FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: What is Ones to Watch?
Answer: Ones to Watch (formerly Fast Track) is a career development scheme for mid-level TV professionals, looking to transform their careers and give back.

When does Ones to Watch take place?
Answer: Ones to Watch takes place in August alongside the Edinburgh TV Festival. Exact dates will be confirmed asap.

Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: Ones to Watch is completely free. This includes exclusive sessions and access to all Edinburgh 2020 Festival content, as well as a TV Festival delegate pass and accommodation in shared flats in Edinburgh in 2021. You will only need to pay for your return travel to Edinburgh, food and personal expenses.

Question: What kind of things will I experience as a Ones to Watch delegate?
Answer: As well as receiving a full pass for the Edinburgh TV Festival, which gets you in to all of the Festival sessions, networking events and parties, 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 to get an idea of the kinds of speakers and masterclasses we put on last year, watch our promo video or download last year’s programme. You’ll also mentor and be mentored, including mentoring training before the Festival.

Question: What type of person are you looking for?
Answer: We identify and reward people with 3+ years’ experience in television, already well-established in their career, who we think have the potential to rise to the top of the industry, whilst also supporting new talent.

Mentoring is a big part of being a One to Watch. As well as being mentored, we will ask you to mentor two entry-level people via our scheme The Network.

We have a great track record of identifying talent but we won’t know about you unless you apply.

Question: Is there an age limit?
Answer: No – we require all applicants to have at least three years of industry experience, but there is no upper age or experience limit.

Question: How do I apply?
Answer: Applications for Ones to Watch 2021 open on 25th February, and will close on 3rd May at 10am.

The initial application is a form answering a series of questions about your career and motivations. You will have the option of submitting your answers as either a written response or as a video response. Video responses can be submitted in the form of a link to a private YouTube video.

Question: I know someone who would be great for Ones to Watch. How can I let you know about them?
Answer: Please send recommendations via this form. You can recommend as many people as you’d like. A recommendation will not strengthen an application, it’s a method to help us spread the word about Ones to Watch. However, for many potential candidates, the knowledge that someone they’ve worked with thinks they’re good enough to apply is the confidence boost they need to submit an application.

Question: Do I have to be nominated/recommended to apply?
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 selected 30 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.

However – we do consider everyone on a case-by-case basis. Please do e-mail us with your specific circumstances, if not covered above, for a definitive answer.

Question: I don’t work in production – can I apply?
Answer: We welcome applications from people working in any area of TV, whether that’s production, development, scheduling, legal, business, digital, etc. Below you’ll find some of the roles Ones to Watch delegates have held in the past. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but if you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply then please do not hesitate to get in contact on talentschemes@thetvfestival.com You can also see who’s attended the scheme in the past on our Alumni page.

► Producer	► Director
► Assistant Producer	► Business Affairs Manager
► Scheduler	► DV Director
► Senior Digital Creative	► Video on Demand Scheduler
► Acquisitions Co-ordinator	► Associate Producer
► Script Editor	► Senior Research & Insight Executive
► Video Editor	► Strategy Analyst
► Production Co-ordinator	► Content Editor
► Screenwriter	► Talent Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question: What do you look for in an application for the scheme?
Answer: As well as being ambitious and nurturing, we’re looking for people for whom being on Ones to Watch this year could make a big difference for their career. Watch this video of our 2017 application panel for more information on the kinds of people we’re looking for.

Question: Who decides who is selected for Ones to Watch?
Answer: All applications are assessed blind by members of the Talent Schemes team and external industry experts. The final selection is made by interview with senior industry executives.

Question: When will I know if I’ve been successful?
Answer: Successful first-round applicants will be informed by mid-May and invited for an interview with a senior industry figure and a member of the Talent Schemes team. The final selection will take place at the beginning of July. Unfortunately due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to offer individual feedback to those who do not reach the interview stage.

Question: Can I apply if I’ve applied before and been unsuccessful?
Answer: Yes, lots of people are successful after multiple tries.

Question: Where can I find your privacy policy?
Answer: Our Talent Schemes privacy policy can be found here.