Volunteering and training

Festival TV Makers 2026 – A Unique Autumn Package

THIS PACKAGE IS NOW FULL AND CLOSED TO FURTHER APPLICATIONS

Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or someone who’s never held a camera, we want you to be part of something special this autumn. Join us for an exclusive volunteer package that includes hands-on, face-to-face camera training and practice sessions, followed by filming the dynamic two-day Battle of Ideas Festival in the heart of Westminster, London.

The festival, which takes seriously “conversations for the public, with the public, in public”, never fails to engage and impress the thousands who attend and, through our videos, many more after the event. More than 100 debates and discussions at the festival cover an enormous range of issues in politics, economics, education, science and culture. With its motto, ‘Free speech allowed’, it provides serious food for thought and vital discussion that is all too rare these days. The festival weekend is always inspiring, and WORLDwrite is proud to have been a media partner for this prestigious event ever since it began in 2005.

This opportunity will result in the production of more than 50 high-level filmed debates, all captured for online distribution. And here’s the best part: every volunteer will be credited for their work, and in the media world, credits are currency. You’ll also receive a festival pass that grants you access to all debates. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and we’ll cover your local travel expenses.

Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to develop your skills, enhance your CV, contribute to a major project and be part of a passionate team creating videos for public benefit. Scroll down for the session dates, check that you can attend all the sessions, and complete the short application at the bottom. We don’t select you—you have to select us. However, spaces are limited, so act fast because once we’re full, we’re full!

Wednesday 9th September, 7.30pm via Zoom: Festival TV Makers Introductory Event

At this essential introduction to our Festival TV Makers package, you’ll meet the dynamic team and connect with our new crew members. We’ll explore what it takes to be part of the creative force behind the scenes at the Battle of Ideas Festival. We’ll break down our latest volunteer package and give you an insider’s look at the role you could play in bringing this major event to life on screen. Whether you’re curious or committed, this is your chance to see if it’s for you.

Wednesday 16th September, 7.30pm via Zoom: Getting It Right

Learn the key ingredients of a well-choreographed two-camera debate shoot. From focus to framing, this session will ensure you know what you need to capture before you learn how to do it.

Saturday 19th September, Wednesday 23rd September or Saturday 26th September  10am–6pm: Face-to-Face Camera Training – Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker!

Volunteers will need to attend ONE of these three intensive training days.

Get ready for an immersive, hands-on training experience that will set you up for success behind the camera. On just one of these action-packed days, you’ll dive into the essentials of working with WORLDwrite’s professional cameras and sound equipment. You’ll also learn the art of expertly choreographing live debate shoots, preparing you to capture every moment at the Battle of Ideas Festival. Don’t miss your chance to master the craft! Lunch and refreshments are provided.

Thursday 1st October, Friday 2nd October, Wednesday 7th October or Thursday 8th October, 2–4.30pm or 7–9.30pm: Debate Shooting Practice Sessions – Serious Skills for New Media Pros!

To gear up for the festival, all volunteers are required to attend THREE of these 8 focused practice sessions. Here, you’ll sharpen your camera skills and learn to perform like a pro on the big weekend. It’s a great way to build expertise, ensuring you’re fully prepared to join the crew and capture the sharp minds on the panels and in the audience at the Battle of Ideas Festival.

Sunday 11th October, 10am–6pm: Festival Logistics Day – Crucial Prep!

On this all-important logistics day, all WORLDwrite festival volunteers will come together to ensure we’re ready to roll. We’ll cover all the essential details, from room set-ups to site logistics, and you’ll team up with your crew, finalise rotas and collect your official festival T-shirt. If time allows, we’ll even squeeze in a final set-up practice. It’s a day of serious preparation, but with plenty of camaraderie and a tasty lunch to keep up the energy.

Wednesday 14th October, 10am–12.30pm or 2–4.30pm, or Thursday 15^th October, 2–4.30pm or 7–9.30pm: Film Gear Preparation – The Final Touches That Make It All Happen

Before the cameras start rolling, we need your help to ensure everything is set for success. Each volunteer needs to select ONE slot to join us for this crucial film gear preparation session. There’s plenty to do, from checking cables and sound equipment to testing batteries, packing and labelling all the essential kit. Every detail matters to make sure everything is ready for the big event.

Saturday 17th October & Sunday 18th October, 8am–7pm: The Big Weekend- Filming at the Battle of Ideas Festival

Volunteers will need to attend BOTH full days as part of the crew, to be at the heart of the action at the Battle of Ideas Festival. In addition to filming, you’ll have the unique opportunity to attend debates and sessions during your free time, immersing yourself in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and challenging ideas. Your lunch and refreshments will be provided, and we’ll cover your local travel costs, so all you need to focus on is making the most of this experience and doing it justice.

Wednesday 21st October, 7.30pm via Zoom: “After the Battle of Ideas – What’s Next?”

At this essential follow-up Zoom meeting, we’ll dive into what comes next after the Battle of Ideas Festival. This is your chance to share your experiences, provide valuable feedback and discuss key takeaways from the event. Your insights will help shape our work, and this meeting is the perfect opportunity to stay involved, use your newly honed skills and contribute to further films for public benefit. We’d like you to be part of the next chapter!

Festival programme details and tickets for non-crew, including some great discounted tickets, will be available at www.battleofideas.org.uk.

You can also watch lots of debates filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers at previous festivals on our YouTube channel.

Read on to apply

We don’t need you to send us CVs, we do want you to understand this is voluntary work where content and ideas take precedence. At WORLDwrite, we tackle a wide array of issues, guided by the principles we advocate for as an education charity. These principles are championed on our channel, WORLDbytes, as well as through the documentaries and programmes we create.

We believe in:

• Democracy for all and the more direct the better
• Economic growth & serious development for all globally
• Challenging all forms of prejudice, anti-democratic and anti-human trends
• Freedom of speech and advancing civil liberties
• Challenging distrust, fear and intervention in everyday life
• Advancing new knowledge, ideas and critical thinking
• Global equality and equal rights for all

To take part in this special  ‘train & shoot’ package, complete the simple application form below. We will then confirm your place and ensure you get our monthly newsletter which may have additional opportunities.

No one is turned away but places may fill up very fast, so don’t delay!