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Jun 22
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STEM Skills for the Creative Industries

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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.

May 28
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Crossroads for People Facing Challenges

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Due to the huge success of DV Talent‘s first round of Crossroads, the programme is back for a second intake.

Funded by Screenskills and delivered by DV Talent, in collaboration with The Talent Manager, this free scheme will give successful applicants the opportunity to have regular, confidential, one-on-one sessions with an experienced industry mentor over a 6–month period.

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

Please click here to apply.

 

Source: www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk

 

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May 28
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BFI Step Up for Underrepresented Crew

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The BFI Step Up initiative provides the opportunity for creative and technical production crew from underrepresented groups to work on a production supported by the BFI Film Fund.

Through the BFI Film Fund (awarding funds from the National Lottery), it aims to address the lack of diversity in crew by recognising and engaging with the wealth of talent across all creative industries. By matching this talent with BFI productions, Step Up provides a unique opportunity for crew from underrepresented groups to embrace new challenges and enhance their skills. This also provides the wider industry with the chance to engage in meaningful change.

BFI Film Fund welcomes applications from those who are ready to either step up in their department or step across from other creative industries (such as television, documentary and short form content).

How it works

  • This is not an entry level or trainee programme
  • Applicants must apply to Step Up via the link below
  • If an applicant meets the criteria they will be invited to discuss their objectives and current experience with a member of the BFI Film Fund team
  • The scheme skill-matches the applicant with a Film Fund production. They will then meet producers and relevant heads of departments
  • All Step Up crew will be hired directly by the production with additional financial support from BFI Film Fund for training, salaries and access requirements

Eligibility

Applicants should be from one of the following underrepresented groups:

  • Black, MENA (Middle East and North African), South Asian, South East Asian or East Asian background, including mixed ethnicity, working in any department
  • D/deaf and disabled people, including those who are neurodivergent, working in any department
  • women working in technical roles (for example: camera, sound, electrical, construction, stunts, props, SFX and VFX)

The BFI welcomes intersectionality across a number of areas. These include ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, disability, religion, geographical location (nations and regions) and socioeconomic circumstances across all departments.

The individual must have proven experience in their chosen department. Also they must provide references from either a producer, head of department or equivalent.

The scheme supports candidates from trainee programmes who are ready to take the next step. However, this is not an entry level/trainee programme.

How to apply

Would like to be considered for Step Up and be part of a production supported by the BFI Film Fund? Find the link to apply here.

There is no deadline, and the team reviews applications monthly.

If you have any questions regarding the programme, please email productioncoordinator@bfi.org.uk.

 

Source: www.bfi.org.uk

 

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Mar 31
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Core Skills for Cinemas – Independent Cinema Office

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The Independent Cinema Office’s new core skills webinar series will provide relevant, practical learning on a range of topics with sessions specifically designed for those working across the independent film exhibition and distribution sectors. Each month, industry experts will share their experiences, offering guidance and illustrative case studies with lessons that can be easily adapted by participants.

We currently have two upcoming sessions:

  • Wednesday 14 April, 14:00-15:30 – Social Media Advertising
  • Thursday 13 May, 14:00-15:30 – Researching screening materials and film rights

Each session costs £10 to attend with free places available for individuals that are currently unwaged. If you’d like to request a free place please contact info@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk.

Register here.

 

Source: www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk

 

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

Feb 09
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Apply for the WFTV Pat Llewellyn Bursary Fund – Deadline March 15th

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Women in Film & TV (UK) are now accepting applications for the third year of the WFTV Pat Llewellyn Bursary Fund.  Application deadline: Monday 15 March 2021, 09:00

This year’s Pat Llewellyn Bursary fund is looking for the next compelling talent led documentary. Do you think you’ve discovered the next Stacey Dooley, Nadia Hussain or Louis Theroux? Pitch a winning proposal and you can receive not only £10,000, but also a mentor to help you make your idea happen. You have just 250 words to sell them your idea which should be suitable for commission by a UK broadcaster.

The 2020 Fund will give four successful applicants £10,000 each to develop their TV proposal. To celebrate Pat Llewellyn’s Welsh roots, and to encourage other women from Wales to follow in her creative footsteps, two places this year will be held specifically for any woman either born in or living in Wales, or with a Welsh parent.

The Fund is a collaboration between WFTV, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, All3Media and The Welsh Government.

How to apply

Before you apply for this bursary, please make sure you have read the Pat Llewellyn FAQs. These include important information about what you need to include in your application.

