Changing Climate Narratives 2026: Online professional development programme (UK/Europe)

What if you could develop commercially viable film and TV content that truly entertains while authentically representing the climate realities and solutions shaping our world?

Join the 2026 cohort of our flagship Changing Climate Narratives professional development programme, exploring how to craft climate stories that engage and inspire audiences, without preaching, oversimplifying or ticking boxes. 

There is an ever-growing appetite among creatives in our industry - and among audiences - for stories that reflect the rapidly changing world we live in as well as inspiring compelling and desirable visions of the future. Our Changing Climate Narratives 2026 programme offers a timely, practical and inspiring new framework to meet this moment. Delivered in partnership with Torino FilmLab over eight weeks the programme is designed for professionals shaping film and TV content - providing new insights, practical tools and a collaborative space to explore how to develop stories that engage with the climate crisis in original, compelling and commercially viable ways.‍ 

Through expert-led lectures, peer-to-peer discussions, hands-on case studies and one-to-one support, the programme equips you to integrate climate themes across a wide range of genres and formats - without sacrificing nuance, entertainment value or creative ambition.

What you’ll get

The course offers a structured, in-depth educational experience - combining expert-led masterclasses, case studies, and peer collaboration to help you turn insight into market advantage.

• Gain climate literacy by learning from experts on the front lines.
• Identify and shape original ideas that align with the growing audience appetite for these stories.
• Explore opportunities for informed, impactful climate representation across genres that sell: from drama and comedy, to true crime, procedurals, romcoms and more.
• Bust unhelpful myths and tropes: find fresh character and story angles beyond well-worn tropes of dystopia, eco-terrorists and recycling. Experts will also bust cultural myths about solving the climate crisis.
• Leverage talent, writer and industry interest in climate and sustainability.
• Position your projects strategically for buyers and audiences. 
• Lead confidently in a shifting marketplace, developing skills increasingly sought across the industry.
• Join a forward-thinking professional network exploring the next wave of storytelling.

You’ll leave the program with:

• Actionable creative frameworks you can apply to your slate or development process.
• A network of like-minded peers across the UK and Europe, and connection to peer networks in North America.
• A one-on-one consultation with Climate Spring to apply your learning to a real project or development challenge.
• Eligibility to apply for Climate Spring development funding.

Program overview

Format of the sessions:

• 1 hr Master Class/Lecture/Seminar and Q&A
• 15-minute break
• 1 hr small group peer to peer discussion led by facilitator
• 15-minute wrap-up and reading list explanation‍

Speakers to be announced.

Dates and timings: 

Dates: 23rd September – 11th November 2026

Duration: 8 weeks (2 months)

‍Sessions: Wednesdays, 15:00 – 17:30 UK / 16:00 – 18:30 CET (online, 2.5 hours per week)‍

Who should apply

The programme is tailored to:

• Development producers
• Development executives
• Commissioners
• Script editors
• Script consultants

Note: This is not a screenwriting programme. Climate Spring offers other programmes for writers. Sign up to our newsletter or contact us to learn more.

Course fee

£375 incl. VAT for freelance professionals

£700 incl. VAT for professionals attending as part of a company or organisation

Two scholarship places are offered to freelance professionals that would otherwise be financially unable to afford the course fees, and who identify as one or more of the following:

• Global Majority
• LGBTQI+
• Disability
• Educationally or economically disadvantaged

To apply, please indicate on the application, including a short statement on your career aspirations. The scholarships are funded by Torino FilmLab and Climate Spring.

Certification

Participants will receive a certification of participation from Climate Spring, upon completion of the programme, which can be added to a CV or company profile. 

How to apply

To apply, please fill out this application form: Application form for Changing Climate Narratives 2026 - UK/Europe

DEADLINE: 15th June 2026

INTERVIEWS: 6th - 17th July

Here’s what our alumni say:

“A really enlightening, nurturing and supportive experience.”

Producer‍

“Opened my mind to the possibilities and opportunities we have to tell stories of hope and optimism.”

Development Executive

“Full of thought-provoking conversations, generous sharing, and creative challenges. Being part of a community of people who care deeply about how we tell stories about our planet has been grounding and energising.”

Producer

“In a recent conversation about a feature project in early development with my colleagues, I instinctually invited discussion into unexplored climate threads - looking at certain portrayals, values and spaces. The impact of this course already feels tangible.”

Talent Executive

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