Prime Video Craft Academy Traineeship
OVERVIEW
Ready to get on the best foundation training and placement programme?
If you are committed to working in the film and television industry, are flexible to all departments, are interested in both scripted and unscripted productions, and have an ambition to develop a craft specialism, then this is the opportunity for you. Get paid as you learn!
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The Prime Video Craft Academy Traineeship delivered by the National Film and Television School has places for 15 trainees across the UK on paid traineeships on a salary of £33,800, working on UK-produced Amazon Original Series or with our trusted Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios supply partners. The Prime Video Craft Academy will be offering traineeships for those interested in broad foundation training and craft roles. Traineeships will be based in London, the North, Cardiff and Glasgow.
The 15 Traineeship participants will:
- Be given a 12-month paid 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
- Develop a craft specialism
- 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 on successful completion of the programme
We are also offering a 15-month Level 4 Media Production Coordinator Apprenticeship for people who are really interested in working in Production Management. Please read our Apprenticeship page to find out more information
ABOUT THE SCHEME: In 2022 Prime Video announced Prime Video Pathway (PVP), a first-of-its-kind, multifaceted £10million training initiative designed to open up access to jobs in the TV and film industry across the UK. The Prime Video Craft Academy is one of the key initiatives of PVP and is fully funded by Prime Video. Prime Video has a flagship collaboration with the UK’s leading TV and film school, the National Film and Television School and works closely with the NFTS to help support the trainees and apprentices with placements, training and connections.
Successful applicants will be employed by the NFTS on a 12-month fixed-term contract and earn £33,800.
The 12-month traineeship comprises of a 2-month training period, followed by 10 months on placements.
Training
At the beginning of this programme, participants will be given 2 months training by the NFTS in Beaconsfield, Cardiff or Glasgow, and will be exposed to a range of production departments, within both scripted and unscripted film and television, in order to build their wider understanding of production. Training will take place in person at the NFTS hubs, as well as online throughout the year. Trainees and apprentices also have access to the NFTS wide Masterclasses, which this year have included Oscar-winning Cinematographer Roger Deakins, BAFTA-nominated Writer and Director Rose Glass, BBC Chief Content Office Charlotte Moore, and Actor, Producer and Writer Stephen Graham.
Applying from the North?
We are offering bursaries for candidates from Leeds, Manchester and surrounding areas, to support with accommodation costs to attend the initial training in Beaconsfield which is approximately 8 weeks. You must be able to be based in Beaconsfield for the whole term and follow up block release training.
Following training you will be placed on productions across the country.
During the traineeship you will either be working on a UK-produced Amazon Original Series or with trusted Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios supply partners or you will be participating in NFTS training (either in person at one of our hubs or online).
Participants’ home base will be at one of the four NFTS UK wide locations in Beaconsfield (London), Glasgow, the North or Cardiff. This year we’re delighted to be able to offer bursaries for trainees who are based in the North of England (Manchester/Leeds and surrounding areas) to support them in attending training in Beaconsfield, before returning to the North for their production placements.
As the year progresses, participants will gain experience in areas such as Assistant Directing, Art Department, Production Management, Locations, Camera, Sound, Post Production, IT, Sustainability, Transport, Lighting, Grip, Costume, Hair and Makeup.
Previous trainees have had placements on Prime Video productions such as Fear, Clarkson’s Farm Series 4, The Rig, Project Hail Mary, The Devil’s Hour, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Girlfriend, Haven and 007 Road to a Million. They have also had placements on productions such as Shetland, Saving Lives, Saltburn, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Gangs of London and Mudtown. Trainees worked with a huge number of brilliant production companies including Firecrest Films, Ricochet, IWC, BBC Studios, Sunbelt Rentals, VI Rental, Orchard Studios, Ventureland and Blast Films.
