A real focus for us continues to be supporting mid-career progression. It’s a hugely important stage for the workforce and one that can often get overlooked by industry.
That’s why programmes supported by the Fund, like Make a Move, were put in place to direct relevant training, guidance and on-set experience to provide a pathway for those looking to make that key next step in their careers.
That’s mirrored in Film Forward which aims to offer candidates the vital hands-on experience and tailored learning opportunities to help Black and Asian professionals advance into more senior roles.
This year, we are launching a new programme for Film Forward which will support people with a disability working in VFX and post.
We continue to support those starting their careers in film with the hugely successful entry-level programme, Trainee Finder. For the first time the Film Skills Fund has come together with the Children’s TV Skills Fund and the High-end TV Skills Fund to offer a single ScreenSkills Trainee Finder Programme.
It means the programme can be even more agile and responsive to production needs, offering opportunities for those at an early stage in their careers to develop their skills and build experience across more than one genre, reflecting how the workforce is evolving.
We have a wide range of experience and skills on the Fund’s Skills Council which reflects and represents the UK film industry.
The membership of the Council brings together experts from production companies, studios, broadcasters and producers as well as post and VFX houses.
The Council also has representatives from all Nations and regions as well as members from minority ethnic groups.
Their input and expertise has a direct impact on the income and investment of the Fund to support the industry workforce.
They help shape training strategy, develop new talent and put in place programmes that provide people with the tools needed to take that next step in their film careers.
This year, we are celebrating 25 years of the Film Skills Fund and building on the positive changes we’ve made to enable us to better support industry and the workforce.
I’ve always cared about helping people get into the industry and progress within it. I’m really pleased to have an opportunity to be part of an industry-led body that supports and invests in the film workforce.