LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT STEPS IN INDUSTRY? Then check out these UK CREATIVE ACCESS PROGRAMMES & YOUTH SCHEMES…….
Creative England shortFLIX
shortFLIX is a short film initiative for aspiring new filmmakers aged 18-25 who are not in full-time education, employment or training.
They seek out ideas from talented young people that have the potential to make short films for broadcast on Sky Arts, and are particularly interested in applicants who may have had fewer opportunities to get started in filmmaking, including those who are currently underrepresented in the industry.
Up to 20 successful applicants are guided to write a short film script, and to pitch their projects to commissioners.Up to 5 projects are then awarded funding and the finalists work with a budget of up to £10,000 each and a professional team to make their short films for showcase on Sky Arts. Learn more
Discover creative careers
This database of jobs and opportunities offers a one-stop-shop website to help young people discover a range of jobs available across all the creative industries. The website is designed to help students and their parents, guardians and teachers find out more about careers from advertising to the performing arts and publishing – and the routes to them.
ScreenSkills has led on developing the new site and the initiative is part of the Creative Careers Programme, designed to provide expert information on a range of jobs in culture and media.
BFI Talent network
BFI Network collaborate with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide short film and early feature development funding, industry-backed professional development and networking support to new producers, writers and directors of all ages looking to kick-start their career. The website is broken down into hubs, allowing users to find support and funding on a regional level.
BFI Network also provide a wealth of online support: they regularly publish articles that encompass all manner of filmmaking, from award-winning writers to first-time directors on their News and Feature section, and the website features a showcase platform viewed by Talent Execs and the wider industry where filmmakers can submit their work for free. Learn more
CREATIVE ENGLAND iFeatures
iFeatures is the UK’s premier film lab programme, an annual UK-wide development Lab supported by the BFI which supports directors and writers who are making their debut features.
Up to twelve projects are selected for the iFeatures round, which then benefit from both the development Lab for the full duration of the programme, and dedicated support for their route to market.
BFI Film ACADEMY
The BFI Film Academy offers the opportunity for talented 16-19 year-olds to be part of the film industry. On both the UK Network Programme and the Residential Programme, intensive hands-on filmmaking courses are run to develop filmmakers’ knowledge and skills – the Craft Skills course, for example, focuses on the complete craft of animation.
They also offer advice, employment resources and testimonials for graduates, and run one-off masterclasses and events throughout the year, such as the annual BFI Media Conference. Learn more
Creative access
Creative Access is a social enterprise helping young people from BAME and lower socioeconomic backgrounds find roles and internships in creative industries. With the vision of truly representing Britain’s society in the creative industries, Creative Access has already placed more than 1500 candidates in jobs across all the creative sectors, including film and television.
Once registered to apply for their opportunities, you can search through the many vacancies to choose one that fits your criteria.
Green door
Founded by Idris Elba in 2013, Green Door Pictures is a production company that champions diversity and inclusion in the film and media industry.
They actively collaborate with emerging filmmakers and scriptwriters, advertising their roles on both LinkedIn as well as in collaboration with schemes such as Creative Access and Film London. Specialising in scripted drama, features and documentaries, one of their priorities is giving new talent a way into the industry. Learn more
Into film
Partnered with the BFI, Into Film is an initiative designed to give 15-19-year-olds an opportunity to actively participate and engage with film. Through a variety of competitions, youth participation schemes and special cinema screenings, Into Film provides the resources for young people to develop their own passion for cinema.
There are a multitude of ways to participate with Into Film depending on your own interests, but the Young Reporter scheme as well as the Youth Advisory council give unique opportunities to young people interested in film and media.
ScreenSkills Trainee Finder and Mentors
Helping to place trainees into a variety of films and tv shows across the United Kingdom, ScreenSkills Trainee Finder is dedicated to supporting including and diversity in their trainee program.
Their year-long program offers students placements in productions all across the UK, as well as a variety of training events with mentors that help them break into the industry. ScreenSkills recruits people with less than 12 months paid experience in film or tv, giving them training and vital experience in the industry. Learn more