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. Previous graduates have gone to work on shows such as The Devil’s Hour Season 3, Dish It Out, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, Lockerbie, Three Weeks in July, Call the Midwife S14, Bad Sisters S2, Silo S2 and Slow Horses, as well as roles with Production companies such as Firecrest Films, Studio Lambert and Left Bank Pictures.
We welcome candidates who:
- Are committed to and passionate about a career in film and television.
- Are excited to learn about all the different aspects of both scripted and unscripted film and television
- Are open to placements in different departments.
- Have a brilliant ‘can-do’ attitude
- Work effectively on their own and or collaboratively in group settings to achieve goals
- Have a drive and determination to complete required tasks of the role
- Are able to highlight how they maintain their knowledge and understanding of latest trends, high rating shows and consumer engagement (this may be via social media, campaigns etc)
- Consume and watch hours and hours of TV, film and content across the broadest range of genres. Don’t just tell us you’re passionate about programme-making – you’ll need to prove it. What have you done to make you stand out from the crowd?
We particularly welcome applications from historically excluded groups; i.e. those from racial backgrounds, disabled talent and those from lower social economic backgrounds. We provide support for those with accessibility and adjustment needs at all stages of the application process.
You are eligible if:
- You have less than one year’s paid experience working on a professional television or film production in any role or department in the last 5 years.
AND - You have no more than 6 months paid experience in your chosen department in the last 5 years.
For example, if your chosen field was camera and you have had 8 months paid experience in camera, you would not be eligible. But if your chosen field was camera, and you had 8 months paid experience in sound, you would be eligible for this scheme.
This scheme is not for you if you already have a lot of experience in your chosen department or if you’re looking to become a director/screenwriter/researcher.
Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for these roles, so we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, we will not be able to progress your application.
At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We’re an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity, and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and to increasing our representation of staff from ethnically diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.
NFTS (ALL LOCATIONS)
There are no fees to pay for this scheme.
As a trainee at the NFTS, you'll be paid a salary of £33,800.
While working as a trainee, you'll receive training and be paid for your regular working hours (typically 35 – 55 hrs per week).
You'll also be entitled to 20 days paid holiday each year, plus bank holidays.
You will need to submit one combined PDF including:
- Your CV – this should be no more than two sides.
- A covering letter detailing why you are applying and what you hope to achieve as part of the traineeship. We recommend that this should be between 300 and 500 words. Please be clear which of the Beaconsfield, Cardiff or Glasgow hubs would be your preferred home base and which craft(s) in particular you are interested in learning. Please also state if you live in the North of England and are applying for the bursary.
- Please also tell us in no more than 500 words what you’re currently watching and enjoying – and why - and your all-time TV favourite programmes and films.
- Please also let us know if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments while you are applying or taking up the traineeship, so we can make this process and traineeship as inclusive as possible.
- A completed written reference from someone who knows your work and your commitment to working in film and television (it may be a tutor, teacher, current boss, voluntary organisation etc who can evidence your passion for TV).
Applications are now closed for 2025
Promo & Case Studies
Prime Video Craft Academy Traineeship Promo
Find out more about this amazing opportunity from the participants themselves.
Ellie: Base Runner
Ellie, who is based in Glasgow, has had a fantastic placement working as the base runner as part of the Assistant Directing team on Shetland.
Emily: Development trainee
Emily is one of our Cardiff based trainees and she has been working with the brilliant development team at Yeti.
John: Edit Trainee
John has had an amazing placement at Firecrest Films in Glasgow, working as an edit trainee.
Ravi and Arran: Grip and DIT trainees on Mr Bates vs The Post Office (W/T)
Ravi and Arran had a brilliant experience working as trainees on ITV Drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Preé and Max: Video and Camera trainees on The Devil’s Hour
Find out more about Preé and Max’s experience working on the second season of Prime Video’s hit drama The Devil’s Hour as part of the Prime Video Craft Academy.
Selection Process
Stage 1
The National Film and Television School will read all eligible applications and decide on a shortlist.
