Training

Channel 4 New Writers Scheme 2024

Write Across Birmingham and the Black Country 2024

BFI NETWORK Midlands Producers Series 2024

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.

Selection process

RISE2 – A Channel 4 Production Mentoring Initiative

RISE2 follows on from the successful Channel 4 /TripleC RISE mentoring initiative in 2022.

RISE2 is an opportunity for deaf, disabled, and /or neurodivergent off-screen talent working in TV at a mid-career level or above. This could include people working in production management, editorial, craft and technical roles. This is not an early career or entry level scheme.

What’s involved?

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Screenskills Unscripted Skills Fund production assistant training programme

Production management offers an exciting career path in TV and high levels of employability. The production assistant (also known as a production secretary or production management assistant) is the starting point for a dynamic and challenging career in production management which requires key skills and industry training.

This UK-wide programme is aimed at:

• new entrants committed to pursuing a career in production management
• those serious about transferring into unscripted production management from other departments or genres within TV or film
• those looking to return to unscripted TV after a career break
• those from other industries who have transferable skills and/or experience e.g working in admin, travel agents, theatre, events

Successful applicants will receive:

• seven days of training which will consist of five days of online training via Zoom and two days of in person training in Birmingham (venue location TBC – travel & accommodation allowance will be provided for those from outside the area)
• three month paid work placement in an independent production company
• six hours of mentoring sessions from an industry professional

Who’s it for?

• New entrants or individuals at the early stages of their career who may already be working as a runner, who want to focus on developing a career in production management – you should have 12-months or less experience in the industry
• Those who work in other roles in the industry such as editorial, technical and craft who are looking to move into production
• Those working in scripted, corporate/commercial, animation or post production who want to make the move into unscripted TV production
• Those looking to return to unscripted TV production after a career break
• Those from other industries who have transferable skills and/or experience e.g working in admin, travel agents, theatre, events, retail, hospitality etc
• Although the majority of the training sessions will be running online, you must be based in or near Birmingham or one of the designated cities for the duration of the three month placement with a view to relocate permanently.

This programme will include a three-month placement for each delegate with a salary contribution from the Unscripted TV Skills Fund. If you work for a production company that would be interested in offering one of these placements, please email USF@screenskills.com

What it covers

Course content includes:

• What to expect when working in TV
• ALBERT/sustainability
• Setting up shoots – location, studio, outside broadcast, overseas (including in remote & hostile environments)
• Understanding kit
• What is required on a call sheet
• The importance of risk assessments and health and safety on productions
• Release forms
• GDPR/dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Expenses/petty cash/per diems/POs/credit cards/cost managers/budgeting basics
• Clearances/copyright (including music and archive)
• The post production process/workflow
• Post production paperwork including how to use Silvermouse
• Negotiation skills
• Mental health awareness
• What to do when things go wrong
• Freelance toolkit and CV clinic
• Addressing unconscious bias: basic awareness in the workplace (e-learning)
• Tackling bullying & harassment at work (e-learning)
• Inclusive hiring for the screen industries (e-learning)

This will be an interactive course with group work/discussions and industry exercises. You will be provided with a resource pack and useful documents at the end of the course.

Once training is complete, you will be assigned an industry mentor and start your three-month paid placement.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply now‘ button above. You will need to:

• create and be logged into your ScreenSkills profile
• upload an up to date CV to your ScreenSkills profile
• fully complete the application form

The training programme is heavily subsidised with a fee of only £200, payable by successful delegates or their employers. There are bursaries available for those who require support. Please email – production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk if you intend to apply for a bursary.

In order to apply you should meet the following criteria:

• You must want to pursue a career specifically in production management in unscripted television – this is not an opportunity to work in scripted television or to develop an editorial career as a researcher, assistant producer or producer/director
• You must have proven organisational, team working and scheduling skills – please outline this experience in your application
• You must be able to attend all seven days of training
• You must be able to work for three months in (paid) placements in or around the city you are applying for
• You must have the right to work in the UK
• You can pay the £200 fee or intend to apply for a bursary

Key Dates

Applications close at midnight on the 29th September.

Interviews take place during the w/c 2 October and w/c 9 October.

Applicants will be notified if they have been successful or unsuccessful during the w/c 16 October.

Training takes place:

• 30 October – online session
• 1 November – online session
• 3 November – online session
• 6 November – online session
• 7 November – online session
• 9 November – in person training in Birmingham (venue location TBC)
• 10 November – in person training in Birmingham (venue location TBC)

Placements start w/c 13 November. (Please note, there may be delays on placement start dates due to production company workloads, however they endeavour to start these as close to the middle of November as they can).

Mentoring will start around the middle of November. You will have six hours of sessions with your assigned mentor.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Cinema For All – Glow

Ready to explore new ways to develop community cinema? Want to top up your skills and feel empowered in all aspects of running your screenings? Applications for our BFI supported coaching programme, Glow, are open!

