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Kickstart your journey into film and television with hands-on training in the Production Department - one of the most in-demand areas of production.
Delivered by NFTS Scotland in partnership with the Sean Connery Talent Lab, and fees 100% supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, this programme combines practical training, mentoring, and paid on-set experience.
Screen Production Pathways: Production Intern supports entry into below-the-line trainee level roles through a structured, hands-on model:
- Foundations Training
Learn how the production department works through seminar based training - Practical Skills Development
Build technical and organisational skills through a collaborative project and fieldwork. - Mentored Film Placement
Apply your learning on a funded short film, mentored by industry professionals in a supported production environment and working with the Sean Connery Talent Lab team.
This approach ensures you gain real experience, confidence, and credits - before stepping into larger-scale productions.
What You’ll Learn
Production Fundamentals
- How a short film moves from prep to wrap
- Key crew roles and on-set hierarchy
- The responsibilities of a Production Trainee
- Professional set etiquette and expectations
Production Office & On-Set Skills
- Reading call sheets and understanding production paperwork
- Basic scheduling and script breakdown awareness
- Supporting the Production Coordinator and AD team
Communication & Professional Conduct
- Clear, professional communication (email, phone, walkie)
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Timekeeping, reliability, and confidentiality
- Working proactively within a team
Paid Placement Readiness
- What to expect on a funded short film
- Managing timesheets and day-to-day responsibilities
- Building confidence and industry relationships
- Pathways from trainee to Production Assistant
This is an entry-level programme designed to support those starting out in the screen industries.
- Open to early-career entrants and career changers
- No formal qualifications required but some prior experience or training in film and TV is desirable.
- A genuine interest in working in the Production Department
- Willingness to work collaboratively, be organised, and spend time on short film sets
We particularly encourage applications from individuals currently underrepresented in the screen industries. We also particularly welcome applications from those who have undertaken Hit the Ground Running and/or Early Entrant Pathways Set Ready: Working in the Production Department course.
Successful applicants should be ready to commit to both the training (early September) and the short film paid placements (Real Living Wage), which will take place in late September through to early November (two weeks), and be motivated to take the next step towards a career in film and television.
This programme is designed to support practical foundational learning and pre-industry production experience for new entrants, creating a supported progression pathway into future employment and training opportunities.
To apply, please complete the application form by Monday 27th July at 9am