Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme

Course details

Course provider: Screen Yorkshire

Eligibility:

• Be aged 19+ 
• Live in any of the following districts: Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, or Wakefield 
• Meet at least one diversity criteria (Beyond Brontës is an access programme with the aim of supporting those with identities or characteristics that are under-represented in the industry. Please check the FAQ's on the Beyond Brontës website for further guidance on who is considered under-represented.) 
• Be available to take on short-term or full time employment within six months of completing the programme 
• Have not completed a Skills Connect course before.

Industry: Screen Industries 

Start dates: 

• 7th August 2023- 31st December 2023  
• 15th January 2024- 31st May 2024

Duration: 5 months

Venue: Various across West Yorkshire, all accessible by public transport  

Overview/summary of training

Participants will take part in a training package showcasing the screen industries, from idea development, to post-production and distribution, preparing them for a wide range of roles, from research, story-telling, development and production office and editing – to on-set crew roles, working in departments like locations, costume, set building, hair and make-up, art department, production department, script supervision, lighting, camera and sound. The training programme includes industry masterclasses and practical workshops under the guidance of industry mentors; CV and interview advice and workshops; tips on working as a freelancer, including finance and networking advice, and set etiquette training. 

Participants will complete the programme with:  

• An overview over the screen industry landscape and the roles that exist in the screen industry  
• Understanding of entry level opportunities within the film industry 
• Understanding of progression opportunities and career paths going forward 
• Understanding of set etiquette which is a basic requirement to succeed into entry level employment 
• Improved CV and interview skills 
• Increased confidence in their own knowledge and skills and recognition of the 
• abilities and transferable skills already acquired before the programme 
• Opportunity to explore a role/work area they are interested in with the help of an industry mentor 
• Understanding of what it means to work as a freelancer in the film industry 
• Access to information about job, training and educational opportunities and where to find them 
• Access to Screen Yorkshire Services including trainee hub (programme participation qualifies them for the free membership), crew services for those with eligible credits, further training opportunities 

We are looking for individuals who have a true passion for working in film and TV, but you are not sure where to start. You must be aged 19 or over and live in West Yorkshire to apply and not have participated in a Skills Connect programme before. 

No experience or qualifications in the film and TV industry are necessary, however, applicants must show a commitment to starting a career in the screen industries and be available to take on at least temporary, short-term employment, or full employment within 6 months after completing the course. 

What next?

Since 2019, Beyond Brontës has supported 165 trainees, many of whom have gone on to work on high profile film and TV productions, such as: Bridgerton, The Witcher, The Duke, Gentleman Jack, Jamie Johnson FC, The Railway Children Return, Mission Impossible 7, All Creatures Great and Small, The Great British Sewing Bee, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Sky Peals, and Bonus Track, at high-profile factual production companies such as True North, Wise Owl Films, Candour, and broadcasters including Channel 4 and ITV.