ScreenSkills's First Ever Panel on Impact Production: Hosted by Us!

This session was part of ScreenSkill’s Connect & Inspire, designed to promote the sharing of knowledge and the building of relationships across unscripted TV. We were invited to host their first-ever panel discussion on Impact Production in Unscripted TV!

Over the past few decades, the UK’s screen industries - especially the independent documentary sector - have become increasingly driven by the desire to create meaningful social impact. Impact production has grown into a recognised craft in the documentary space, helping films shift conversations and spark change. While the professionalisation of the role is well underway within the independent documentary sector, it is still finding its feet within unscripted TV. Many in the sector are confused as to what exactly  “impact production” is, why it matters, how it fits into existing workflows, and how it can productively sit alongside institutional policy restrictions. This session addressed these key considerations, while simultaneously unpacking the variety of transferable skills impact producers bring to an unscripted project.

To this end, the panel brought together leading voices to explore what the role of the impact producer could look like for Unscripted TV in 2026. This included reflection on  the required skillsets and emerging career pathways open to the impact-minded creator. The panellist further broke down how the impact producer could help programmes stand out, reach wider audiences, and spark meaningful conversation.

We are in the process of developing more sessions with ScreenSkills, so stay tuned!