Spotlight on children's TV and animation for Children's Media Conference

Both the Children’s TV and Animation Skills Funds use contributions from production companies specialising in content for young audiences to invest in training for those looking to enter or progress within a career in screen.

As members of the screen industry meet for this week’s Children’s Media Conference, ScreenSkills is exploring some of the new and returning training opportunities developed/supported by the Children’s TV and Animation Skills Funds.

Those looking to make their start in children's TV can apply to take part in the third year of Dream Big!, the flagship entry level programme that provides a foot in the door at the best production companies and animation studios specialising in making content for children and young audiences. Successful candidates will receive a 3-6 month paid placement in trainee production roles alongside training and support from thinkBIGGER!.

Much of the focus for the Animation Skills Fund for the upcoming year is on mid-career progression, with one of the recent training additions being the Make a Move programme. It encourages on-the-job training of crew members identified by the production as ready to move up into a more senior role with the aim of ensuring set-ready workforce across a range of animation roles.

Each of the Funds have developed courses tailored to the needs of contributing production companies. Get the Knowledge: working with under 18’s – for execs is a two-part session created by the Children’s TV Skills Fund to help provide the essentials of working with children.

A new programme from the Animation Skills Fund, Direct to Company training, offers half-day training sessions tailored to the contributor’s requirements. For example, if a contributing company identifies the need for leadership and management training in any areas of animation production then a training session can be arranged just for their employees.

Industry professionals with experience of working in other sectors can widen their existing knowledge through the Moving Into Children’s TV course, designed to lift the lid on this joyful “industry within an industry” including audience insights and best practice in editorial and production to grow skills in the sector.

These programmes are shaped by the council members of the Funds, industry professionals who advise on where training is needed and of most use. This month, Sioned Geraint, S4C, and Anna Taganov, BBC, both joined the Children’s Skills Council to help guide investment and develop a strong workforce across the UK.

In addition, Channel 5’s Paul Kearney and Nats Bolton, BBC Studios, became co-chairs of the council. Read more from them in the Q&As below.