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Apply for our new
Challenge Producer Training Course
part of Prime Video Pathway's Free Freelance and Skills Development Programme!
Do you love shows with missions, challenges and games?
Do you have what it takes to come up with thrilling, mind-bending, and imaginative challenges for the next raft of hit TV series?
If so, this new training programme could be for you!
The immense popularity of fact ent and reality shows with ambitious and compelling tasks at their heart, means there's a need for established Assistant Producers and Producers to drive these genres forward. So Amazon, via its Prime Video Pathway suite of free training programmes, is working with key partners to train up the next generation of games generators.
Jo Woolf Media Training has been commissioned by Prime to run this training. So if you love challenge-based shows, work at Assistant Producer or Producer level, and would love the opportunity to receive one week of intensive in-person training in January 2027 from some of the industry leaders in this field, then take a look at the course details below.
Information Webinars:
To hear more about the course, ask questions and meet some of the training team, we will be hosting two optional Information Webinars on Monday 16th November at 1pm and on Monday 23rd November at 7.30pm. If you'd like attend either session then click on one of the dates below to register.
Monday 16th November seminar, 1pm
Monday 23rd November seminar, 7.30pm
If you are experiencing any issues with the links please email jowoolftv@gmail.com for support.
Closed captions will be provided.
About the Challenge Producer training course:
Who is it for?
We’re looking to train 10 delegates from across the UK who already work in TV at Assistant Producer level or above in reality, entertainment, factual, development or challenge-based shows. This training is not for new entrants but for those who have more than three years' programme-making experience. In exceptional circumstances we may look at individuals from gaming or digital backgrounds, where there is a demonstrable interest in challenges, and a significant level of professional experience.
To be considered you must be able to demonstrate a passion for Challenge-based content and have an understanding of what makes these shows work. This course is for those committed to pursuing a career in this field, to help build on existing experience, and to support those stepping into creative roles in Challenge teams.
We particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds and identities that are under-represented in television. This includes those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, minoritized ethnic groups, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those based in the Nations and Regions.
We are committed to providing support and accommodations for individuals with accessibility or adjustment needs. We are happy to accept a video application, if that's preferred. Any access requests should be emailed to jowoolftv@gmail.com before the application deadline.
What's included in the Challenge Producer training course?
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Five days in-person training in central London from Monday 25th to Friday 29th January 2027, featuring:
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Deep dives into some of the nation's most successful challenge-based shows, presented by some of the team members who made them.
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Additional sessions that include: idea development, world-building, games rules and mechanics, working with key crew such as set designers, DOPs, and Line Producers, contributor welfare, risk assessments, managing budgets, understanding schedules, office testing and successful pitching techniques.
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Workshops to devise and develop your own games and challenges which will be pitched to a panel of experts on the final day.
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Networking opportunities provided throughout the week, including a final networking event with key industry players.
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A 1-week work-shadowing placement (subject to market conditions) within a working Challenge team, with a "salary sacrifice" contribution of £700 pro rata to help make this financially possible.
What does it cost?
This training is fully funded by Prime Video Pathway's Free Freelance & Skills Development Programme, so no fee is expected from participants. Those based in or around London are expected to fund their own travel and accommodation for the five days of in-person training, however those living substantially further away may ask for support towards their travel and accommodation.
The work placements are likely to take place in London, Manchester or Scotland, where most of these shows are produced. We aim to organise placements close to each trainees' preferred location, but cannot guarantee this. Accommodation and travel will not be provided in addition to the salary sacrifice contribution of £700, unless circumstances are exceptional and an early request is made. If you have more than one base that you can use for your work placement, then please put this down on your application form.
Who are the trainers?
This training is produced and run by Jo Woolf Media Training in consultation with Challenge Executive Producers, Anna Kidd and Darren Brown and in collaboration with a wide variety of key players from within the Challenge show genre.
How to apply?
Click ‘Apply now’ on the link below to access the application form.
Before starting the application please note you will be unable to save and return to your form and must complete it in one session.
To assist you with this process the four questions that require longer answers (up to 200 words) are listed below. The remaining questions are multiple choice or require short answers.
Longer Questions to answer:
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What, if any, is your experience of Challenge producing so far?
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What makes you feel you'd be successful as a Challenge producer? (eg in regards to your interests, personality or background.)
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Which current Challenge-based show would you most like to work on and why?
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Give an example of a Challenge you've seen on an existing show which worked really well and/ or one which didn't work well. Analyse and explain your reasoning. (You use up to 400 words for this question, if required.)
(NB by "Challenge Producing" we mean coming up with missions, challenges, games, or tasks for shows like The Traitors, Taskmaster, Big Brother, Destination X, Squid Game, The Challenge etc. We don't mean quiz shows.)
You will also be asked to upload your CV and suggest a potential referee.
All details in your application form will be kept confidential and read only by the training organisers. Data will be stored according to our privacy policy and in line with GDRP guidelines.
After you've applied you will be requested to fill out a separate, anonymous diversity monitoring form.
Due to the expected number of applications we will not give feedback to those who are unsuccessful in reaching the interview stage. We will endeavour to provide feedback to those who are called to interview but unsuccessful in gaining a place.
Key Dates:
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Information webinars: 1pm on Monday 16th November, and 7.30pm on Mon 23rd November. (Eventbrite links above)
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Application deadline: midnight Saturday 5th December 2026
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Potential interviews: 9th and 10th December 2026
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We aim to inform successful applicants by 15th December 2026
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Deadline to accept place: 16th December 2026
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Training dates: 25th to 29th January 2027 (9.30am to 5.30pm daily, in central London)
We understand that freelance television work is unpredictable and plans might change. However if you are offered and accept a place on the training scheme you must attend the training as you taking up a place has denied someone else the opportunity. If you need to withdraw then please do give us the maximum amount of time, so we can offer the opportunity to another candidate.