​Applications should be submitted via this online form.

Application deadline: Monday 15 March 2021, 09:00

It is free to apply, but you may only submit ONE application with ONE idea. If you submit more than one application, or more than one idea in a single application, ONLY your first submission/idea will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by members of the awarding committee in the spring and the Bursary winners will be announced shortly after that. You can watch WFTV Chair Liz Tucker, explaining what the awarding committee is looking for and the key things you need to consider when putting together your application here.

Eligibility

  1. You must be resident in the UK.

  2. A woman or someone who self identifies as a woman.

  3. You do not need to be a member of WFTV.

  4. If you are the owner of a production company, your annual turnover must be below £1m. In certain cases, verification of turnover may be required.

  5. To celebrate Pat’s Welsh roots and to encourage other women from Wales to follow in her creative footsteps, two places each year will be held specifically for women either born  or living in Wales or with a Welsh parent.

About Pat Llewellyn and the Bursary Fund

The fund was first launched in 2018 in memory of award-winning producer Pat Llewellyn. She died of metastatic breast cancer in October 2017, and the Bursary Fund was created to remember her and honour the huge contribution she made to TV programming worldwide.

Pat was a multi-award-winning producer and renowned for discovering and developing new talent. During her career, she created BBC2’s Two Fat Ladies, discovered Jamie Oliver and christened him The Naked Chef, made Gordon Ramsay famous with Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, and launched the career of Mary Portas with Mary Queen of Shops. Pat ran Optomen, a production company with offices in London, New York and LA, which under her leadership grew from a turnover of £5m to £55m.

The Bursary is funded by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, the Welsh Government and AllThreeMedia and managed by WFTV.

 

Source: www.wftv.org.uk

 

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Jan 13
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Channel 4 Production Training Scheme – Applications now open

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Channel 4’s Production Training Scheme is now open for applications. This scheme has long supported entry level talent who are passionate about TV production and is particularly focused on those currently underrepresented in the TV. They are really keen to hear from disabled people, people who come from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background and anyone from lower socio-economic groups who are from or currently living or working in the locations advertised.

14 individuals will have the opportunity to work as a researcher, and one individual the chance to work as trainee script and development editor, all placed at independent production companies across the UK. Channel 4 provides 50% of the salary as well as wraparound training and support. Our placements with indies are as follows:

  • 3 in Leeds, with True North, Garden Yorkshire and Wise Owl
  • 1 in Manchester with Studio Lambert
  • 2 in Birmingham with Full Fat and North One
  • 2 in Bristol with Plimsoll and Drummer
  • 3 in Wales, with 2 in Cardiff with Bad Wolf and Yeti, and 1 in North Wales with Chwarel
  • 2 in Belfast with Strident and Stellify
  • 2 in Glasgow with Raise the Roof and Firecrest

 

To Apply

People can apply via https://careers.channel4.com/4jobs and find out about the scheme at https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/production-training-scheme.

Applications close on Friday 29th January with trainees expected to begin in May.

In addition there will be virtual workshops for people who want to find out more about the scheme, what makes a great candidate and how to take your first steps into TV production. These workshops will include former Channel 4 trainees and representatives from the indies taking part. They will be taking place on Wednesday 20th January for Cardiff, North Wales and Bristol, Thursday 21st for Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham, and Friday 22nd for Glasgow and Belfast. Anyone interested in the Production Training Scheme or more generally about TV production is encouraged to sign up. More information and registration details are at https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/production-training-scheme.

 

Source: Channel 4

 

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

Dec 16
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Film Birmingham’s ‘Working in the Locations Department’ course is back. Apply by 31st January

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Film Birmingham is excited to announce Working in the Locations Department (WILD) 2021. This successful course is in its fourth consecutive year. It will be delivered online over 2 weekends in Spring 2021 (dates to be confirmed). It is designed to inform, educate and give hands-on skills to the next generation of aspiring film and TV location managers. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31st January 2021.

WILD 2021 will be led by award winning Location Manager, Harriet Lawrence. Harriet has worked in location management for over 20 years and her impressive CV includes Downton Abbey, Parks and Recreation, Dancing on the Edge, The Personal History of David Copperfield, My Cousin Rachel, Suffragette and Burton and Taylor. 

Eligible participants will have an opportunity for a 1-month paid placement with Film Birmingham following completion of the course.

