IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT TRAINING

In recent years, opportunities for training in film and television have increased enormously. Unfortunately, possibilities for employment have not increased correspondingly in all areas. Now, more than ever, if you elect for formal training as opposed to starting in any position, however lowly, and working your way up and learning on the job, it is necessary to research the various courses on offer and try to find one that is best for you. Because of the largely freelance nature of work in film and television, obtaining qualifications is no guarantee of employment; entry into both industries, in spite of many attempts at regulation, is still largely haphazard.

Catch 22

Before changes in the law governing trade unions, the greatest regulator was the fact that employers were unlikely to take on newcomers unless they were members of the appropriate trade union and people could not apply for membership unless they first had a job. This Catch 22 situation led to the growth of a great many ruses, most of which bore no relation to training, qualifications or experience. BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union) did guarantee membership to successful students at certain

accredited film schools (see list on page 155) but trade union membership was still no guarantee of a job.

Now that employers cannot preclude taking people on if they are not members of a trade union, neither can anyone be prevented from joining a union after being employed, the first question the potential newcomer must ask is whether to go for training and qualifications before seeking a job or whether to opt for the ‘on job’ apprenticeship route.

Is training the best route in?

The disadvantage of training, especially if it leads to post graduate courses, is that eventually you will have to look for a job and if you have followed the advice suggested in this book and restricted your search to areas more likely to lead to fulfilling your ultimate ambition, you may find yourself forced to take jobs where your training to begin with is of little use. You may also be in rivalry with people considerably younger than you who may have only recently left school and are therefore better able to work for the low or even no salaries which menial jobs often offer.

Of course, theoretically, those with training should progress faster but this does not take into account the undefinable and untrainable factor of talent which combined with persistence and some luck has been another ongoing theme of this book.

But, on balance, particularly with technical and craft jobs, some form of training is to be advised before seeking a job and, if for any reason, you decide to try to get work without any formal qualifications, make sure you find out about courses that are available once you are employed (see next paragraph).

FINDING THE RIGHT TRAINING

At last, after many false dawns, one organisation now exists to advise and co-ordinate information about training in broadcast, film and video. Its name is SKILL SET and it was formally launched in 1993; it is funded by the major employers and unions in the industry and is recognised as the sector’s voice on training nationally and internationally. It operates at a strategic level within the industry providing relevant labour market and training information, encouraging higher levels of investment in training and implementing occupational standards and the Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications based upon them (see page 172). SKILLSET also publish a very comprehensive Career Handbook for TV, Radio, Film, Video and Interactive Media.

For careers advice contact: SKILLSET, Prospect House, 80-110 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1HB. Tel: (08080) 300 900. Fax: (020) 7520 5758. email: info@skillset.org Website: www.skillset.org and www.skillsformedia.com

Other information about training

Recently, there has been a proliferation of universities offering degrees in cinematics, covering film, television and photography and media studies which can also include communications, journalism and publishing. So, more than ever, it is good to try to look ahead to see where your ultimate ambitions lie. Not that there is anything against switching careers but you might waste a lot of time and money taking a university course that’s not right for you.

So how do you make the right choice? SKILLSET (see above) and the British Film Institute have a website www.bfi.org.uk/mediacourses which lists courses available, so check this and talk to SKILLSET as well.

The UK Film Skills Strategy

From 2004, an ambitious industry and lottery funded scheme for training in all branches of production has come into being, catering for students as well as those with a foot in the door already.

Briefly, this will consist of a Course Approval system to be awarded to training establishments which have the greatest ‘career awareness’ attitude for their graduates. The industry will also recognise a limited number of training colleges who adopt the most realistic approach to jobs in production. These will be awarded the title ‘Screen Academy’.

So when you come to check out the bewildering number of universities and other educational bodies, ask if they have the Course Approval seal of SKILLSET and the UK Film Council. And if they’ve been given Screen Academy status as well, so much the better!

But however exciting and overdue these developments are, it is doubtful whether there will be any guarantee of a job when you emerge from whatever training you’ve completed. So the next chapter, Selling Yourself, is probably still the most important aspect of fulfilling your ambition to get into films or television.

Accredited Film Schools

The following film schools were the original ones recognised by BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment and Cinematograph Union). They therefore still offer very professional training with possibly the highest proportion of successful students who subsequently get jobs in film or television.

