There are loads of routes into the screen industries, with many opportunities based in the Southwest region. You might want to apply for an apprenticeship or a trainee scheme. Other routes are more informal, including networking with other young filmmakers or creating your own work. It is worth considering which of the different approaches will suit your skills and interests.
WHAT JOBS ARE THERE?
With so many specialised roles in the screen industry and it’s good to know more about the roles and what they involve before deciding where you might want to specialise. It’s also useful to understand the various routes into these roles. ScreenSkills is a great place to start researching job roles.
APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine hands on practical training and studying at the same time. As an apprentice, you are treated as an employee, earn a wage, and get holiday pay. You also get the opportunity to study for a qualification that is related to your role. You will work alongside experienced staff and gain knowledge and skills specific to the department you will be working in.
Some broadcasters offer apprenticeship opportunities. You can find out more about them below:
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
CHANNEL 4
https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/apprenticeships
https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/production-training-scheme
ITV
https://www.itvjobs.com/business-areas/broadcasting/itv-news/itv-news-apprenticeship
SKY
https://careers.sky.com/earlycareers/
Grierson DocLab, supported by The Rank Foundation and Netflix, is a training scheme that helps new entrants to work in factual and documentary programme-making. https://griersontrust.org/outreach
ENTRY LEVEL JOBS
Entry level jobs are a good way to get started in the film and TV industry. You could start as a runner or other entry level work such as working for an equipment hire company. Entry level work will give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience and find out more about the various progression routes you might want to follow.
FOR MORE INFO:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/work-experience
https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/work-experience
Production companies offer work experience opportunities so you can gain an insight into what they do and how they do it.
Check out this list of Bristol based production companies, some of them may offer work experience.
https://directory.bristolpost.co.uk/search/bristol/tv-and-production-companies
You could join The Production Guild, a membership organisation for professionals working in UK film and television, that offers training for people who want to get into the industry.
STUDY A FILM DEGREE
If you would like to learn more before trying to get a job you may want to do a degree course. There are a wide range of university courses in the South West region. A university course may be a good route if you’re unsure about which element of filmmaking you want to specialise in. General film production courses often provide the opportunity to try different roles and hone your skills.
Some things to consider when choosing a course:
Who are the tutors and what is their experience in the industry?
Are there good links with industry and work experience opportunities?
Do they have up-to-date equipment and facilities?
ORGANISATIONS WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SOUTHWEST
There are plenty of organisations across the Southwest region that have ongoing opportunities for new and emerging filmmakers to gain more experience. Bristol City of Film have put together a handy directory of education, training and skills providers offering film and moving image-related opportunities Bristol.
http://bristolcityoffilm.co.uk/whos-who-in-education-training-skills/
Here are some organisations across the South West that are worth checking out:
MENTORING
Media Trust has partnered with ScreenSkills to run a series of Mentoring Programmes aimed at levelling the playing field and providing the UK with a more inclusive talent pooL
https://mediatrust.org/youth-programmes/screenskills-mentoring-programmes/
At the BFI Film Academy South West we are offering Creative Mentoring opportunities. Find out more here.
FILM FESTIVALS
Attending film festivals offers you an excellent opportunity to be emersed in films and filmmaking. You can watch a wide range of films, hear from the filmmakers, network with other film enthusiasts, and attend film related events.
At BFI Film Academy South West we are offering the chance to attend film festivals throughout the year. Check out our Exposure film festival passes for more info.
As a young person under 25, you can also apply for BFI Film Academy accreditation at the BFI London Film Festival, getting access to the full press and industry programme of screenings and events alongside networking opportunities.
You may want to consider taking a volunteer role at a film festival, although these opportunities may well be different right now with many festivals running online programmes.
You can enter your work into festivals, many of which are aimed at students or young filmmakers. By sharing your work at a festival, you are gaining an audience and it could provide exposure to industry professionals and potential collaborators.
South West based festivals:
Festivals with a youth focus:
FilmFreeway is a website for filmmakers to submit their films to hundreds of international film festivals. You can discover festivals and submit to them by creating your own account.
MAKE YOUR OWN FILMS
Making your own work and creating a showreel of the best bits is an excellent way to showcase your skills. Showreels can be useful when applying for courses or to show a prospective employer.
ScreenSkills can give you advise on how to build your portfolio in specific specialisms:
https://www.screenskills.com/starting-your-career/building-your-portfolio/
BFI FILM ACADEMY COURSES IN THE SOUTHWEST AND FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
White Lantern Film Bournemouth
BFI FILM ACADEMY PROGRESSION
If you’ve already done a BFI Film Academy course you may want to take a look at these resources for BFI Film Academy course graduates
Through BFI Film Academy progression, a student can gain insight into the industry, create connections with fellow students and industry professionals, and continue to develop their skills as a filmmaker whilst they continue to build their portfolio.
ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES
It’s always worth looking out for online opportunities, whether it’s entering competitions, sharing work on video platforms or looking for ways to network with other filmmakers. We share opportunities on our website, through our online platforms and through Meshworks newsletter.
