Festival TV Makers 2025– A Unique Autumn Package

SORRY THIS PACKAGE IS NOW COMPLETELY FULL!

If developing filmmaking skills or testing your existing skills while making an impact is of interest, then this is definitely for you. Our next ‘Train & Shoot’ package for our new ‘Festival TV crew’ is outlined below. Scroll down for our simple application form if this is of interest. This package is open to all and places fill up fast!

Shoot the Arguments That Matter: Politics, Culture, and Public Debate on Camera

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, then filming the dynamic two-day Battle of Ideas Festival in the heart of Westminster in London. The festival never fails to engage and impress the thousands who attend and with our videos, many more after the event. Over 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 much serious food for thought and vital discussion which is all too rare these days and WORLDwrite are proud to be media partners.

This opportunity will result in the production of over 50 high-level filmed debates, all captured for online distribution. And yes, 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, free lunches and refreshments and we’ll cover 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 session dates and complete the short application at the bottom. We don’t select you, you have to select us, but spaces are limited, so act fast—as once we’re full, we’re full!

The sessions:

Wednesday 10^th 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 understand what is involved and to see if this is for you.

Saturday 20^th or Sunday 21st^th or Saturday 27^th or Sunday 28th September 10am-6pm: Face-To-Face Camera Training: Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker! Volunteers will need to choose and attend ONE of these four 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, sound gear, and lighting. 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!

Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2^nd, Friday 3^rd, Tuesday 7^th, Wednesday 8^th, Thursday 9^th October 2-4.30pm or 7-9.30pm each day. Debate Shooting Practice Sessions: Serious skills for new media pros!

To gear up for the festival, all volunteers need to choose and attend two of these focused two & a half hour 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 12^th 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 setups to site logistics, and you’ll team up with your crew, finalize rotas, and grab your official festival T-shirt. If time allows, we’ll even squeeze in a final setup practice. It’s a day of serious prep, but with plenty of camaraderie and a tasty lunch to keep up the energy.

Wednesday 15^th October 10-12.30, 2-4.30 or 7-9.30pm or Thursday 16^th October 10-12.30 OPTIONAL 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. It would be great if you could make it to a slot & join us for a film gear preparation session. There’s plenty to do from final sound checks for all cables, battery checks to packing and labelling all the essential equipment. Every detail matters to make sure our kit is ready for the big event.

Saturday 18^th October & Sunday 19^th October 8am-7pm Filming at the Battle of Ideas Festival. Volunteers will need to be able to attend both full days as part of the crew to be at the heart of the action at the Battle of Ideas Festival. As a volunteer crew member, you’ll be part of an elite team capturing this extraordinary event on film over two exciting days. 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 local travel costs, so all you need to focus on is making the most of this experience and doing it justice.

Wednesday 22nd 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 if you want to and use your newly honed skills to contribute to further films for public benefit. We’d like you to be part of the next chapter!

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 our special Autumn ‘train & shoot’ festival TV maker 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!