The Arts Institute at Bournemouth, School of Media, Wallisdown, Poole, Dorset BH12 5HH. Tel: (01202) 363301. email: media@arts-inst-bournemouth.ac.uk

Bristol University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Drama: Theatre, Film&Television, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TH. Tel: (01179) 288897. Fax: (01179)251129. email:arts-pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

London College of Communication, Department of Media, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6SB. Tel: (020) 7514 6853. Fax: (020) 7514 6848. email: wwlcp.linst.ac.uk

London Film School, 24 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9UB. Tel: (020) 7836 9642. Fax: (020) 7497 3718. website and email: www.lfs.org.uk

National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1LG. Tel: (01494) 671234. Fax: (01494) 674042. email: admin@nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk

Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, Walden Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5SN. Tel: (020) 8289 4900.

University of Westminster, School of Media, Arts and Design, Northwick Park, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3TR Tel: (020) 7911 5000. Fax: (020) 7911 5955. email: harrow-admissions@westminster.ac.uk

University of Wales, Newport, Department of Media Arts, PO Box 179, Caerleon Campus, Newport NP18 3YG. Tel: (01633) 430088. Fax: (01633) 432610.

The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DS. Tel: (01252) 722441. Fax: (01252) 892616.

email: registry@surrart.ac.uk

website:http://www.surrart.ac.uk

The National Film and Television School

Of the above, undoubtedly the best in Britain, possibly in Europe, is the National Film and Television School. Here is an excerpt from their prospectus:

The National Film and Television School is the UK’s national centre of excellence for postgraduate education in film and TV programme making. Our talented, creative and enthusiastic community of students makes around one hundred films a year, under the guidance of tutors who are leaders in their professional fields – teachers like Stephen Frears (Dirty Pretty Things) in Fiction Direction, Brian Tufano (Trainspotting) in Cinematography and Nik Powell, our director, and a producer himself (Calendar Girls, Little Voice, The Crying Game).

At the NFTS, you’ll do real filmmaking in industry standard facilities where working methods model professional practice. Practice and more practice is the key to becoming a film and TV programme maker. From initial concept to post-production, everyone works together as a team and each student graduates with both professional skills in their own field and a good understanding of the other major roles involved in bringing a new film or TV programme to the screen.

The NFTS is unusual among film schools in providing purpose-built film/TV studios and facilities to learn in. Our film and television stage, animation and production design studioes, edit suites, sound post-production facilities, music recording studio and dubbing theatre are all furnished with new generation digital equipment equivalent to that used at the highest level in today’s film and TV industry.

Courses offered

The NFTS offers two-year MA courses in Animation, Cinematography, Composing for Film and TV, Documentary Direction, Editing, Fiction Direction, Producing, Production Design, Screenwriting and Sound Post-production. There is a one-year Diploma in Sound Recording, and a two-year, part-time Script Development Executive Diploma, run in association with the Script Factory. New courses starting in 2005 include Creative Factual TV Producing (2-year Diploma, seeking MA validation) and a 15-month Diploma in Digital Post-Production.

Entry requirements

Whether studying for a Diploma or an MA, a degree or other educational qualification is not required - relevant experience counts for more. The NFTS looks for people with talent, commitment, passion and the ability to work collaboratively and who already have some experience or training in their specialist area or a related field – even if it’s just making their own DV film. Most students are in their mid-twenties on entry but there is no hard-and-fast rule on age.

For a prospectus, apply to the NFTS (see page 155 for address) or visit the NFTS website at http://www.nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk

National Short Course Training Programme (nsctp)

The National Short Course Training Programme (nsctp) is the leading training provider of high quality, cost effective short courses to professional standards for the majority of freelancers working in the film and television industry. Courses are aimed at those who have worked in the industry for at least two years, although there are a few courses aimed at those new to film and television.

All nsctp courses are intensely practical, organised in small workshop-style groups and are tutored by some of the best professionals working in the film, television and related media industries.

Short courses (from one day to 15 days) are run throughout the year and cover a wide range of skills in difference specialist areas for people at varying levels of experience in:

• cameras and lighting
• sound – location recording and post-production
• editing
• design
• writing and directing
• production from assistant to producer level
• computer graphics and animation (Flame, Smoke, AfterFX, Shake, Maya, 3DS Max and Combustion).

