First Break

First Break is a High-end TV Skills Fund pre-new entrant inclusivity programme which aims to de-mystify entry into the TV industry for individuals who otherwise would most likely never consider the industry is open as a career path to them. 

The programme works with broadcasters, production companies and local partners to encourage, nurture and support individuals to explore a career in TV, giving them the initial tools, knowledge and taster experiences of working in the industry. 

group of people on the set
Image: First Break participants on set of The Lazarus Project series 2 (Urban Myth Films for Sky)

First Break offers locals living close to the production base aged 18+ with no prior experience working in TV the chance to be part of an Open Doors TV taster event, a ‘Need to Knows’ training day, paid work shadowing on a high-end TV production and 1-2-1 career development and bespoke support.

The ScreenSkills high-end TV team collaborate with a local community partner rooted in the production’s base, to promote the opportunity locally and to provide localised project management support throughout.

Since its launch in 2019, more than 100 individuals have gained paid work experience on over 20 high-end TV productions. First Break locations to date include Manchester, Cornwall, Newport, Aberdeen, Port Talbot, Farnborough, Bradford, Conwy, London and West Yorkshire.

“Working on the set of Brassic series five was a perfect chance for me to gain first hand experience while being surrounded by industry experts who each have decades of knowledge and were willing and excited to answer any of my many questions.”

– Jonah Jarrald

First Break case studies

Be inspired by more stories of people who have taken part in the programme

Read more

If you are interested in partnering with the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund to run First Break on your production, please contact Vicki Ball.

Back to High-end TV Skills Fund