NFTS Prime Video Craft Academy 2024
The Prime Video Craft Academy delivered by the National Film and Television School has places for 25 people based in London, Cardiff and Glasgow on paid traineeships and apprenticeships working on a UK-produced Amazon Original Series or with the trusted Prime Video and Amazon Studios supply partners.
The Prime Video Craft Academy will be offering traineeships for those interested in broad foundation training and craft roles. And in addition, there will be an opportunity for those who prefer to take the apprenticeship route to apply for an apprenticeship at this point.
For the first time NFTS are piloting a flexi-apprenticeship and will be offering the opportunity to apply for a Level 4 Media Production Co-ordinator. At this stage the apprenticeship opportunity is only available in NFTS’ Beaconsfield (London) hub. In Production Management, the traineeship will be offered as an apprenticeship qualification. All other disciplines will be traineeships.
If temporary relocation is necessary, NFTS will consider requests for bursaries to support trainees/apprentices as needed. They also offer bursaries to support trainees/apprentices with driving lessons.
The 25 Academy participants will:
- Be given a 12-month contract with the NFTS
- Work on some of the biggest TV productions, both scripted and unscripted, currently being made in the UK for Prime Video or by trusted partners
- Learn a specialism – NFTS are particularly keen to hear from people who are interested in Production Management, as they will be offering apprenticeships in this area.
- Access training and support from the NFTS, which is widely regarded to be one of the top film schools in the world.
- Be awarded an NFTS Certificate in Production or a Media Production Co-ordinator apprenticeship on successful completion of the programme.
- Be employed by the NFTS on a 12-month fixed-term contract and earn £33,800. The employment for apprenticeships will likely last 15 months.
As the year progresses, participants will gain experience in areas such as Production Management, Assistant Directing, Art Department, Locations, Camera, Sound, Post Production, IT, Sustainability, Transport, Lighting, Grip and Costume.
Upon completion of the programme, the NFTS and Prime Video will work with the individual participants to plan and support their next steps hopefully into full-time work within the screen industries. Although no further work or placements are guaranteed at this stage.
The apprenticeship training culminates in the undertaking of a production project on a UK-produced Amazon Original Series, with trusted Prime Video and Amazon Studios supply partners, or on a Masters student project at the NFTS. The project forms the basis for the end point assessment which completes the apprenticeship. Apprentices will evidence their work and their learning in an online portfolio on an ongoing basis, and their progress will be supported regularly by mentors from the NFTS while they are on placement.
Entry requirements
- NFTS welcome candidates who are committed to and passionate about a career in film and television. They would be excited to learn about all the different aspects of both scripted and unscripted film and television and be open to placements in different departments. They would have a brilliant ‘can-do’ attitude, work effectively on their own and or collaboratively in group settings to achieve goals. Candidates must have a drive and determination to complete required tasks of the role. Candidates should be able to highlight how they maintain their knowledge and understanding of latest trends, high rating shows and consumer engagement (this may be via social media, campaigns etc).
- Candidates must have no more than a combined total of one year’s paid experience working on a professional television or film production in any role or department in the last 5 years. Candidates must also have no more than 6 months paid experience in their chosen department in the last 5 years. This scheme is not for you if you already have a lot of experience in your chosen department or if you’re looking to become a director/screenwriter/researcher.
- Please note that NFTS are unable to sponsor candidates for these roles, so NFTS are only able to accept applications from candidates who are able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, NFTS will not be able to progress your application.
- At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what they do. They’re an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity, and building a culturally diverse workforce. NFTS are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and to increasing their representation of staff from ethnically diverse backgrounds. NFTS strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Selection process
Stage 1
The National Film and Television School will read all eligible applications and decide on a shortlist.
NFTS will be looking for applicants who show a level of commitment, passion and skills from past experiences. Please give details of interests or other activities you have done that would be an asset in the film and TV industry. Transferable skills are important, as is any extra curricula work – eg work with charities, on social media and independent content producing.
Before being approved for attendance at the selection workshop, applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.
Stage 2
Up to 50 applicants for the trainee and apprenticeship roles will be shortlisted to attend a selection workshop which will take place in person over the three days of 8th – 10th November hosted at The National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. Please don’t apply for the traineeship/apprenticeship if you are not available on these dates. You will be notified by 10th October if you have progressed to this stage. Bursaries are available to help those in need of financial support to meet the out-of-pocket travel and accommodation expenses of attending the workshop.
The selection workshop will involve learning about the film and TV industry and participating in practical workshops. Plus an interview.
After the selection workshop the NFTS will write to all candidates to advise them of the outcome by the end of November.
Traineeship contracts will start on 1st January 2024 and will run until 31st December 2024. Apprenticeship contracts will start on 1st January 2024 and will run until approximately 31st March 2025.
How to apply
You will need to submit one combined PDF including:
- Your CV – this should be no more than two sides. Please include latest education qualifications.
- A covering letter detailing why you are applying and what you hope to achieve as part of the traineeship. NFTS recommend that this should be between 300 and 500 words. Please be clear which of the Beaconsfield, Cardiff or Glasgow hubs would be your preferred home base and which craft(s) in particular you are interested in learning.
- Please also tell NFTS in no more than 500 words what you’re currently watching and enjoying – and why – and your all-time TV favourite programmes and films.
- Please also let NFTS know if you need them to make any reasonable adjustments while you are applying or taking up the traineeship/apprenticeship, so NFTS can make this process and traineeship/apprenticeship as inclusive as possible.
- A completed written reference from someone who knows your work and your commitment to working in film and television (it may be a tutor, teacher, current boss, voluntary organisation etc who can evidence your passion for TV).
These documents should be saved as one PDF named ‘Your Full Name – Prime Video Craft Academy Application’ and sent to primeacademy@nfts.co.uk
Please also complete this google form, which includes an equal opportunity form.
The application is available in alternative formats for accessibility. Please email primeacademy@nfts.co.uk to request an alternative application format.
Please ensure that you follow these instructions carefully as, if you do not submit in this way, your application will not be considered. If you have additional needs and require support with your application please let NFTS know.
Applications will close at midnight on Thursday 14th September. Applications received after this date will not be considered. They receive a high volume of applications therefore NFTS would encourage you to apply early.
If you are interested in applying and want to find out more, please attend one of the online open days. You’ll meet some of the current trainees and there will be an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
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