Pitching & Pitch Decks with John Yorke

Course Date: Thursday 12 & Friday 13 February 2026 | 1000-1700 | Glasgow

Application Deadline:  Monday 12 January 2026 | 0900

A hands-on two day course with script guru John Yorke exploring the skills, psychology and content required for delivering perfect pitches.

Day 1: WHAT IS A PITCHDECK?

>  An introduction to all the key elements that go in to producing a successful pitch deck.

>  A detailed look at HOW you write a story down. What are the key elements you need to keep a drama fresh and interesting and compelling on the page.

>  Participants will create a pitch deck from scratch.

Day 2: WHAT IS PITCHING?

>  A detailed look at the science and psychology of pitching including what should it contain, how should you present it and what is the recipient looking for.

>  From provided source material, participants will create (in outline) their own drama series and then go on to create content for a brand new pitch deck for their new show.

>  Participants will consolidate their learning by presenting their pitch deck to the other groups as a long form pitch.

Participants will:

>  Understand the key elements of a pitch deck

>  Gain insight into the psychology of pitching

>  Build their confidence and skills in building pitch decks and pitching

Who is it for:
This training is tailored to enhance the skills of experienced professionals from the script and story departments by equipping them with expertise in packaging and pitching ideas.

Tutor:
John Yorke, is widely acknowledged as the UK’s foremost expert on story, and his book Into the Woods is the bestselling book on the subject in the UK. He has spent years analysing not just how stories work but why they resonate with audiences around the globe. As former Head of Channel Four Drama, Controller of BBC Drama Production and MD of Company Pictures, John has tested his theories during an extensive production career working on some of the world’s most lucrative, widely viewed and critically acclaimed TV drama, from EastEnders to Shameless, Life on Mars and Wolf Hall.

Eligibility:

This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here: England, Wales.

> Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.

> Students are not eligible for this training.

Selection:

> As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

> Priority for spaces will be given to eligible BECTU members.

> If more BECTU members apply than spaces available, places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.

Access:

>  The venue has step free access, accessible parking and accessible toilets.

>  Access requirements can be arranged for those selected including BSL translation, captions and large print etc.

>  We can help with travel costs for those based outwith Glasgow.

This course is being delivered with support from Scottish Union Learning, funded by the Scottish Government

BECTU Vision is funded by Screen Scotland, Scottish Union Learning and BBC in partnership with Bectu.

If you have any queries please email vision@bectu.org.uk

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