BFI Skills Cluster Training
OVERVIEW
Train to fill skills gaps in the UK film and TV industry.
The BFI is awarding £9.6 million from The National Lottery, over three years, to support screen production, workforce development and training across six ‘clusters’ in the UK. As part of the Metro London Skills Cluster (London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire), in partnership with Film London, the NFTS will be running a variety of free sessions to inspire you and develop your creativity!
We offer a variety of Bootcamps and Taster Days – dates for which you can find below.
In the coming months, we will also be running Shepperton Studios short courses – dates to be confirmed. Please sign up on the Pinewood Group website to receive updates.
BOOTCAMPS
Places Available: 30 | Age range: 18+ | Experience: Entry Level | Duration: Two days (Fri-Sat)
Aimed at new entrants, the 2-day Bootcamps will run bi-monthly and are delivered by Joseph A. Adesunloye, an award winning British-Nigerian screenwriter and director, who will offer up a unique insight into the fundamentals of the film and TV industries.
Discover the thrilling possibilities that await in the film and television industry. Our Bootcamp workshops are designed to spark your passion and ignite your creativity. Whether you dream of directing, designing, or captivating audiences through your work, these workshops are your first step toward making cinematic dreams a reality, with sessions including:
Director's Cut: Ready to command the set?
Cinematic Wonders: Are you the visionary behind the lens?
Design Dreams: Does world-building fascinate you?
Soundscapes Unleashed: Love the magic of sound?
Editing Enchantment: Are you a puzzle master?
Lights, Camera, Production! Are you the next whizz producer?
January Bootcamp
Friday 17 – Saturday 18 January
Apply by: Thursday 19th December (midnight).
APPLY NOW
TASTER DAYS
Places Available: 20 | Age range: 18+ | Experience: Entry Level | Duration: 1 day (Saturday)
Taster Days will be dedicated to a different specialism, from Directing to Model Making with a focus on industry skills gaps and shortages.
Overall there are six nationwide BFI Skills Clusters and our programme is strictly limited to residents of London, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire only.
Content Tabs
Art Department
This day will provide a general introduction to the Art Department and the role it plays within film and television productions. It is aimed at early entrants to the industry and may also be of interest to those transitioning from other creative areas in art and design.
Apply by: Thursday 21st November (midnight).
Assistant Directing
Very few people outside the film and TV industry understand the critical role of the Assistant Director. Working closely with the top creative talent, being an AD is one of the great undiscovered and rewarding careers of the industry. We will equip you with the knowledge and skills to help you start pursuing a successful future career in the AD department.
Apply by: Thursday 21st November (midnight).
Camera Trainees
The Camera Trainee role is the first step on the ladder within the Camera Department; it’s a crucial role which helps to support the camera team as a whole.
During this session, you will learn the information you need to apply for a role as a Camera Trainee. You will also learn about the equipment a Camera Trainee is expected to manage and gain a full understanding of the responsibilities of a Trainee and the camera team as a whole.
Apply by: Thursday 19th December (midnight).
Production Management
The Production Management department is the beating heart of any film or TV production, it’s a fast paced team which ensures the day-to-day organisation of the production. Through interactive and informal sessions join us in demystify PM’ing as a career
Apply by: Thursday 19th December (midnight).
Casting
Learn the fundamentals of the entire cycle of casting and how a casting office works and the differing roles within it. You’ll be taught how a project is cast from start to finish: from reading scripts and pitching, to finding, presenting and auditioning actors.
**This event is not aimed at actors but for people interested in finding out about getting into casting as a career**
Apply by: Thursday 23rd January (midnight).
Location Management
The Location Management team is a critical department which finds, contracts and then organises all the logistical requirements for locations on many different types of production. Through a combination of lectures and exercises, you will learn and explore how the Locations team works - breaking down a script, working with key departments, the soft and hard skills required, researching, finding and then running a wide variety of locations.
Apply by: Thursday 23rd January (midnight).
CV Clinic Marketing Yourself
Your CV is still the most effective tool in marketing yourself and there are simple but effective ways to make it stand out. Get tips on writing and updating a cv, the common mistakes everyone should avoid and where and how you should be making your presence known.
Apply by: Thursday 20th February (midnight).
DIT (Digital Imaging Technician)
DIT’s are becoming a necessity on all levels and in all genres of production. Join us for an introduction to the role, an overview of workflows, technical processes and kit demonstrations all delivered by leading industry professionals.
Apply by: Thursday 20th February (midnight).
Editing
Ever wondered what goes on in the edit suite? Using both drama and documentary examples we’ll introduce you to the concepts of editing from grammar to storytelling and outline the different routes into this area that has been identified as a skills shortage
Apply by: Thursday 3rd April (midnight).
Storyboarding
Covering the process of creating a storyboard from a script, this is for anyone interested in storyboarding. You will cover the essential elements of visually communicating a script or creative brief, with plenty of examples of existing storyboards
Apply by: Thursday 3rd April (midnight).
Casting For Factual
Finding people who shine on screen is essential for the success of an unscripted show. Channel your inner Sherlock; learn to sniff out the best characters and stories, pitch them to the editorial team, and look after them during production.
Apply by: Thursday 24 April (midnight).
Runners
Runners are the hands and feet of the production team, they are on the front line and go anywhere and everywhere to ensure a production goes from prep to wrap without a hitch. Through interactive and informal sessions join us in learning about this route into the industry.
Apply by: Thursday 24 April (midnight).
Line Producing
Identified as an industry skills shortage this training will help you understand what the role of LP encompasses - from working with your producer during financing, setting up the production, reporting during production and finally handing over during post production
Apply by: Thursday 22 May (midnight).
Production Co-ordinators
Production Co-ordinating offers an exciting career path into the industry and as an identified area of skills shortage offer high levels of employability. Discover what a Production Co-ordinator does - how, why and when!
Apply by: Thursday 22 May (midnight).
Terms and conditions:
Bootcamps/Taster days: please note that places are limited and an application does not guarantee your place.
Funded by National Lottery funding this training addresses industry skills shortages and supports skills development and training across London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire, and priority will be given to those from underrepresented areas.
If you have any questions or need to contact us regarding your application please email shortcourses@nfts.co.uk
Provided with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery and in partnership with Film London.