Dean Arnett: Shaping the Future of Media Training with Forento

Pioneering Media Training with Forento: Dean Arnett

In the world of media production and journalism, few names carry as much weight as Dean Arnett. With over 30 years of experience, Dean has worked on award-winning documentaries and projects for major global broadcasters like the BBC, Discovery, and Al Jazeera. Dean's expertise doesn't stop there, he is also a media production consultant specializing in AI tools, helping optimize production workflows for news and media producers around the world.

"*I never really wanted to be a trainer, but because I love the whole filmmaking process, when I worked for the BBC, their BBC Academy would ask me to go along to training classes and talk about my experiences of documentary production and show clips from my films."* Dean says.

In recent years, Dean has expanded his reach even further by taking his training digital. Recognizing the potential of digital tools he has launched a series of online courses designed to equip the next generation of journalists and media producers with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing industry. These courses cover everything from the basics of video production to advanced storytelling techniques, all delivered with Dean's blend of professionalism and passion.

Today, Dean is managing not one but TWO Forento platforms. The first platform is titled Frontline Club Training and caters to journalists, filmmakers, editors, documentary producers, and anyone wanting online journalism and broadcast skills training courses that they can consume at their own pace. These are broadcast-quality training courses that have been delivered to news agencies, digital publishers media groups, corporations, and broadcasters all around the world, now available online.

The second platform is the Wan-Ifra Academy, by the World Association of News Publishers. The on-demand training courses are tailored to newsroom skill demands, covering topics such as AI in news production and AI tools for journalists.

Dean also manages a platform for his own brand, called Dean Arnett Video School. And soon, he's going to launch his fourth. A training platform tailored specifically to teach about AI.

"I’ve used a number of different platforms over the years, having built at least 8 different online training sites. Forento is a real pleasure and I’m a big fan. It seems to combine ease of use, with just the right degree of flexibility." - Dean.

The Frontline Club: Journalism-community

The Frontline Club, founded in 2003 by cameraman Vaughan Smith, is the club that has become a hub for meaningful conversations, debates, and learning, all centered around the pursuit of truth in reporting. Journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals come to The Frontline Club in London to unwind, network, and eat (In the club's restaurant)

"The Frontline Club is an organisation that supports and celebrates the work of hardcore journalists and producers all around the globe, but especially those working in war zones and troubled parts of the world. It has a unique vibe and you can join the membership, go along and hang out with some amazing people and big names. It’s a great network." - Dean Arnett.

The Frontline Club, through Forento, now offers an online training platform with hundreds of hours of course content and valuable resources.

"I think going to the club to attend their events and hanging out with interesting people for an hour or two is one thing. But going in to attend an in-depth masterclass that lasts 4 to 12 hours is something else." Dean says.

Dean Arnett plays a crucial role in the Frontline Club’s mission by overseeing its online training platform. This platform offers a wide range of courses designed to enhance the skills of media professionals, from journalists to documentary filmmakers.

Courses like "Documentary Development, funding & production Masterclass" teach everything from core basics such as securing access, pitching, writing proposals, pre-production planning, budgeting, funding, self-production, distribution, and sales agents.

The Frontline Club’s online training is not just about skill-building; it's about empowering journalists and filmmakers to tell stories that matter, using the latest tools and techniques.

World Association of News Publishers: Training for Future Media

As the World Association of News Publishers, WAN-IFRA represents the interests of news media worldwide. This organization is dedicated to fostering innovation, promoting press freedom, and supporting sustainable media businesses. Given the rapid evolution of digital journalism, WAN-IFRA recognized the need for specialized training to help media professionals stay ahead of the curve.

As the producer and administrator of WAN-IFRA's online training platform, Dean has applied his expertise to develop courses that address the unique challenges faced by today's journalists and newsrooms. Using Forento, Dean has helped WAN-IFRA create a comprehensive learning environment that is accessible to media professionals around the world.

"As a much bigger organisation, Wan-Ifra had its own particular requirements and demands, as well as a much larger internal team that had questions and requirements too. But with the help of the team at Forento, and a little bit of flexibility with all involved, we were able to address all of these." - Dean says in regard to developing the Wan-Ifra platform with Forento.

Courses on the platform cover essential topics like AI's role in journalism, digital storytelling, and effective news production workflows. These courses are designed not only to educate but also to inspire journalists to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing media landscape.

It's Your Turn

Dean Arnett's work with the Frontline Club and WAN-IFRA showcases the impact that well-crafted online training can have. By leveraging Forento, he has been able to deliver high-quality education to media professionals around the globe, helping them to refine their skills and stay at the forefront of the industry.

If you're inspired by Dean's story and the possibilities of online education, now is the time to take the leap. Forento provides all the tools you need to create, manage, and scale your own online courses—whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out.

Here's Dean's advice: "Create your course and then constantly rework it. Ideally, deliver it in person a few times before you record it. It’s only then you get to see which bits work, or ‘connect’ and which bits don’t - and you then rework it."

Ready to share your expertise with the world? Sign up for Forento today and start building the future of online learning.