Co- established and run Film London’s Equal Access Network (EAN), whose aim is to ensure the screen industries reflect the diversity of London’s population. EAN will help anyone who wants to work and thrive in the screen industries but also works with charities, foundations and training providers to ensure that under represented groups also have access to jobs and opportunities. So far, it has created 100 opportunities and jobs and the plan is to increase this to 150 for the new year. Part of the EAN’s work includes monthly breakfast masterclasses with top industry speakers, evening digital masterclasses, new entrants courses, and bespoke CV and careers advice.
Film London launches scheme to help 150 Londoners into film and TV jobs
(Article originally published by Screendaily, BY ORLANDO PARFITT, 31 JANUARY 2018)
IMAGE SOURCE: PIXABAY
Film London has unveiled a scheme which aims to help 150 Londoners, including those from under-represented communities, into paid below-the-line roles in film and TV.
The scheme is called Equal Access and involves a) Film London widening its talent pool, b) connecting with new training providers and c) partnering with more London-based film, TV and post-production companies that are keen to hire more diverse talent.
Film London hope to deliver 150 paid positions to people within it’s talent pool in 2018.
They have suggested several initiatives for companies working with them on this scheme, including:
- Companies committing to interviewing at least two candidates from the Equal Access talent pool for entry and junior-level positions
- Providing access to inspirational speakers, mentors and other learning events
- Working with Film London to develop and provide paid internships for new starters
- Working with Film London on paid ‘returnships’ for talented parents and carers re-entering the industry.
The scheme builds on Film London’s work last year, which saw them work with The Ink Factory, Tiger Aspect and Twickenham Studios to help deliver paid roles for almost 100 people.
They have also already launched a scheme for parents returning to work after a career break (in partnership with Creative Skillset) and an initiative offering paid placements with The Night Managerproduction company The Ink Factory.
Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Our Equal Access work seeks to [give] industry access to excellent below-the-line talent who might otherwise find themselves at a remove from the city’s studios, editing suites and post houses.
“We have talent at our disposal and excellent contacts with training providers and academic institutions, so now we’re calling on even more film, TV and post-production companies to work with us to ensure London’s screen industries reflect the city itself.”
Interested employers, would-be employees and training organisations can contact Film London here or find out more here.
’Below-the-line’ means pre-production, production, or post-production roles that are not screenwriters, producers, directors, casting directors or actors.
Find out more here.