FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answer: Ones to Watch is a career development programme for mid-level TV professionals, looking to transform their careers and give back to new entrants to the industry.

Answer: The dates for Ones to Watch 2023 are Monday 21st to Friday 25th August. You will need to be in Edinburgh and clear from all work across these dates to take part in the programme.

Question: How much does it cost?

Answer: Ones to Watch is free – this includes a pass for the Edinburgh Television Festival and accommodation in Edinburgh.

Question: What are the eligibility requirements for Ones to Watch?

Answer: To be eligible for Ones to Watch you must have worked in the television industry for at least three years. There is no upper age or experience limit but the scheme is pitched at people at the ‘mid-level’ in their careers, who are established but not yet in senior positions. This can look different for everyone though so if you would like us to check your CV for eligibility before applying please email talentschemes@thetvfestival.com.

Answer: No, Ones to Watch is a self-nominated talent scheme. We accept recommendations to help us spread the word about the scheme, but being recommended (or not) has no bearing on the final outcome of the recruitment process.

Question: Can I apply if I don’t work for a production company or broadcaster?

Answer: Absolutely – our 25 selected delegates will reflect talent from all areas of the industry, including freelancers.

Question: I live and work outside of the UK – can I apply?

Answer: Ones to Watch is geared towards giving people a career boost in the UK TV industry – the scheme wouldn’t benefit you fully if you live and work outside of the UK. You must at least have the right to work in the UK/be planning to do so and consider the travel costs of getting yourself to Edinburgh as this is the one aspect of the scheme we do not cover.

Question: Which areas of the industry can apply for Ones to Watch?

Answer: We welcome applications from people working in any area of TV in any genre. The only people we don’t accept applications from are people who only work in on-camera roles such as presenter or actor. However, if you do either of these alongside an off camera function such as producing you would still be eligible. Below you’ll find some of the roles Ones to Watch delegates have held in the past/ the departments they have worked in. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list; if you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply then please do not hesitate to get in contact on talentschemes@thetvfestival.com.

• Production (Producer, AP)
• Development (Development Producer, AP)
• Production Management (Production Manager, Production Coordinator)
• Post Production (Editor)
• Scripted (Screenwriter, Script Editor, Scripted Development)
• Broadcast Journalism
• Director
• Digital
• Business Affairs
• Scheduling
• Aquisitions
• PR
• Talent Agent

Answer: Yes, lots of people are successful after multiple tries.

Answer: Applications for Ones to Watch 2023 will be open from Wednesday 1st February and close Friday 14th April at 10am.

Answer: The application form is available on our website and is made up of three sections: personal information (including a CV), application questions, and monitoring information. You can choose to submit your answers to the application questions as either a written, audio or video response. All answers are marked to the same criteria regardless of format.

Answer: Across your answers and at interview we will be looking for evidence of the following things:

Answer: As well as receiving a full pass for the Edinburgh TV Festival, which gets you all the advantages of a full Festival delegate, we also produce a bespoke programme specifically for Ones to Watch. The sessions are different every year, tailored to suit that year’s intake, but previous speakers include Georgia Brown, Patrick Holland, Sarah Asante, Charlotte Moore and Mandy Chang.

Answer: Before the Festival, each One to Watch is paired with two entry-level delegates on our Network programme. You will then be expected to meet/ speak monthly with them for a year from September onwards to help them work towards their professional goals. This is a vital part of being on the programme and we will be looking for aptitude as a mentor as part of the assessment process.

After the Festival each One to Watch will be matched with a mentor to help with their professional goals. These pairing are made on an individual basis and last for a year from matching onwards.

Answer: We are committed to making our programmes and the Festival as inclusive as possible. You can see the Festival’s accessibility policies here. If there are any reasonable accommodations you require to be able to participate in the assessment process or in the programme we will make them and cover the associated costs. If you have any questions about access or inclusion please email talentschemes@thetvfestival.com.