Whether you have been screening films in your community for many years, or are just thinking about setting up, Cinema For All can support you along every step of your journey. They offer much of their advice and support for free, as well as providing a huge range of additional services and benefits for their members.

What will you receive with Glow?

Glow is here to help your community cinema shine by taking your knowledge and ambition further. You will receive:

• a £200 bursary to help you towards your next step.
• 2 x 90 minute online coaching sessions on topics of your choosing (see menu below) to support you with your ambitions.
• 1 x 90 minute online fundraising workshop with your fellow Glow cohort.

Coaching workshops available:

• Developing your marketing – building a strategy that suits you, strengthening your message and marketing planning.
• Curating your film programme – audience research, honing your vision and opportunities.
• More Accessible – ideas and information on accessibility of screenings and spaces to welcome more audiences.
• Organisational strength – looking after and building on the longevity of your cinema on the inner aspect e.g. volunteers, venue and evaluation.
• Outdoor screenings – tips and advice on running an outdoor screening.
• Reaching out to your wider your community – advice and planning to support you on your outreach project.
• Special events – tips, advice and ideas on creating memorable screenings with additional activity.
• Venue and equipment – refresh your skills or train a team member in screening equipment, how it works and making your screenings cinematic.

As the coaching takes place online, you and any of your team can all attend together and sessions can be spaced out over three months. Each workshop comes with a PowerPoint that you will work through with your coach and you will receive a copy of this so you can return to it at your convenience, along with useful resources.

How to apply

To be eligible to take part in Glow, your community cinema must have been running at least 12 months.

Apply now by completing the short application form or by submitting an audio or video recording answering the questions in the form.

If you have any access requirements and would prefer to apply another way, please contact info@cinemaforall.org.uk

Cinema For All values diversity and they encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage, people of South, East and South East Asian heritage, people who experience racism, LGBTQI+ people and people with disabilities.

Key Dates

Some of these dates may be subject to change.

• Applications open on 14 August 2023.
• Deadline for applications is midnight on 29 September 2023.
• Coaching takes place between October – December 2023.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Screenskills Animation Trainee Finder 2023-24

ScreenSkills Animation Trainee Finder is an entry-level placement scheme which places trainees on animation productions to ensure a continued supply of talent capable of making world-class creative animated content.

Participants become part of an industry-recognised group of trainees and receive exclusive access to paid training placements across the UK.

This is the second year that they are able to offer this programme thanks to the support of UK animation productions that have paid into the ScreenSkills Animation Skills Fund. Their previous edition ran in 2021 and was extended through to 2023. Places will be made available for up to 30 trainees for this edition of the programme.

Animation Trainee Finder 2023-24 is seeking trainees wanting to pursue a career in animation, particularly focusing on entry-level roles in the departments where there are identified shortage roles, namely 2D animators, 3D animators, storyboard artists, stop motion animators and, new for this year, production assistants, art department assistants and editors.

To find out more about the roles mentioned, please explore the ScreenSkills job profiles.

Criteria

Screenskills are looking for talented individuals from across the UK who have less than 12 months of paid experience in the animation industry. You must be able to clearly demonstrate a passion and commitment for a career in animation by providing evidence of one or more of the following:

• working on previous productions including short films
• looking for/finding work experience
• role-specific skills

To be eligible you must:

• be 18 or over
• live in the UK and have evidence of the right to work in the UK
• have completed full-time education by 1 November 2023 – please note you do not need a university degree to apply
• have less than 12 months’ relevant, paid experience in the animation industry
• make yourself available for placements offered to you during your time on the scheme
• be open and flexible to consider opportunities across the UK
• demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the animation industry and working in the roles identified
• provide a showreel/portfolio that demonstrates your skills and experience

Please note:

• Any training will be subject to the applicants providing evidence of their right to remain in the UK. Failure to provide appropriate documentation may result in the training placement being withdrawn
• All successful applicants must attend a mandatory two-day, online induction weekend on 28 and 29 October 2023 in preparation for the scheme

How to apply

You will need to have a ScreenSkills account to apply for Trainee Finder. If you do not already have an account, you can register from the homepage.

You will need to provide:

• Evidence of your experience through provision of a showreel/portfolio of your work (please see this guidance on producing a portfolio and further career starting advice)
• Two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be from a current or past employer, or a tutor or academic, and must be supplied on headed paper and saved as a PDF.

To apply for Animation Trainee Finder, click on the ‘apply‘ button.

If you require an alternative format for the application, or have any questions about the programme, please contact us as soon as possible at animationtraineefinder@screenskills.com.

Key Dates

Some of these dates may be subject to change.

• 28 August 2023 – recruitment opens.
• 25 September – recruitment closes.
• 13 October – candidates will be notified if they are invited to interview.
• w/c 16th October – interviews.
• 25 October – successful candidates will be notified if they have been selected.
• 28 & 29 October – induction bootcamp online.
• 30 October – program starts, productions have the option to begin reviewing candidates for placements.
• Spring/Summer 2024 – networking event.
• 30 October 2024 – Trainee Finder 23/24 programme ends.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

4Skills Business Boost

Apply now for the opportunity to access essential support to accelerate your company.

