, short radio programmes and videos, broadcasting innovators, creatives and experts will freely share their experience with the production community in a distilled and focused form."

Several top names in broadcasting have contributed to the site. Among them are Gary Lineker - talking about the Match of the Day production team - Chris Evans enthusing about his relationship with executive producer Helen Thomas - while Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconieshare their hottest tip: "Never look puzzled through the glass!"

Each video or short radio programme aims to answer a single question, providing practical advice on a vast array of subjects from health and safety to self-shooting, editing and interviewing.

Short radio programmes feature experts in conversation on single topics, such as how blogs can be used to add value to programme content.

There are currently around 100 VTs on the site and, throughout the coming year, Lyon and her team will continue to grow the website, hoping to expand it to about 300 items by December.

"There is huge demand across the industry for this kind of innovative training resource', says Anne Morrison, director of the BBC Academy. "We are taking a lead in this area to help reach as wide an audience as possible.

"The BBC relies on an increasingly mobile workforce, with many freelancers or people working on short term contracts.

"We aim to share as much of our training as possible with the wider UK broadcasting industry, for free, equipping people with skills they need for a lifetime of employability in an ever-changing media landscape."

Source: BBC press office