Training

Leaders of creative businesses are faced with a changing and evolving industry in an often fast-paced environment. Therefore Creative England are running an exclusive programme in Manchester called “Effective Leadership for Creative Businesses”. This two-day mini MBA, set over two months targets business leaders in the Film, TV and Games industry. They will learn how to adapt as well as succeed against the uniquely complex challenges of the creative industries. Below are the details of the programme.

Effective Leadership for Creative Businesses

• For business leaders of film, television and games companies
• The cost for participation is £100 (this has been subsidized by the Creative Enterprise programme)
• Dates you must be available: Tue 2 April and Fri 3 May
• Location: Manchester Art Gallery
• Led by PressurePoint
• Application only

People development agency PressurePoint will lead Effective Leadership for Creative Businesses.  Participants will learn how to identify and isolate the main problems facing their business and develop strategies to find solutions.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A base in the English regions outside London
• A relevant track record in the film, TV or games industry
• Ambitions for company growth and a clear vision for your business
• Also, a business proposal that includes storytelling through creative content

Application deadline is 5pm Sunday 24 March. However, spaces are limited to 12 companies.

Apply here

About Creative Enterprise

Creative Enterprise is an ongoing national programme. It brings together companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film and television as well as games and technology, to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth. Creative Enterprise therefore will provide expertise and training to future-proof the next generation of moving image companies. This is through exclusive events and bespoke workshops led by industry leaders and mentors. Email creativeenterprise@creativeengland.co.uk for enquiries.

For more industry opportunities, visit our news page.

Initiative for Military Veterans

Military veterans now have the chance to retrain to work in the location and unit management department. This is through a new initiative by ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund.

The ScreenSkills location and unit management training will help ex-Armed Forces personnel identify how skills acquired in the military can be translated into behind-the-camera roles in high-end TV production. The Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC) and Creative Media Skills will deliver the programme, which targets professionals who are within two years of leaving the forces. It will introduce the professionals to careers options in the location and unit management department. Careers in this department make up key skills shortages in the screen industry.

The investment in location management training is a response to the projected recruitment difficulties highlighted by the ScreenSkills Quarterly Barometer. This state-of-sector snapshot published in December 2018 concluded that location managers are high in demand. Vacancies in this area are therefore increasingly difficult to fill.

About the Programme

Interested ex-Armed Forces professionals will learn about the challenges and rewards of working in the screen industry during an initial information held at Pinewood Studios on 21 March. There, they will network with location managers and have access to a number of online modules . This will introduce them further to a range of topic. These include the life-cycle of a high-end TV production and the different roles in the department.

Following this, 12 interested participants will attend a two-day intensive boot camp. This will provide a thorough overview of the knowledge needed to be a valuable member of a location team. Finally, six participants will put the knowledge gained from the course during a six-week paid work placement on a high-end TV show.

Why It Works

Kaye Elliott, ScreenSkills Director of High-end TV, said: “ScreenSkills is dedicated to developing talent and crew across the UK. Helping experienced professionals who are looking for a career change to identify how they can use their existing skillset in the screen industry is one way of achieving that. Locations and unit management departments experiencing skills shortages would really benefit from the skills of ex-Armed Forces professionals. So, we are really pleased to support this scheme.”

Kristen Platt, Client Success Manager of SSVC, said: “Self-motivation, resilience and problem-solving are very much in demand in the high-end TV industry. And especially in the location department. We’re delighted that the industry recognizes this and is investing in people coming out of the armed forces, to help them establish careers.”

Source: screenskills.com

For more industry news, click here.

Inside Pictures is a business training and leadership programme for the next generation of Europe’s film executives and producers.

About Inside Pictures

Inside Pictures comprises three intensive one-week modules and a tailored project and is now in its sixteenth year. The programme takes place in London and Los Angeles between June 2019 and January 2020. The scheme develops cutting edge industry business knowledge, management skills, profile and a cross-industry contact network needed for leaders from across the industry to thrive in the global business of film. Seminars, workshops, studio visits and networking events cover all aspects of the international film business. This is from development through production, financing, worldwide distribution, marketing and exhibition and the latest digital developments.

There are 20 places available for executives and producers with at least five years’ experience in film or an associated creative industry.

The programme is suited to those already working in feature films. It may also benefit you if you work in an associated creative industry, such as television if you have transferable skills and are committed to a career in film.

