BFI Network Creative Producer Lab 2023
Creative Producer Lab returns for its 5th year of developing the next generation of Producers from the Midlands and the North.
Producers are always in demand, and good ones are invaluable to the industry. They’re the people who identify talent, have a creative input to telling stories, raise finance and, most importantly, get things made. One of the questions they most often get asked at Film Hub Midlands is: “Where can I find a good producer?” Creative Producer Lab aims to answer that question by developing the region’s next generation of producing talent.
Running from late September and throughout October, the Lab takes eight early-career filmmakers from the North, and eight from the Midlands, through a 6-week training programme. Sessions occur twice weekly and cover topics such as producing fundamentals, building a slate, budgeting and scheduling, pre-production, shooting, post-production, casting and distribution.
Creative Producer Lab is delivered through a combination of in-person mixer events, online sessions and visits to facilities houses, and culminates in an industry day at Leeds International Film Festival. The course is led by producers Roxy McKenna and Radha Bhandari (Public Dreams Ltd), and features sessions delivered by professionals working across the film industry.
Participants will leave the programme with a foundation in all aspects of managing a production, an expanded network of peers, and the skills they need to impact the industry.
Who’s it for?
They’re looking for anyone with an interest in film producing.
The ideal Creative Producer Lab candidate will have good communication skills, a commitment to storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively.
Applicants might be working in grassroots filmmaking and looking to take the next step in their careers. You may be transitioning from working in the commercial or corporate sector. Or you may have relevant experience in another art form, or be working as a production coordinator or assistant in production.
This isn’t exhaustive, though – if you’re interested in producing, they’d welcome an application.
Creative Producer Lab is not a programme for people primarily interested in writing and/or directing. Although they’re open to people moving over from those roles, they’re looking for people who genuinely desire to be a Producer.
To be eligible for the Creative Producer Lab, you must:
- Have an interest in producing the work of others
- Be over 18 and not in full-time education
- Have a passion for cinema and an idea about what stories you want to tell
- Be based in the North of England or the Midlands
- Be able to attend the majority of sessions outlined in the programme timeline at the bottom of this page
Participation in Creative Producer Lab is free. Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands will cover travel costs to in-person events in Sheffield and Leeds.
How to apply
To apply, complete the online application form linked HERE.
The form asks you to share some information about yourself, your creative background, why you want to be a Producer and what kind of films you want to make.
If you’d like to prepare offline before completing the online form, they’ve compiled a downloadable list of the questions asked for reference. For some questions, there is the option to answer via a written response or an audio or video recording. If you’d prefer to answer via audio/video, upload the relevant file when prompted.
Key Dates
Some of these dates may be subject to change.
- Applications open – 21st July 2023.
- Online information session – Wednesday 2nd August 2023 at 12:00, sign up HERE.
- Applications close – Monday 14th August 2023 at 17:00.
- Applicants notified of decisions – Friday 25th August 2023.
- Mixer and in-person session in Sheffield – Thursday 28th September 2023.
- Talks programme takes place Tuesday and Thursday evenings weekly via Zoom – Tuesday 3rd October – Tuesday 31st October 2023.
- Industry Day at Leeds International Film Festival – Wednesday 8th November 2023.
For any queries, send an email with the subject line “CREATIVE PRODUCER LAB APPLICATION” to bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk.
Creative Producer Lab is hosted by Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands, and was originally set up with Diploid Productions and Redbag Pictures.
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