Creating Factual and Documentary Programme Ideas with Hilary Fennell

Course Summary

Where do great television and radio programme ideas come from and what are the key
steps in developing them and getting them commissioned by a broadcaster, or funded by
another source?

This virtual course looks at the development and writing process from idea to pitch, led by
Hilary Fennell, an award winning programme maker.
The course covers the whole process from developing and researching the idea to
creating a narrative structure, for factual and documentary (non-scripted/ non-fiction) and
ideas for television, film or radio. It is designed to give participants the tools to create a
finished written pitch document, and the skills to pitch it verbally.

Over six online sessions, Hilary will unpack the development and commissioning process
and share best practice tips and techniques for concept research, development, proposal
writing and pitching.

Participants will learn through lectures, case studies and exercises, where they can work
on their own projects with mentoring from the tutor. By the end of the course they will have
a finished written and verbal pitch for their idea

Course Outline

Session 1 Introduction to Ideas: What an idea is and how to find one. The power of
understanding genres and their importance.
Session 2. Ideas development: Making it work – development of initial idea, research and
interview skills.
Session 3 Best practice in proposal writing. Story basics: what are the elements we are
looking for? The process of creating the narrative, from idea to treatment.
Session 4 How to write a short synopsis and more detailed treatment from your proposal.
How to write an elevator pitch – and how to pitch your idea verbally.
Session 5. Overview of the industry and opportunities for commissioning and funding.
Overview of production process and crew roles. Participants are asked to submit their
proposal to Hilary, for feedback next week.
Session 6 Participants have the opportunity to pitch their self-generated idea verbally and
will receive feedback and tailored guidance.

Course Outcomes

Participants will have a finished pitch their idea, and have the confidence to present it.

Hilary Fennell is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work is distinguished by
its commitment to human stories. Across her career, she has consistently engaged with
contemporary issues, sparking public debate while crafting intimate, character-driven films.
Her work often emerges from creative collaborations and ranges across subjects as
diverse as the transformative power of art in prisons, a musician’s journey into deafness,
Ireland’s first “single parents,” the Irish LGBTQI community in New York, and acclaimed
portraits of cultural icons from Christy Moore to Ulysses.
Hilary’s films have received international recognition, including three New York Festivals
awards, the Gold Hugo from the Chicago International Film Festival, and Best
Documentary at both the Celtic Film Festival and the Santa Monica Film Festival.

Booked out? To be added to the waiting list for this course, please email bookings@irishwriterscentre.ie.