Celebrating 10 years of the HETV Skills Fund in the Midlands

This week, HETV at 10 is celebrating a decade of productions based in the Midlands, including Peaky Blinders, Champion, Line of Duty Series 1, DI Ray Series 2, Joan, Man Like Mobeen Series 4, Stonehouse, Three Little Birds and Two Tone to name a few.

At a special anniversary event for industry in Birmingham, the HETV Skills Fund’s Christine Healy welcomed guests from across the Midlands and thanked everyone for their part in everything the industry created Fund has achieved in the region.
“The Fund has provided comprehensive support for freelancers and productions at all stages, funding programmes to grow and develop the local workforce,” explained Christine. “Since 2020, 7,495 people from the Midlands have accessed career support through our programmes, training opportunities, eLearning, bursaries and events.”

The success and impact of the Fund’s work in the Midlands was reflected on in a panel discussion led by Jo Evans, head of production at Buccaneer Media and chair of the HETV Skills Fund’s Production Grades Working Group. Joining the panel were leading lights in the region’s production industry, Rem Conway, development producer at Kudos Knight; Kirsten Stoddart, a Line Producer with over 18 years’ experience in TV and Film and Karlvyn Dove, who produced Grime Kids.

“The nature of television production, meant that training had historically always been very much on the job with little structure, and led to it being somewhat a closed shop,” reflects Jo Evans. “The development of the HETV Skills Fund over the last 10 years has meant we have been able to offer a range of courses, covering entry level to career development and senior management, to help arm individuals with the right skills and experience - which I think has led to broaden the breadth and depth of crew working across HETV. There is always more to do of course but the impact over the last 10 years is very clear.”

Birmingham born and bred Karlvyn Dove aims to bring as many productions as possible to the Midlands, believing the region is rich with diverse talent and has much to offer. An alumni of the HETV Fund’s Make a Move programme, who seized the opportunity to become a co-producer on Grime Kids, Karlvyn says, “It’s easy to think there is no support in the Midlands. But I’m proof that the HETV Fund is there to provide training and support. I know so many people that have been given great opportunities through the Fund. Long may it continue.”

“The HETV Skills Fund has an integral place in the training, growth and development of our industry members,” adds Kirsten Stoddart, another alumni who is now supporting others in their career progression. “It allows us to seek funded training, which is vital for a system of equitable career progression. The Step Up progamme allowed me to receive one-on-one mentoring and support as I advanced, and I was able to then reciprocate by mentoring another crew member through Make a Move. It is a circular economy of knowledge that allows fair access for all crew, and I am immensely grateful for that.”

Rem Conway draws on how forging a career path in the industry can seem daunting and the difference the Fund can make. “Accessing the industry or progressing to the next level is challenging, particularly when you come from a background where this career path isn’t familiar territory for you. The HETV fund has been instrumental in helping me and many others springboard to that next level.”

Jasmin John is a Midlands based editor who took her first steps in the HETV industry through the Trainee Finder programme. Through forging connections, Jasmin worked her way up in the industry, gaining recognition for her skills and is now in the second year of the Leaders of Tomorrow programme. “The Leaders of Tomorrow programme has significantly shaped both my personal and professional development, explains Jasmin. “Its unique structure provides access to industry, training and resources specifically tailored to support my future in the TV industry as a senior leader and changemaker. This has expanded my professional horizons and equipped me with the skills, tools and knowledge to empower me to thrive. I am also now part of a dynamic network that extends beyond the programme.”

For those wanting tips on how to progress in the industry, a final word from Karlvyn Dove. “Learn the art of patience. You must be patient and proactive,” Karlvyn advises. “If you push, people will remember you. Stay where you can learn in television and use your skills.”