ScreenSkills USF Kit Care Programme

Are you looking to strengthen your knowledge of camera kit in unscripted TV and widen your freelance work opportunities?  

This brand-new training programme delivered by The Pipeline and Sunbelt Rentals takes you through the A to Z of camera kit care adding vital technical and practical knowledge to bolster your skills and career.

Understanding what kit you need for each situation, how to maintain it and how to troubleshoot  issues in the field whilst under pressure is often overlooked – but crucial to any production. 

Starting with the fundamentals of drawing up correct kit checklists, you’ll leave this course with full knowledge of how to self-manage the hardware and software needed on each shoot and confidence to provide clear requirements to kit rental companies, production and postproduction teams.   

Taught by hugely experienced kit teams from Sunbelt Rentals, the training will include a full two-days of in-person training and practical exercises, a session on the impact of AI on production and a deep understanding of how to handle and maintain each piece of kit needed on unscripted productions.

This training programme is funded by the Screen Skills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies. 


Who it’s for

We are looking to recruit 120 delegates based across the UK with 12 participants on each 2-day workshop.

This programme is aimed at editorial and production teams in unscripted TV with at least 2-3 years industry experience, camera crew and technicians keen for a refresher on contemporary kit. The focus is on individuals who need to strengthen their understanding of the vast array of kit and accessories available to help make informed choices and improve their value to a production. This training programme will run across 10 regional cohorts on Thursdays and Fridays. Please only apply for the one closest to where you live or intend to work

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Minority Ethnic Groups; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

There is a £30 fee for participating. There are bursaries available for those who require support. Please contact hello-pipelinemedia@salford.ac.uk for any enquiries about these bursaries before or at the same time as submitting your application.

If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email USF@screenskills.com

What it covers

  • Overview of camera kits utilised in unscripted productions.  
  • Practical step-by-step guide through each piece of camera kit and accessories.
  • Audio essentials – handling and choosing sound equipment.
  • Batteries, power and cabling management.  
  • Pre-shoot kits and packing.  
  • Field repairs and on-site maintenance.
  • Adapting kits to environment and transport.
  • Common kit failures and fast fixes.
  • Cleaning, storage and end of day kit routines.  
  • Emergency protocols and red flags.  
  • Kit return and working with rental companies.
  • AI in production and its impact.

And much more…  Including hands on, practical exercises

Course Tutors

The Pipeline is one of the UK’s leading training providers for film, TV, animation and postproduction professionals and delivered by trainers and technicians from Sunbelt Rentals – the UK’s largest kit rental company.

Course dates:

  • Manchester: 9-10 October 2025
  • London (1): 23-24 October 2025
  • Belfast: 6-7 November 2025
  • Cardiff: 20-21 November 2025
  • Birmingham: 27-28 November 2025
  • Liverpool: 11-12 December 2025
  • Glasgow: 22-23 January 2026
  • Bristol: 5-6 February 2026
  • Newcastle: 19-20 February 2026
  • London (2): 5-6 March 2026

Deadlines for applications;

  • Manchester 26 September
  • London (1) 10 October
  • Belfast 24 October
  • Cardiff 7 November
  • Birmingham 14 November
  • Liverpool 28 November
  • Glasgow 9 January
  • Bristol 23 January
  • Newcastle 6 February
  • London (2) 20 February


Price: £30
Age: 18+
Locations: Manchester, London, Belfast, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow

Apply here..