How Jenny Balmer used a Trainee Finder bursary to advance her costume career

Jenny Balmer hadn’t always envisioned a future career in the screen industries. The budding costume designer arrived at it a bit later through a different artform. “It was through my love of theatre that I discovered my desire to work in the screen industries,” she explained. Inspired by repeated theatre trips, the Manchester local pinpoints to this formative period in shaping her decision to explore her passion for costume design. She said: “Through attending a weekly youth theatre, I wanted to learn more about costuming and started applying a more critical eye to the clothing worn in film and television shows I was watching. I realised as I was watching these characters on screen, their costumes helped create a whole new world. It was then that I decided I wanted to join in helping create that.”

Jenny’s start in the screen industries was soon supported by one of ScreenSkills’ flagship training programmes. Jenny explained: “I was aware of ScreenSkills and the Trainee Finder programme through being told about it at university. After I graduated, I applied for High-end TV Trainee Finder and was fortunate enough to be taken on.” The new entrant initiative aims to offer a pathway into the industry by providing candidates with paid production placements alongside role specific training and tailored support. 

That wasn’t where the support ended either. Jenny applied for a bursary, offered as part of the training programme to help remove financial obstacles to career progression within the screen industry. She said: “I was told about the kit bursary which I thought was a great scheme as equipment can be expensive.” It enabled her to buy a Costumier Kit Bag, setting her up for time in the costume department.

The purchase has been a great help to Jenny and her career, providing her with the tools she needs to further develop in her role: “I packed it with items such as a head torch, clothes brush, double sided tape, sewing kit, stain remover wipes and pens, a tagging gun, different coloured safety pins, croc clips, fabric tape, lint roller etc. All of which I bought using the money from the bursary. I also bought wet weather gear for location shoots in our lovely British weather!” 

Being based in northern England, Jenny assumed she would have to “move down South in order to be successful in this industry” but found that through Trainee Finder she is freer to explore the opportunities near her hometown. “I have been fortunate to have found work up North. The programme ScreenSkills offer are fantastic because it gives everyone, no matter where you live or what your background is, a chance to help them progress in the screen industries, and I will be forever grateful for that. 

And as for the future? Jenny already has her sights set on her dream job: “I would eventually love to work on a period drama but for now, I am excited to try everything as I believe that's the best way to meet people in the industry, build up connections, and learn what my strengths are.”