The BBC Academy Podcast

Hazel Marshall discusses the improvisation techniques that can be used to enhance storytelling with Dominic Savage, Julian Simpson and Deborah Frances-White.

Hazel Marshall and guests talk about how to create a drama which brings to life the grit and reality of a specific profession. Whether it's the emotional ebb and flow of the hospital ward, the intense cut and thrust of the courtroom or the perils of police partnerships, today's three guests are all masters in the craft of producing profession-based dramas.They are Hilary Salmon, Justin Young and Sally Wainwright.

What are the practicalities of getting into design? Simon Smith and guests discuss the skills needed to get started and take your career in design to the next level.

Members of the public crop up on our TV screens all the time. But how do programme makers ensure they treat contributors honestly and with respect while asking them to do something which is often well outside their comfort zone? Joining Hazel Marshall in the studio to discuss working with members of the public that help us to tell a story or investigate a subject are Stuart Bernard and Tom Bateman.

Joining Simon Smith in the studio to discuss the shows made with as little negative impact on the environment as possible are Sarah Gordon-Jones and Francis Gilson. Dialling in from Tunbridge Wells we have Richard Smith.

According to a survey by industry newspaper Broadcast, TV freelancers are feeling the strain more than ever. Joining Simon Smith in the studio to discuss how the industry should address these problems and what freelancers can do to make a career in TV last for life are, Susie Worster, Jude Winstanley and Hilary Rosen.

With over 200 stations in the UK, community radio is booming. Thousands of people with no previous experience are being given the opportunity to produce and present their own radio shows to a focused, captive audience, on a regular basis. The BBC now actively works with community stations to share content and recognises it as a good source for bringing through talent. If you’re looking for on-the-job radio training and you haven’t got involved with your community station, why not? Here’s your chance to find out more. Joining Simon Smith in the studio is Terry Lee, Andrew David and Elonka Soros.

Joining Simon Smith in the studio to discuss the unique challenges of filming in extreme locations are Toral Dixit, John Conroy and Oliver Steeds.

2012 saw two epic live events, the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Coverage of the Royal Wedding was a big act to follow, however the BBC rose to the occasion when the Olympic torch arrived in the UK. But how do broadcasters handle The Big Event, and by live events TV we mean coverage of occasions that would happen with or without the TV cameras, and what to do when everything goes wrong? Joining Simon Smith in the studio to discuss what goes into the planning, executing and the challenges of live events TV, are Matt Millington, Lizz Loxam and Louise Minchin.

Joining Simon Smith to discuss the programmes the second screen is working well on, how can we make better use of it and what the long-term effects on production and audiences will be are Andy Littledale, Dan Biddle, Tom Williams and Gez O'Brien.