You might be running your own company or be encouraged to apply by your employer. To benefit most from this programme you will have proven business experience in film or a related creative industry. This may include, but is not limited to, the following fields: production, development, acquisitions, directing, marketing, distribution, exhibition, advertising, sales, legal, talent representation and finance. Click here to read testimonials from alumni across a range of these sectors, or find out more here about what the programme entails.

How to Apply

Before you apply, Inside Pictures recommends that you take the following steps:

• Read through the Inside Pictures website: especially the page pertaining to fees, scholarships and bursaries, so that you are clear on the costs involved.
• Make sure you can commit: Applicants need to be sure they can commit to the dates of the course prior to applying and will be asked to confirm their availability on the application form. Please note that full attendance is one of the terms and conditions of participation. The dates of the modules tend to remain the same from year to year, i.e: Interviews: mid-April, Module One: second week of June. Module Two: third week of September, Module Three: second week of November, Module Four: second week of the January following the start date.
• Speak to alumni to find out what kind of course it is, what will be expected of you, and whether it’s the right thing for you at this stage in your career. Inside Pictures management can put you in touch with alumni if necessary.
• Reach out to the Inside Pictures team. If you have any questions or wish to be put in touch with alumni please contact info@inside-pictures.com.

Application Form

You can find the online application form here. You will have to login or register for a ScreenSkills account to complete the form. Please note: there is no built-in facility to save the application form. The page can be left open and will not time out, but if you close it you will lose your information. Therefore, Inside Pictures strongly recommends that you prepare your answers fully before filling out the online application.

The application form asks for information about you, including your availability for interview and the programme dates, why you want to apply, your references, scholarship application and an Equal Opportunities questionnaire. When applying you will need to upload the following:

• a photograph
• your CV (we do not take kindly to being sent biographies instead)
• a signed and dated reference
• Equal Opportunities monitoring form

Producers

If you are applying as a producer, you should insert a list of your credits into the template provided. This is to get a sense of the sorts of films you have made, their scale, budget, distribution and genre.

Competition is particularly tough for producers, as they are over-represented compared to other sectors. Inside Pictures asks that any producer applying have already completed one feature that has been through the international distribution cycle. At the application stage, all producers must provide a minimum of five credits, with key information about each film. If you wish to supply a more thorough filmography, you are welcome to upload one via the application form.

Scholarships

If you wish to apply for a scholarship to contribute to your fees, you should do so at the application stage via the appropriate section on the application form. Inside Pictures will not consider scholarship requests after the application.

Inside Pictures management will determine the first pass at an allocation of scholarships, and representatives may contact participants to ask whether they would be able to accept a place with a lower amount of scholarship than they originally asked for on their application. It is therefore crucial that you apply for a scholarship at the application form stage if you wish to be considered for one, so that Inside Pictures management can be clear about each applicant’s situation. Management will not consider application forms and scholarship requests received after the deadline.

References

Inside Pictures asks applicants to provide two references at the application stage: this is a written reference to include with your application and is to vouch for you in your professional capacity. It should be from someone in the industry with whom you have worked extensively during the last year. It should not be from someone in your company or someone who works with you on a daily basis. The reference should be on company letterhead paper and should be dated. It should bear the name, company, job title and signature of the referee.

Judging

The Inside Application process happens in three stages:

Stage 1: Application form

You should submit your application online, via the application form. Selection for interviews will take place after applications have closed. Inside Pictures will contact shortlisted applicants in mid-March.

Stage two: Interviews

Interviews Round One:

• Conducted over Skype with our Programme Directors around mid-March
• Those who have not made it through to round two will be advised shortly after

Interviews Round Two:

• Conducted in London with a panel of interviewers, comprised of alumni and Programme Director Julia Short, in mid-April
• Please make every effort to attend in person (although Inside Pictures cannot cover any travel costs)
• If an applicant cannot attend in person, a Skype interview will be offered instead

Stage three: Selection

• Successful applicants will receive an acceptance email in the third week of April
• Inside Pictures will inform applicants at this stage as to what amount, if any, of scholarship it is prepared to offer
• The new line up of participants will be made public before the Cannes Film Festival

Source: screenskills.com

For more industry opportunities, see our news page.

ScreenSkills is offering to subsidise the cost of employing and training individuals into higher grades. This “Make a Move” funding is open for applications until March 31, 2019. After training, employees should be already in or able to apply for their job at the next grade up. Up to £15,000 is available for High-end TV productions to offer on-the-job training.