 

About the WILD 2021 course:

The locations department has a wide and varied remit within a production. It extends from the creative beginnings of a script breakdown, working alongside Directors and Designers and scouting locations, to the logistical and detailed planning of a shoot. It enables all other departments to go about their jobs as smoothly and safely as possible. This film locations course will cover what to expect in this challenging, yet rewarding work environment.

It will give an overview of the industry, the different types of productions and then move on to the exciting challenges of scouting, planning a shoot and managing all aspects of the shoot day. The sessions will also outline some of the essential principles of health and safety, touch on some of the many things included in the locations budget and give tips on how to take great location recce pictures. 

 

Course Outline*

The online course is made up of 4 sessions, to take place over 2 consecutive weekends in Spring 2021. Each session lasts for 3.5 hours and includes a break. Dates will be confirmed. 

Please note this is an online course so participants must have access to Zoom in order to take part. . All you need to participate in the WILD 2021 course is a stable internet connection – all documentation will be provided!

*Participants are required to take part in all sessions.

 

About Your Teachers

The WILD 2021 course will be led by award-winning locations manager Harriet Lawrence, who has worked in commercials, film and TV during her time in the industry. She was also the 2016 recipient of the Production Guild Inspiration Award and is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (“Overlord,” “Suffragette”).

Supporting the course will be BIFA- and BAFTA- winning production designer Cristina Casali, who gained a Best Production Design 2019 BIFA award for her work in The Personal History of David Copperfield. There will also be a session led by Freelance Producer & Assistant Director Ash Gardiner.

 

Previous Participants’ Feedback

WILD 2021 is now in its successful fourth year, with some of our past graduates going on to work in the locations department of a range of film and TV productions including Small Axe, Father Brown, and TV commercials.

Past participants have said: “Harriet isn’t only a font of knowledge, but her style of delivery is fantastic. I am suffering with screen time and meeting fatigue from work and COVID-19 but I have looked forward to all these sessions and each one has flown by. That is definitely down to how Harriet has delivered the sessions. I’m going to miss them!”

“The amount of information given was extremely useful and really motivating. Having had a love for photography and locations and interest in architecture and buildings, I’ve found my area in media. This has inspired me to want to work in Locations. Thank you so so much.”

“Most of my experience has been rooted in factual content, so it was great to learn about feature film processes. I loved the emphasis on how interdisciplinary the skillset is for working in locations and it was nice to have an ongoing case study in David Copperfield! All of the sessions were important and helped build a clear picture [of the locations department].”

 

To Apply

15 applicants will be selected for the WILD 2021 Online Course. Film Birmingham welcomes applications from a broad range of participants; from new entrants with some production experience to those more established in the media industry. The only requirement is that you have a keen interest in working in the locations department. We especially encourage participants from underrepresented groups including Black, Asian and minority ethnicities. Priority will be given to people who live in the West Midlands.

The course fee is £50, although subsidised spots are available. Please indicate in the  form below if you would like to be considered for one of these places.  

If you are interested in being considered for the course, please complete this form. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31st January 2021 and successful applicants will be notified Friday 12th February 2021. Successful applicants will receive joining instructions for the online Zoom course once their place has been confirmed.

If you have any questions, please email wild2021@filmbirmingham.co.uk, with WILD 2021 in the subject.

 

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

Dec 03
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TV Production Bootcamp connecting West Midlands creative talent to jobs

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Create Central has come together with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Solihull College to develop a fantastic opportunity for those who want a career in the TV industry. And what’s more it’s free for those who meet the person criteria and live in a WMCA postcode.

They’re inviting you – the creative talent from across the West Midlands – to join this innovative new bootcamp where you’ll have the opportunity to learn the skills to become a production co-ordinator,  researcher or runner. The bootcamp has been designed in partnership with the local professional production community and will include immersive learning through industry set briefs, masterclasses and career development to support a successful career as a television freelancer.

The bootcamp is a month-long programme followed by a two-week work placement in one of the region’s top TV companies. It is focused on nurturing people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the drive and commitment to succeed in the TV or film industry. Members of Create Central who work in the TV sector have helped to shape the Bootcamp content and are offering real-life work experience for existing gaps in their businesses, with a guaranteed job interview at the end.

If you’d like to find out more about these roles and how they fit into a career in TV production this careers map from ScreenSkills shows the different editorial and production roles in the industry. It explains the relationship between the different departments and how to get into entry-level roles.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “In the heart of the UK and the home of TV and film hits like Peaky Blinders, Man Like Mobeen, Gadget Show, Great British Menu and Small Axe, our creative sector offers a variety of rewarding careers for local people. Even in these difficult times when many people have sadly fallen out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are opportunities for residents to retrain for a new career in the TV sector.”

