Development Lab Programme Manager

Future Proof - Development Lab Programme Manager

The Development Lab programme manager will be responsible for in-person delivery of the Future Proof programme. With support from Doc Society, FACT and the programme coordinator this role will be the primary host and facilitator of talks, workshops, screenings and group activities.

• Facilitation of the Future Proof programme delivery at each stage of the Lab
• Supporting participants throughout their programme participation
• Lead on hosting external speakers, film screenings, and technical workshops, in partnership with Doc Society and FACT teams
• Manage the schedule and day to day delivery of the Lab
• Ensure a safe, creative and supportive environment for all participants
• Accompany and support the Future Proof participants during their attendance at CPH:
  
  DOX 2026

• Demonstrable experience in public speaking, workshop facilitation or within a creative educational environment
• Immersive and/or Documentary development and production experience or strong knowledge of documentary and immersive industries in another capacity
• Strong project management skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to deal calmly, confidently and positively with people at all levels, over the phone, via email and in person
• The ability to work independently and proactively & take ownership of project delivery
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Proficient in the use of Google Workspace

Future Proof is a sustained programme for the development of new, formally innovative non-fiction cinema and immersive works by emerging to mid-career creators and filmmakers.

Future Proof is delivered by FACT and Doc Society, supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.

This development lab is designed to encourage 10 independent directors and lead creatives to develop bold new works and prepare their projects for financing. Future Proof asks the question: how can documentary makers adapt and learn from ever-developing technological futures such as AI, big data, and virtual/augmented environments, which simultaneously challenge notions of truth?

The programme modules consist of technological workshops, group working sessions, editorial consultations and a series of curated encounters with luminary non-fiction directors and artists. Each element of the programme is intended to advance the progress of written creative, technical and concept materials, in readiness to approach potential financiers and production partners. The lab will culminate in participating projects being introduced to non-fiction film and immersive funders at CPH:

Forum (part of CPH:

DOX, Denmark).

The hybrid structured programme will take place between January 2026 and April 2026, with defined stages to allow for project development between each encounter, comprising two residential labs–one in Liverpool (at FACT) and one in London (at 180 Studios)–plus virtual masterclasses and consultations.

Participants will be emerging to mid-career UK-based directors and lead creatives working across non-fiction film and/or immersive work. Participants will be working towards a project in line with the aims of the lab: investigating and/or working with new technologies, considering the cultural, environmental, and socio-political influences of these technologies and their impact on information ecosystems, trust, and the production of truth.

The freelance role will include a hybrid of remote and in-person work to deliver the Lab Programme. Applicants must be able to legally work in the UK. Priority will be given to applicants local to UK residential lab locations in the North-West of England or London.

The Development Lab Programme Manager will be appointed on a non-exclusive, freelance basis, though we would expect this appointment to be the Programme Manager’s first priority. The total fee available is £3,250, equivalent to a daily rate of £250 for up to 13 days in total.

Travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses will be paid on top of the daily rate where necessary.

The…