Training

BIFA’s industry-leading Unconscious Bias Training is set to return next month, with a session aimed specifically at the creative process! Suitable for any screen industry professionals responsible for creative narrative, this course is designed to help participants better recognise and mitigate against the impacts of unconscious bias when writing, directing, editing and producing content.

The session will take place via Zoom on 17 February 2022 from 4:30pm-6pm GMT. Tickets are £30 + VAT. Click here to book your place!

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Get involved in Making My Mark, a free programme for 16 – 25 year-olds to be one of 10 young producers that go on a creative journey to make a film exploring personal heritage and identity. Selected producers will be invited to an in-person Bootcamp in Swindon on the 6th and 7th of November 2021, and to participate in two more virtual Bootcamps. Throughout the programme, you will be supported by a filmmaker mentor to assist your creative journey.

Creative Studios will look at each story submission and will be in touch with 10 budding filmmakers to offer free training this autumn for a mentored production period in the Spring of 2022.  All completed films will be part of a touring exhibition around English Heritage properties across the country in Summer 2022.  The films will also act as inspiration to hundreds of other young producers responding to a Making My Mark Open Callout next year.

In a 2 minute short film, you will inspire Creative Studio and others with your personal story celebrating your identity and heritage – what makes you, you.

Fill out this application form by October 18th – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G7WYZ6T

Entry Requirements:

• Aged 16 – 25
• Previous filmmaking experience is not required
• Have an interest in storytelling
• Must live in England
• Must be available to attend the in-person Bootcamp on the 6th of November and 7th November 2021
• Under 18’s must be accompanied by a guardian over 18 years of age at one weekend of  in-person training and any on-location filming which you will plan with support near you.

More Info:

It is FREE to participate in the programme

You will be provided with all the equipment to make your film

The travel and accommodation to the Bootcamp in Swindon will be paid for. One in-person in Swindon (over a weekend), two virtual (during the evenings in the week).

If you change your mind at any point and no longer want to participate in the Making My Mark programme, please contact makingmymark@createstudios.org.uk

*This programme has been made possible by the support of Arts Council England National Lottery funding and Shout Out Loud, English Heritage’s national youth engagement programme

Source: createstudios.org.uk

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

In a recent open letter to the Art Department, the BFDG Committee stated, “The UK is so busy, we need to mentor each other. We need Senior Guild members to offer their knowledge, experience to guide the UK Art Department, so when we are judged, the standards and skills so prized and admired in the past, are still evident and continue to flourish today and into the future.”

The BFDG Mentoring Programme is designed for all members of the Guild to participate in whether they are a junior member looking for advice and guidance or a more senior member with years of industry experience to pass on. The scheme continues the BFDG’s commitment to maintaining excellence within, and raising the profile of the Art Department.

Being a Mentee

We are calling for applications from Guild members who feel they could benefit from the added guidance that a mentor can bring. Mentors can offer support in focusing on a specific goal or challenge, and career development strategies. They can be your personal cheerleader, encouraging and championing your progression. All we ask from our mentees is that you have at least one credit to your name, and have a clear understanding of your career path within the Art Department.

If you are a student member, please note that we do run quarterly peer mentoring surgeries which we are delighted to welcome you to. You can also join our Facebook group specifically for Students and Junior Art Department members, to stay in the loop for all the relevant information, and connect with others at a similar level. Keep an eye on our events listings for more information.

About the BFDG

The BFDG strive to maintain standards and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the British Art Department, and truly believe that mentoring is one way to do that. We also hope this programme will lead to opportunities for underrepresented groups to develop within the industry, and help to nurture developing talent as it progresses through the ranks. This links to three of our core values:

• Promoting best practices, maintaining standards and encouraging departmental excellence
• Mentoring, supporting and celebrating the individuals that work in the Art Department
• Welcoming and nurturing the next generation of Art Department professionals

Applications for the scheme close on 26 September.

Further information about the scheme can be found here.

Source: britishfilmdesigners.com

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

Film Birmingham’s CV Triage is an opportunity for West Midlands crew to improve their CV and get themselves noticed! With the region becoming increasingly busy hosting a variety of productions, we want to make sure you feel confident in applying for jobs. Most importantly, we want to increase the chances of you being crewed! Apply for a one-to-one in-person guidance session with experienced producer Jules Hussey, who will help whip your CV in shape.

How it Works

The CV Triage follows the three steps of: Apply, Assessment, Advice. If you believe your CV needs to be upgraded, you are welcome to apply to our CV Triage by emailing cvtriage2021@filmbirmingham.co.uk, with your full name as it is listed on the Film Birmingham Crew database. Apply by Tuesday, September 14th, 5pm.

We will then look at your CV via the database. If we believe you could benefit from a boost to your CV, we will contact you in late September to arrange a session with Jules Hussey. These sessions will be in-person, although virtual meetings can be facilitated.

About Jules Hussey

Jules Hussey has worked all around the world and produced a range of productions for BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, HBO, Sky and others. Jules worked for three years in the production division of The British Film Institute helping develop artist talent such as Andrea Arnold, Simon Beaufoy, Shane Meadows, Andrew Kötting, Carol Morley, Lynne Ramsey, Annie Griffin and Sarah Turner.

In 2017 she formed Brazen Productions, which works with a diverse talent base in development and production – in front of and behind the camera. Most recently, she was series producer for You Don’t Know Me, a BBC/Netflix production filmed in Birmingham in 2021.

To Add or Edit Your CV

In order to apply, you must be registered on the Film Birmingham database. There is no charge for doing so.  To register, click here, input your information and upload your CV. If you are already registered, but want to update your CV, please follow this link, using your registered email address to login and the password which you created.

For more industry information, visit our news page.

