Programmes supported by the Film Skills Fund
Film Forward
Film Forward is designed to create change in the UK film industry by supporting experienced minority ethnic professionals to advance into more senior roles.
The programme matches film professionals who have at least five years’ experience in a variety of below-the-line roles with paid placement opportunities. Additional support for Film Forward candidates includes professional development coaching and access to a bursary of up to £3,000 to help with expenses needed to enable career progress.
Short courses
ScreenSkills invests in short courses to support professionals to develop in their careers. Investment is informed by findings by industry research in consultation with expert industry advisory groups.
Courses we are funding in 2024/25 include:
- Working on physical celluloid film for the camera department (delivered by The Pipeline)
- Physical celluloid refresher for the camera department (delivered by The Pipeline)
- First-time feature producers 2024 (delivered by Mission Accomplished)
The Film Skills Fund has also co-commissioned the following courses with the High-end TV Skills Fund:
- High-end TV (HETV) and film virtual production taster days for trainees (Final Pixel Academy Ltd)
- HETV and film introduction to becoming a virtual production supervisor (Academy of Live Technology)
- Guiding principles in department budgeting (Mission Accomplished)
- Standby art department dressing (Set Etiquette)
- Production accountant training (Public Display of Affection Films)
Training and opportunities
Explore all the courses, events and programmes currently available
Courses commissioned in previous years included:
- First Aid for Film Freelancers (delivered by Mission Accomplished)
- Unconscious bias training (BIFA)
- Online leadership sessions (TRC Media)
- Movie Magic scheduling and budgeting (Sgil Cymru)
- Women future leaders in distribution and exhibition (Birds' Eye View)
- Mindset (Ffilm Cymru Wales)
- Data-Driven Marketing (Independent Cinema Office)
- Making it Possible (Raising Films)
- Location manager (Sgil Cymru)
- Film On (104 Films)
- Unreal bootcamp for VFX professionals (Escape Studios)
- How to succeed as a supervising art director (Talking Point)
- Step up to production accountancy (PGGB)
What our supporters say
Amy Smith, head of talent at Framestore, says: “It’s so important to provide the right opportunities to attract and retain an inclusive workforce across all parts of the industry including post and VFX and as a Film Skills Council member, I really value ScreenSkills’ work on this.”
Nicole Young, costume supervisor (Annihilation; Jurassic World; Fallen Kingdom), says: “I fully support the work that ScreenSkills does to support crew in craft and tech and ensure we maintain the UK’s reputation for having a brilliant skilled workforce that makes this a great place to make films.”
Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association and Film Skills Council deputy chair, says: “UK cinemas entertain audiences from all backgrounds and so it is vital that we ensure that the behind-the-camera talent reflects that same diversity. The work of the Film Skills Council is vital in this regard. I am particularly grateful for ScreenSkills’ online coronavirus training which supported cinema staff in returning safely to work.”