We will be looking for applicants who show a level of commitment, passion and skills from past experiences. Please give details of interests or other activities you have done that would be an asset in the film and TV industry. Transferable skills are important, as is any extra curricula work – eg work with charities, on social media and independent content producing.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via email. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide individual feedback at this point.
Before being approved for attendance at the selection workshop, applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.
Stage 2
Up to 30 applicants will be shortlisted to attend a selection workshop which will take place in person over the three days of 6th – 8th November hosted at The National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. Please don’t apply for the traineeship if you are not available on these dates. You will be notified by 16th October if you have progressed to this stage. Bursaries are available to help those in need of financial support to meet the out-of-pocket travel and accommodation expenses of attending the workshop.
The selection workshop will involve learning about the film and TV industry, participating in practical workshops and an interview.
After the selection workshop the NFTS will write to all candidates to advise them of the outcome by the end of November. Unsuccessful candidates who attend the selection workshop will receive individual feedback.
Traineeship contracts will start on 1st January 2025 and will run until 31st December 2025.
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please make every attempt to attend one of our briefing sessions – our online open days are listed on our events page – as this will probably answer most of your questions, help you understand the process and give you a better chance of being successful.
Q: When is the closing date for applications?
A: 18th September 2024Q: What happens if I apply after the deadline has closed?
A: Your application will not be considered. This opportunity is open for applications for eight weeks and no late applications will be considered.Q: When will I hear back about my application?
A: All applicants will be contacted to let them know whether or not they have progressed to the second round by the 16th of October.Q: When will the interviews take place?
A: Interviews will take place as part of the selection workshop over the three days of 6th –8th NovemberQ: Where will the selection workshop and interviews take place?
A: They will be at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. Bursaries are available for candidates from Cardiff, Glasgow and the North and to help those in need of financial support to meet the out-of-pocket travel and accommodation expenses of attending the workshop.Q: What happens if I am successful in my application, but I don’t live near where the productions are taking place or the training course?
A: You need to be located to be near to one of the NFTS UK wide locations in Beaconsfield, Cardiff or Glasgow to benefit fully from the traineeship on offer. We are offering bursaries for candidates from Leeds and Manchester and surrounding areas, to support with accommodation costs to attend the initial training in Beaconsfield. You will then return home for placements in the North of England. You may need to commute or even move away from home temporarily to work on production.Q: If I relocate will the programme support with relocation fees or housing?
A: Scottish, Welsh and Northern talent must be based in those areas. We will ask you to evidence that it’s your current home, place of learning or that you’ll be returning home for the traineeship.We are unable to support with relocation fees or housing so you will need to be able to be based a commutable distance from one of our three hubs (Beaconsfield (London), Cardiff or Glasgow). The exception is for candidates from Leeds/Manchester and surrounding areas who apply for a bursary to enable them to train at the NFTS in Beaconsfield, before returning to their home town for placements. If you would like to apply for this bursary, please include this in your cover letter.
Production takes place all over the UK so trainees should be prepared to commute or temporarily relocate at points during their traineeship. We will do our best to minimise the need for travel and will aim to find you placements near home in the first instance. However, Beaconsfield/London candidates will often be expected to travel to work at offices and studios within the M25 – you must be able to do this from your home address for early morning starts. If temporary relocation is necessary to work on a production, we will consider requests for bursaries to support trainees as needed.
Q: Which productions will I get to work on?
A: Due to the nature of production, it isn’t possible to confirm which productions trainees will work on in advance or where they will be based. Production takes place all over the UK so trainees should be prepared to commute or temporarily relocate at points during their traineeship. We will do our best to minimise the need for travel and will aim to find you placements near home in the first instance. If temporary relocation is necessary, we will consider requests for bursaries to support trainees as needed.Q: What hours will I do?
A: During training your weekly hours will be based on a standard 35-hour week. However, during production placements, this may be up to 55 hours per week.Q: If I’m busy or working on the dates of the selection workshop, can I still take part in this programme?