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With this collab between BFI Network and BFI London Film Festival, you can benefit from a programme of masterclasses, screenings, events and industry insights. During this intensive programme, you’ll be given exclusive opportunities to interact with leading international filmmakers and industry executives, as well as receive accreditation for the duration of the festival. This year, they’re looking for the boldest and brightest storytellers that the UK has to offer. Those who are ignited by an insatiable passion to make their voices known and push the boundaries of what audiences have come to expect from British Film. 

Creatives from all backgrounds and disciplines who are looking ahead to their debut feature or long-form commission are welcome. Applications will close at 5pm on 2 August 2021. 

More info here.

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

NETWORK@LFF, the BFI NETWORK flagship talent development programme at the heart of the BFI London Film Festival, is back in full swing for 2021.

About NETWORK@LFF

Up to 12 trailblazing UK-based writers, directors and producers can join in for an intensive programme of masterclasses, screenings, events and industry insights. They’ll be given the exclusive opportunity to be immersed in the LFF Programme and interact with leading international filmmakers and industry executives, as well as receive accreditation for the duration of the festival. This year, they’re looking for the boldest and brightest storytellers that the UK has to offer. Those who are ignited by an insatiable passion to make their voices known and push the boundaries of what audiences have come to expect from British Film. We want to hear from filmmakers who have a distinct quality to their work, a unique tone that sets them apart, a perspective we’ve yet to uncover.

Creatives from all backgrounds and disciplines who are looking ahead to their debut feature or long-form commission are welcome. This is your chance to show us yourselves – Who do you want to be? What do you want to make?

To be eligible for this year’s programme applicants must:
– be based in the UK
– be over the age of 18
– not be in full-time education
– not have written, produced, or directed a feature film that has received UK distribution (this includes via online platforms)
– have produced, written, or directed a significant body of work and be looking to make the step to your first feature or long-form commission. By significant body of work we mean a creative track record of multiple works in your field (that might include short film, music video, theatre, TV, web series) that have garnered industry recognition by way of funding or commissions, awards, and festival selection, critical praise or a substantial online audience.

To Apply

Applications will close at 5pm on 2 August 2021. No applications will be considered after this time.

Before you submit your application, we ask you to complete the NETWORK@LFF 2021 Equality Monitoring Form .If you have any questions ahead of filling out your application form you can contact us on bfinetwork@bfi.org.uk

Apply here

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

Are you a student, graduate or local resident looking to enhance your STEM, STEAM or soft skills? Access free upskilling courses through Birmingham City University’s STEM-Up!

STEM-Up is a professional development project that gives individuals and businesses access to free skills workshops and webinars in STEM, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Soft Skills. There are more than 70 free training programmes which are provided by BCU, Aston University and Solihull College University Centre, and which are part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).

The project supports current students, graduates, the unemployed and employees to assess the gaps in their skills and find the right training courses to meet those needs. By delivering soft, analytical and problem-solving skills training to the current West Midlands workforce (including job seekers, job changers and job returners), STEM-UP will encourage progression in employment and support business growth. The project can be accessed by people from any sector but there is a particular focus on supporting the Creative Industries and Digital Technologies sectors.

How does STEM-Up work?

You will be matched with a dedicated Skills Adviser from the project who will work closely with you to identify and match your skills requirements. As part of your development plan, your Skills Adviser will also go through the learning opportunities available through the STEM-Up partnership, to find the best courses suited for your career aspirations.

Depending on your training needs, you could participate in free learning provided by any of the STEM-Up partners including BCU, Aston University and Solihull College and University Centre.

But don’t worry, the support doesn’t end there. Once you’ve completed your Skills Support provision, your personal Skills Adviser will help you assess your professional development in line with your goals and ambitions.

Eligibility

You must be over 18, have Right to Work in the UK and live in the GBSLEP More Developed Area (Birmingham, Solihull, Bromsgrove, Redditch or Wyre Forest).

See information here.

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The Crossroads Mentoring Programme is aimed at people who have at least 2 years’ professional experience in the screen industries, and who are facing a particular challenge in their career.

Are you:

• at a crossroads in your career?
• returning from a career break or looking to raise your profile or widen your industry network?
• facing a specific challenge preventing you taking the next step or progressing?
• looking to raise your profile or widen your industry networks?
• returning after a break?
• Considering a career change?

If yes, then the Crossroads Mentoring Programme could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

To Apply

To be eligible, candidates need to:

• have at least 2-3 years professional industry experience
• be at a crossroads in their career
• be able to nominate 3 ideal mentors

Cross Road Mentors

Fatima Salaria, MD of Naked, Quicksilver boss Eamonn Matthews, Lisa Holdsworth, All Creatures Great and Small writer and chair of the Writers Guild of GB, BBC3 commissioner editor Nasfim Haque, Man on Wire editor Jinx Godfrey and Sherlock DoP Neville Kidd are just some of those who are mentoring as part of the Crossroads Mentoring Programme.

“Navigating a career in the TV and film industry can be really challenging,’’ said Matt Born, the programme director. “Whether you’re trying to step up a grade, move genre, returning from a career break, raise your profile, or simply trying to get your focus and confidence, having a mentor who has a holistic view of the industry – and can be a guide – is invaluable.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all our mentors who are giving their time, expertise and experience to help others coming through to try and reach their potential.’’

Jane Saunders, ScreenSkills mentoring programme manager said: “Mentoring is a brilliant way of helping support people. It can be invaluable for those at a crossroads in their career. We are pleased to be supporting this initiative. We hope this will be of particular help to those from groups who are currently not well represented in the screen industries.”

The scheme welcomes applications from all genres/sectors in the industry and is particularly keen to recruit delegates from the nations and regions, and underrepresented groups.

Deadline for applications – Wednesday 2nd June

Source: www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Source: www.bfi.org.uk

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.