Daniel Templeton stepping up from edit assistant to colour assistant
Inka Ritola stepping up from lead assistant editor to post production manager
Graham Oliver stepping up from technical artist to Unreal Engine operator
Sara Missaghian-Schirazi stepping up from development producer/director to team support in virtual production
Sophie Bramley stepping up from video design and environment artist to Unreal Engine artist in virtual production
Five candidates have been welcomed onto the new Film Forward programme ready to start their four-week placements across post-production, virtual production and VFX.
Developed in partnership with The Adobe Foundation and based on the existing Film Skills Fund Film Forward programme, the new iteration has been designed specifically to support deaf, disabled and neurodivergent mid-level film professionals working in post-production departments.
The programme will match the five candidates, each with three or more years’ experience, with paid placements and provide them with tailored career coaching to support them to step-up to a more senior role.
Each member of the cohort has now had their four-week placement confirmed with one of four supporting companies; Final Pixel, Bild Studios, Molinare and Framestore, and will receive vital on-the-job learning, on-site experience and the opportunity to further develop their skills in a working environment.
Emma Turner, Head of Film, Animation and Future Skills, ScreenSkills, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to welcome a cohort of film professionals to this new iteration of the hugely successful Film Forward programme. We are grateful to be partnering with The Adobe Foundation to deliver the programme which underlines the Film Skills Fund’s commitment to providing accessible pathways for progression and improving the diversity of our industry’s workforce.”
Kerry Shreeve, Chief Operating Officer for Molinare Creative Group, who are providing placements to two candidates on the programme said: "Nurturing new talent and supporting career progression is vital for the future of our industry. Through our collaboration with ScreenSkills and participation in the Film Forward programme, we’re proud to help create real opportunities across post-production. By opening up pathways, sharing industry knowledge, and offering hands-on learning, we can support professionals in taking that next step. The programme’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion is a great step toward a more diverse and representative workforce."
Sara Missaghian-Schirazi, one of the five-strong cohort, said: “Navigating a career in the creative industries is difficult for all freelancers, even more so for those of us facing barriers to progression due to inaccessible workplaces - as we know from data showing the stark underrepresentation of disabled people in the UK screen industries. Film Forward is an essential stepping stone towards equity, facilitating collaboration between outstanding companies and disabled talent to dismantle the mid-level career ceiling.”
Daniel Templeton has received a four-week placement with post-production company Molinare through the programme. He said: “Programmes like Film Forward are important and fantastic springboards for the workforce because its gives people hope and confidence that their neurodiverse traits and styles of thinking can become invaluable skills and assets to a team and allows them to grow and develop their talents as well as develop the company and to feel they have a purpose and be part of something meaningful.”
Graham Oliver, who will have a placement as Unreal Engine Operator at Bild Studios, said: “Working alongside Bild's team on a commercial LED volume that's hosted major Netflix and HBO productions gives me access to industry connections and workflows that would be impossible to get otherwise. I'll be learning directly from professionals who are at the cutting edge of virtual production, seeing how they manage real-world challenges and create solutions on major projects.”