A: No attendance at these three days are a compulsory part of the process.Q: I’m under 18, but I really want to start working, can I apply?
A: Due to health and safety, all applicants must be 18 or over on or before 1st January 2025Q: Is this aimed at school/college/uni leavers only?
A: While we have a minimum age of 18 there is no maximum age. We would welcome applications from those with transferrable skills who might be looking to move into the TV and Film industry.Q: How long will the traineeship last?
A: The traineeship lasts for 12 months. You will be on a full-time contract for the duration of the traineeship, so you will need to be available to work and study for the whole period and you are not expected to take on outside work.Q: What's the pay?
A: You will be paid a salary of £33,800 before tax.Q: If I am successful, when will I start?
A: Your contract will begin on 1 January 2025. As this is a bank holiday, your first working day will be 2nd January.Q: Will I be eligible for holiday leave?
A: As an employee of the National Film and Television School, you will receive 20 days of paid leave per year plus bank holidays. When you can take it will need to be negotiated and agreed.Q: Do I need to have a driving licence?
A: No, you do not need a driving licence to apply for this scheme. However, being able to drive is a really valuable skill in this industry so we will be offering bursaries towards the cost of driving lessons to support any of our trainees who would like to learn.Q: I know I want to be a Director / Screenwriter is this the right thing for me? I want to work in editorial roles – eg researcher is this the right course for me?
A: No, this is for people who want to work to develop a craft specialisation.Q: I’m already working in my chosen specialism, is this the right thing for me?
A: This is a foundation training scheme where trainees will be given an overview of many different departments. There is potential to develop a specialism within the year but, if you’re already very focussed and working in your chosen area, this is not the right scheme for you.Q: The website says that you welcome applications from historically excluded groups. What does that mean?
A: The under-represented groups we look at primarily relate to the protected characteristics as defined in the UK Equality Act 2010. You should use the following list as a guide for what areas of historically excluded groups we are seeking to address:- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
In addition to the protected characteristics recognised by the Act, the NFTS also seeks to address historically excluded groups in the following areas:
- Regional participation
- Socio-economic inclusion
- Caring responsibilities
Q: What adjustment and accessibility support is available?
A: We aim to support the needs of our deaf, disabled and neurodivergent applicants and will work with the individual(s) on a case-by-case basis to determine their needs. In the past we have made provisions which have included: additional support with the application process and have provided external support during the traineeship.Q: What is the difference between the Prime Video Craft Academy traineeship and the Prime Video Craft Academy apprenticeship?
A: The traineeship will engage you in training and employment on placements over the course of 12 months and is for people who are interested in developing a craft specialism. The apprenticeship runs over 15 months and is for those who are focussed on working in Production Management. The training and documentation of your work while you are on placement adheres to the apprenticeship standard for the Media Production Co-ordinator. This is a formal qualification, which at the end provides you with a higher apprenticeship award.Q: Can I apply for both the traineeship and apprenticeship?
A: No. For the apprenticeship we are looking for candidates who are very focussed in Production Management and who are based in Beaconsfield/London. If you are not fully committed to Production Management, and would like to experience different departments, or if you are committed to Production Management but would like to be based in either Cardiff or Glasgow, we would advise applying for the traineeship. If you are fully committed to Production Management and are based in Beaconsfield/London, we would advise applying for the apprenticeship.Q: What happens at the end of the traineeship?
A: Upon completion of the programme, the NFTS and Prime Video will work with the individual participants to plan and support their next steps. And, of course, you will have gained skills and experience that are very much in demand in the industry. We can’t guarantee you will be offered further work. If you have any further questions, please contact primeacademy@nfts.co.ukQ: Will I be supported throughout the programme?
A: The Prime Video Craft Academy Manager based at the NFTS will be on hand to provide support and advice to the trainees throughout the programme, with mentorship from NFTS Heads of Department (HODs) and access to NFTS tuition. The NFTS will manage each participant’s attachment to TV productions.