4Skills and 4Producers have joined forces to launch Business Boost – a targeted intervention to help small to medium sized Nations and Regions indies to thrive and adapt to meet the challenges of the current economic climate.

They are acutely aware of the challenges facing unscripted indies and are keen to help companies navigate these difficult waters. Business Boost is an opportunity to access vital training and expertise for your company to support any changes and adaptions needed to succeed.

What’s on offer?

Up to 6 indies will be selected to receive bespoke expert training and consultancy. Each indie will take part in a detailed business assessment session with a business consultant, Jen Topping, who will help the indie to identify their critical business needs.

Each indie will then receive the following package of support:

• Funding to cover a package of training, expert advice and other support (see ‘What can the funding cover?’ below)
• C4 distribution, IP sales and acquisitions expertise from Polly Scates, Senior Acquisitions Manager at Channel 4
• Access to the 4Producers, 4Skills, Indie Growth Fund and other teams as needed

What can the funding cover?

The package of support will be bespoke for each company, based on needs identified by the company through assessment with the business advisor. The budget will be drafted by the company with the support of the business advisor and must be agreed with the Channel 4 project team.

Support may include a combination of any of the following, and must include a skills element:

• Access to paid or free skills training courses for company leaders and their teams.
• Consultancy with industry experts in fields relating to business sustainability, eg finance, strategy, HR.
• Freelance support to help the indie generate additional business, eg development producers, production finance support.
• Training and other costs associated with changes to the roles or tasks of existing staff as part of changes to the company’s structure or processes.
• Costs associated with participating in the Business Boost project, including staff time spent engaging with the support.
• Access to business intelligence, data and markets.

Who can apply?

To participate, indies must accept the Terms and Conditions and must be:

• Based in the Nations and Regions.
• An existing supplier, with at least one single commissioned by Channel 4.
• An employer, with between 3 and 15 staff.
• A small to medium company with a turnover under £6m.
• Working predominantly in unscripted content.

Application and selection

Companies can apply through the online application form. From all eligible applications, the indies that most clearly demonstrate their suitability against the following criteria will be selected:

• Strong interest in exploring a range of routes to improve the sustainability of the company.
• Commitment to, and ability to benefit from, skills and training within the company.
• A Channel 4 supplier with a strong track record in unscripted content and a strong slate of ideas.

Key Dates

Some of these dates may be subject to change.

• 18th September, 9am – deadline for applications
• 22nd September – companies selected
• Late September / early October – Business consultancy and start of support
• June 2024 – Package of support completed

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

BFI NETWORK x Film Hub Midlands Stories to Shorts: Script Development Programme 2023

Have an idea for a short film and want to develop it into a script?

The aim of this programme is to help writers and writer/directors develop an early-stage idea for a short film into a script over the course of two months.

They will select up to ten writers based in the Midlands to attend sessions online, meeting regularly to collaboratively develop their short film narratives while working alongside a script editor to take their stories ideas to completed drafts.

Over 9 weeks, selected writers will receive training sessions from screenwriter and script Editor Laura Jayne Tunbridge, take part in peer sharing sessions led by BFI NETWORK Talent Executives and receive 1 to 1 sessions with an assigned script editor to develop their short film script drafts.

You will need to be able to give 1.5 hours a week over 9 weeks to the programme and additional writing time.

The deadline to apply to the programme is Friday 8th September 2023 at 23:59.

Who can apply?

Participation in the BFI NETWORK x Film Hub Midlands Short Film Development Programme is free and open to writers working in any creative discipline who have an idea for a short film up to ten minutes in length.

• Be able to be told in 10-minutes of screen time
• Have limited characters and locations to increase production viability
• Tell a story with a beginning, middle and end.

They will select up to ten writers based in the Midlands from submitted applications. With support from BFI Film Academy Plus delivered by Film Hub Midlands, four places on the programme will be held for emerging writers aged 18-26 from the Midlands.

Before you apply, please note:

• BFI NETWORK and Film Hub Midlands welcome applications from individuals as well as co-writing teams. You do not need to be working with a producer or director in order to apply.
• You must be based in the Midlands region (as defined by the BFI) and able to commit to attending a range of online writing and development sessions, as well as completing assigned writing work between meetings.
• Your script ideas must be original e.g. not based on existing novels, short stories or other literary works.
• This programme is for early short film script ideas, not ideas that are already in script form.
• Acceptance to this programme does not guarantee success in receiving BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding, due to reopen in early 2024
• The programme is free and will remain online.
• The full programme schedule is to be confirmed.

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, your idea for your short, who inspires you, and what you would like to achieve on this programme.

If you have any additional questions about this opportunity, please contact Film Hub Midlands at bfinetwork@filmhubmidlands.org

Key Dates

Some of these dates may be subject to change.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.