An example of potential ‘move ups’ could be a location assistant moving up to unit manager for instance. Or, a make-up artist to make-up supervisor, or production secretary to production coordinator. The scheme covers all departments on a production.

High-end TV Skills Fund-contributing productions can apply for up to £15,000 per production.

• Individuals can only participate after being put forward by their employer
• Employees on Make a Move are not trainees, but part of a scheme to encourage and promote professional development
• Those put forward for the scheme need to be a professional who is deemed ready to move up to their next career grade
• They can be a completely new person to the team and department. Or, they can be an individual that has already worked with the team on a previous production

How to apply

Please contact ScreenSkills’ senior High-End TV new entrant manager Nicky Ball on nicky.ball@screenskills.com, Or, give her a call on 07432 591 375.

For more industry opportunities, visit our news page.

The Grierson Trust are now seeking applications for is Grierson DocLab 2019. Applicants should be 18-25 years old with a passion for television and factual storytelling. They should have ideas to contribute to the industry and fresh perspectives not currently reflected on the screen.

The Grierson DocLab and Mentoring Scheme offers participants the support they need towards a successful career in factual programme making. This includes a residential training programme – the DocLab, access to award-winning industry professionals and structured mentoring support. It also includes the chance to attend the internationally recognized Sheffield Doc/Fest and a paid placement with a production company. The Trust will also provide ongoing support for participants,  to help progress their career choice within the sector.

Grierson DocLab 2019 Training includes:

1. An introduction to the genre covering different types of documentaries and styles of shooting.
2. Learning how to research ideas, develop and pitch them.
3. Script development focusing on structure and story.
4. Exploring production roles and a practical exercise to experience the different positions.
5. Information, advice and careers guidance.

Successful applicants will also benefit from a three-day self-shoot/editing training weekend.

APPLICATION CRITERIA:

Grierson DocLab 2019 Applicants must be:

1. Aged between 18-25
2. Available for the selection day in central Birmingham
3. Able to attend all days of the Birmingham residential
4. Present at the Sheffield Doc Festival
5. Available to attend the Grierson Awards, 14 November, central London

To apply for a place on Grierson DocLab 2019 and Mentoring Scheme, see the Scheme Information, The applications form – [SurveyMonkey], and the Guidelines and FAQs. Please note this scheme is only open to UK residents.

Visit the Grierson DocLab alumni page to have a look at what the earlier Groerson DocLab trainees are doing now.

The closing date for Grierson DocLab 2019 applications is 5pm, Tuesday 15th March 2019.

For more industry opportunities, visit our news page.

Our friends at ScreenSkills are offering craft, technical & production bursaries for industry freelancers. This film bursary for freelancers supports training in the following departments:

• Art department
• Camera
• Construction
• Costume
• Electrical
• Hair and make-up
• Post-production
• Production department
• Health and safety

You can apply for the film bursary for freelancers if you:

• Are a proven full-time freelancer
• Are working in a craft, technical, production office or post-production role
• Can demonstrate proven professional experience of working regularly in the UK screen industries. Dailies work is acceptable as long as it is on broadcast material and you have more than three credits. Trainee experience does not count. Work undertaken at film school or in education is not considered suitable experience
• Have a history of work in feature-length films and/or feature-length documentaries which have been distributed
• Have been accepted on the training course(s) you want to attend
• Are able to demonstrate how the training you are applying for will benefit your career to progress within the industry

The film bursary for freelancers will support training:

• Through structured courses with training providers
• Outside the UK, but you must clearly demonstrate why this is more appropriate than training in the UK
• Which takes place before 30 April 2019. If this is not possible due to the schedule of the course, please contact the Fund Team for further advice

The film bursary for freelancers will not support:

• Full-time graduate, postgraduate or educational diploma courses
• Training that is already supported by other ScreenSkills funds
• Attendance at networking, festivals or social events, or trade exhibitions
• Training not arranged through a recognised industry training provider or assessment centre
• The purchase of equipment
• Training that is due to start earlier than one day after the date your application is received
• Travel, accommodation and childcare costs only

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2019. However, these funds are in high demand and will close when all of the funds have been allocated, which may be before this date.

Film bursary for freelancers: How to apply

Before you apply, please read the complete application guidelines (PDF). Applications for funding for training are made using ScreenSkills’ online application form: Apply here.