The closing date for applications is midnight on 3 January 2021.

Find out more and apply.

 

Source: www.solihull.ac.uk and www.createcentraluk.com

Dec 01
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BFI Film Academy Labs present training opportunities for 16-25-year-olds

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Interested in career opportunities within regional production companies?

BFI Film Academy Labs are designed to support 16-25-year-old aspiring filmmakers and help you develop your skills and projects from home. Following on from our November Lab, which explored the various national and regional talent programmes for the UK’s emerging filmmakers, our December Lab will focus on early-career production opportunities available outside London.The Zoom Webinar will spotlight regional production companies that provide paid traineeships and job opportunities for new talent in TV, feature film and commercials. Panelists will outline some of the most exciting productions currently taking place outside the London bubble, give you a taster of what it’s like to work in entry-level production roles and discuss how you can best progress within a production company.

Following the panel discussion, there will be a virtual networking session, where you will have an opportunity to connect with other regional filmmakers, hear about each other’s projects and challenges encountered working outside of London, and discuss how to better engage with local resources. The event will run from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Tickets are strictly limited! Register for networking here.

PANELLISTS

  • Glyn Middleton: Head of Skills, Screen Yorkshire (True North Co-Founder)
  • Rachel Robey: Co-Founder, Wellington Films
  • Rhys Bebb: Education and Training Officer, Screen Alliance Wales (Bad Wolf TV)
  • Soph Webberley: Regional Development Assistant, Warp Films

Host: Abena Taylor-Smith

Glynn Middleton

Glyn began his career making documentaries for ITV’s award-winning flagship First Tuesday series. He went onto to produce and direct a range of documentaries for ITV, the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and the Discovery Channel, among others. In 2001 he co-founded the Leeds-based indie, True North, and helped to turn a start-up indie into the UK’s biggest factual producer outside of London. He developed and executive-produced countless series for the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and National Geographic Channel.

He joined Screen Yorkshire as Head of Skills in March 2020. He manages a number of skills and training programmes, such as Connected Campus, Beyond Brontes and the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire and his core aim is to develop a talented, versatile and diverse workforce for the region’s TV and Film indies and producers.

Rachel Robey

Rachel Robey is Senior Producer and co-founder of the multi-award winning Wellington Films, based in Nottingham. Their feature productions include the BAFTA-nominated ‘London to Brighton’ in 2006 (awarded Best Achievement in Production at the British Independent Film Awards), BAFTA Scotland-winning ‘The Levelling’ and Netflix Original ‘Calibre’, which was nominated for a record-breaking five BAFTA Scotland Awards and won the Edinburgh International Film Festival Michael Powell Award. Their latest production is the interactive film “As Dead As It Gets” by Simon Ellis, for global platform Whatifi.

Rhys Bebb

Rhys Bebb began his career in teaching, using film as a tool to teach narrative structure to primary pupils who found more conventional media less accessible. He worked as the Media and Education Officer at Keep Wales Tidy on their Eco-Schools initiative, and then with the educational charity Into Film. Since March this year, Rhys has been the Education and Training Officer at Screen Alliance Wales. Working out of the unique classroom at Bad Wolf TV, Rhys works to places trainees and work placements at the studio and other facilities, as well as working in schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of young filmmakers.

Soph Webberley

Soph Webberley is a Regional Development Assistant at Warp Films and a Writer/Director in her spare time. Soph first joined the Warp Films Sheffield office in 2018 as in-house runner through the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund. Her role as a Regional Development Assistant is to find exciting stories and new talent in the regions, with the focus on diversity in all its forms. Soph has most recently been working on the screen adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Host: Abena Taylor-Smith

Abena is a multi-award-winning writer-director with experience working on funded short films for Sky Arts, Creative England, Disney UK and the NFTS. Her 2018 short film, Ladies Day, has screened at over 50 festivals internationally including Outfest, Encounters, Black Star and Raindance. She is a BFI Flare Mentee and an alumnus of the NFTS Directors Workshop 2019. She is an alumnus of the BFI/ Film Hub North Screenwriters Lab, through which she is developing her next project. Alongside BFI Network and The Showroom Cinema she has curated a programme of short films by rising Black British filmmakers called New Black Voices and is a public speaker at corporate events, previous clients include Facebook, McKinsey, Outfest, the British Council and the British Embassy (Berlin).