The first page of the application is an eligibility test. Should you be successful you will be directed to the online form. This takes you through the application step by step and should not take more than 30 minutes to complete. Before you start filling in the form, make sure you have the following information available:

• Name of your chosen training course(s)
• Name and address of the training provider
• Cost of the training and any additional travel, accommodation and childcare costs
• Dates of your training
• Your CV ready to upload
• Copy of your acceptance on the course and confirmation of the course costs ready to upload (either a company headed letter or email from the training provider)
• Direct link to or a copy of the course outline ready to upload

Once you have completed the application form and attached your supporting documents you must press the submit icon on your screen. You need to do this for your application to be submitted to ScreenSkills to be assessed.

You will automatically be sent a receipt of application email with a tracking number. If you do not receive this, please check your junk mailbox and if it is not there contact ScreenSkills immediately.

What happens next?
ScreenSkills’ bursaries team will assess applications individually . If you are successful you will receive an offer email and letter outlining the offer and our terms and conditions. If your application is unsuccessful ScreenSkills will notify you by email.

Source: screenskills.com

For more industry opportunities and funding, visit our news page.

The NFTS is looking for talented female, BAME and disabled filmmakers to apply for the Diverse Directors Workshop, which is supported by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK. If you’re currently working professionally in screen directing and want to take your career to the next level, then this is the opportunity for you! The NFTS is looking for 6 filmmakers to take part in a two-day introductory session (12^th and 13th January 2019) followed by intensive training in narrative filmmaking in an innovative, two-week workshop (25th February – 8th March 2019). Production of the film projects will take place in in Spring 2019 (April/May). Post Production in July and August All participants are guaranteed an interview for the NFTS’ Directing Fiction MA.

This is an opportunity to take your film-making career to the next level with this unique workshop at ‘The world’s best film school’ (The Observer). You can direct a short film with all production costs covered by the school, benefit from the NFTS’ facilities, receive a guaranteed interview for NFTS’ Directing Fiction MA, get taught by top industry professionals and attend special masterclasses and events organised by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK.

There will be no course fees and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK / the NFTS – with the additional support of EON Productions and ScreenSkills – will cover all production costs; inter-School networking will also be facilitated to help crew the films across all disciplines from producing to cinematography to sound and music.

You must fulfil these criteria:

• The scheme is aimed at women and people from BAME backgrounds and those with disabilities.
• You must be a UK national and able to commit to the programme for its duration.
• The scheme is for people of talent who have either directed or written or performed in screen theatre or the arts already, whether as an amateur or professionally.
• You need to be 21 plus years of age.
• You are not eligible to apply if you have applied for the scheme previously. The first two iterations of the scheme were entitled the ‘Directors Workshop and the Diverse Directors Workshop’.

To apply, please complete the application form here and return it by midnight on Wednesday 12^th December 2018.

If you apply you are confirming, you are available to attend the introductory session (12th-13th January 2019) and the two-week intensive workshop (25th February – 8th March 2019). You must also be available for pre-production and production during April – August 2019.

Candidates are expected to receive selection confirmation by the 3^rd January 2019.

Source: nfts.co.uk

Creative England is offering subsidised training for its intensive development programme for talented professionals from different parts of the film value chain. The Market Trader programme is for British producers and junior executives outside of London working in sales and distribution. The purpose of this programme is to equip participants with the knowledge and support they need to understand the film market better, to plan and target their approach and come away from international markets with the best possible results.  Bringing together producers, distributors and sales agents at the earlier part of their career will also increase awareness of each other’s roles and help build stronger networks for the future.

Market Trader will be delivered through a combination of intensive workshops, mentoring, market attendance & networking with a specific focus on EFM/Berlinale 2019. The programme will consider and contrast differing needs and perspectives from filmmakers, buyers and sellers and hone skills in pitching, negotiating & closing deals.

Participants will receive guidance and training to:

• Improve their knowledge of international markets, how they differ, who attends what and why;
• Gain a clearer perspective on the context of UK film within domestic/international markets and a better sense of how and why this matters;
• Identify the most suitable market(s) for their own individual projects and film slates;
• Develop tools and strategies for successful market engagement;
• Improve their skills, knowledge and confidence in packaging, pitching, negotiating, selling, understanding and closing deals;
• Achieve effective follow-through and maximise the benefits of international relationships and opportunities.

Find out more about the programme and its guidelines here.

Source: Creative England