PANEL DISCUSSION

Sat, 5 December 2020

12:30pm – 1:45pm BST

Register for this event.

VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Sat, 5 December 2020

2:30pm – 4:30pm BST

Register for this event .

We’ll be breaking attendees into small groups to facilitate the networking. Groups will be shuffled multiple times to ensure maximum networking opportunities.

Please note: The BFI Film Academy Labs events are for 16-25 year olds.

ABOUT BFI FILM ACADEMY LABS

2021 BFI Film Academy Labs dates will be announced soon! Keep up to date on all the BFI Film Academy Labs 2021 activity.

Sign up to the Film Academy newsletter by emailing filmacademy@bfi.org.uk

 

Please note: this session will be recorded and event footage may be used on the BFI website and social platforms.

 

Source: eventbrite.co.uk

Nov 06
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New international programme of Covid Supervisor Training just launched!

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The Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) and the British Film Commission (BFC) are partnering to roll out a new accredited programme of Covid Supervisor training for film and TV production professionals.

Backed by £100,000 investment from BFC, the new High-Level Covid Supervisor Training Programme will be delivered by PGGB and is being developed in consultation with the US-based Producers Guild of America’s Production Safety Task Force. Targeted at Production Managers, Line Producers and Location Managers, it will build on the BFC’s ‘Working Safely During Covid-19 in Film and HETV Drama Production’ guidance published in July, to introduce an international standard of best practice for the Covid safety role during film and television production.

Alex Boden, Producer and Chair of PGGB says: “I’m thrilled to see the PGGB partnering with the BFC on this essential new initiative. The film and TV industry has done an incredible job in re-starting production, but as we head back into lockdown in the UK, keeping the on-set environment safe is paramount. This training programme will help us ensure that Covid supervisors and other production specialists will receive the relevant ongoing training to keep our productions safe and to meet the challenges of the future.”

Samantha Perahia MBE, Head of Production UK, British Film Commission, said: “BFC is delighted to partner with PGGB for this vitally important training programme. In addition to safeguarding the health of the workforce, the right Covid safety measures can also protect production budgets, particularly when Covid Supervisors work with producers from an early stage. The UK remains very much open for business. This significant investment in training shows our commitment to supporting the ongoing excellence of our professional crew.”

Professor Lyndsay Duthie, PGGB CEO says, “Production teams around the world are adapting to new conditions in a united effort to keep the pipeline of  content flowing. Our High-Level Covid Supervisor Training, developed in partnership with the British Film Commission and in consultation with the Producers Guild of America’s Production Safety Task Force, will be the new international standard of best practice for what is now one of the most vital roles within the production team. It will empower the Covid Supervisor to work as efficiently as possible, ensuring the safety of crews in the UK and helping to keep production moving during the pandemic.”

“As productions have restarted around the globe, the Producers Guild of America’s Production Safety Task Force is proud to collaborate with the PGGB and BFC on this important endeavor. This is a moment where Guilds and industry organizations can step in to collectively prepare us for current challenges and forge new practices that move us all forward. We are honored to have the opportunity to help pave the way for producers to create safe and secure work environments while continuing to produce great content,” said Lori McCreary, former PGA President and CEO of Revelations Entertainment.

Helen Curston has been appointed PGGB Director of Training to lead the £100k accredited programme, and takes up her role on 9th November. With a background in production, Helen gained more than a decade’s experience working at the BBC as a Producer and Director before moving into education, first as Lecturer at the University of Kent and then Programme Director for the University of Creative Arts’ BA (Hons) Television Production degree at Maidstone TV Studios, for which she gained ScreenSkills accreditation. She also led on the UCA’s partnership with the BAFTA Albert programme.

Helen Curston says: “I’m very excited to be joining PGGB as Director of Training. These are challenging times and honing skills through structured training is more important than ever for those creative professionals working day-to-day in this industry. I look forward to leading on the new Covid Supervisor Training programme as a first priority, to help productions cut through adversity and move forward safely and successfully.”

The High-Level Covid Supervisor Training will provide a thorough overview of the impact of additional Covid measures on each department involved in production and how the Covid Supervisor’s role brings these elements together. An international standard job description for the Covid Supervisor role will be defined that can be adopted globally and the programme will also include online modules that will be rolled out to a wider international audience. Trainees will become trailblazers, part of the project’s online hub to share best practice and future-proof production techniques as the pandemic continues and evolves.

A call for participants in the training programme will go out later this month.

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