All courses are linked to Skillset Professional Qualifications (formerly NVQs) where appropriate and supporting paperwork can often be used in a candidate’s portfolio of evidence. In addition, all nsctp courses having a legal content have been accredited by the Law Society and the Bar Association for those needing CPD (continuing professional development) credits. The nsctp is also unique in that its courses have been validated at Master’s degree level, enabling industry professionals to attain an MA in Film and Television while continuing to work.

For further information, contact the NSCTP. Tel: (01494) 677903. Fax: (01494) 678708. email: info@nfts-scu.org.uk Website: www.nfts-scu.org.uk

COURSES WITH PARTICULAR SPECIALITIES

It would be invidious to attempt to grade the great number of establishments in the UK offering film or video training. You will have to compare their prospectuses, qualifications for entry and location to find the most suitable for you.

There are however some schools which have a reputation for particular areas so some of these are specified here.

University affiliation

Bristol University, Faculty of Arts, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TH. Tel: (01179) 288897. Fax: (01179)251129. email: arts-pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

A one year postgraduate MA/diploma in Film and Television Production which is 70% practical and 30% critical. Unique in that it is affiliated to the University’s department of drama.

Animation

The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DS.
Tel: (01252) 722441. Fax: (01252) 892616.
email: roger noake@surrart.ac.uk

The first undergraduate course in the UK offering a degree in animation.

Computer Animation (Undergraduate course)

Digital Special Effects, Computer Animation, Digital Entertainment systems (post-graduate)

Bournemouth Media School, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB. Tel: (01202) 595371. Fax: (01202) 595099. email: (undergraduate) macugrad@bournemouth.ac.uk email: (postgraduate) macpgrad@bournemouth.ac.uk

Good basic training

The London Film Academy opened in 2002 with a very down-to-earth approach. They offer a one-year course in all branches of film production, shooting and editing on film. The theory is that everybody should learn the basics of technique no matter what you might finally work on or in what area – a very good philosophy! For more information contact: The London Film Academy, The Old Church, 52A Walham Grove, London SW6 1QR. Tel: (020) 7386 7711. Website: www.londonfilmacademy.co.uk

Electricians

A one year full time or two year part time City and Guilds 181 Entertainments and Theatre Electricians course is operated by the Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts of the City of Westminster College. It covers a wide range of relevant subjects such as Electrical Principles, Craft Theory, Performance Lighting, Electrical Workshops, Practical Assignments and Computer Applications.

This course originally came about as a result of an initiative between the College, The Moving Image Society (formerly BKSTS, British Kinematograph Sound and Television Society) and leading lighting contractors and programme makers led by Samuelson Lighting Ltd.

For further particulars contact: Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts, Info-Point, City of Westminster College, 25 Paddington Green, London W2 1NB. Tel: (020) 7723 8826. Fax: (020) 7258 2700. email:www.cwcac.M/fc

Training in make-up and hair

The Delamar Academy has an excellent one-year course in make-up which can lead to a One Year Certificate of

Higher Education validated by Middlesex University and therefore equivalent to the first year of a degree course. Further particulars from: Delamar Academy, The Old Church, 52A Walham Grove, London SW6 1QR. Tel: (020) 7381 0213. email: info@themake-upcentre.co.uk Website: www.themake-upcentre.co.uk

Greasepaint also run a similar course in make-up, hair and prosthetics (modelling of the face in plastics, etc). Contact: Greasepaint Ltd, 143 Northfield Avenue, London W13 9QT. Tel: (020) 8840 6000. email: info@-greasepaint.co.uk Website: www.greasepaint.co.uk

Brushstroke operate from Shepperton Studios and have 3, 4 and 9 month courses in Make-Up, Hair and High Fashion Make-Up. Contact: Brushstroke, Shepperton Film Studios, Studio Road, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 0QP. Tel: 01932 592463. Email: info@brushstroke.co.uk Website: www.brushstroke.co.uk

Short courses

For those who enter the film and television industries without any formal training from film schools, there are now a number of short courses to enable people to improve their skills in production and creative jobs and get up to date with new equipment and techniques.

They are all fee paying, so you will have to find out whether your employer is prepared to pay for you.

The majority of short courses however relate to work in video and audio recording and editing because it is here

that the technology and equipment tend to change most. As the dates and duration of each course are different each year, it is best if you contact the following organisations to find out their programmes, but although they may accept people not already working in the industries, they are broadly intended for employed people to improve their qualifications, however humble their job may be at present.

• 1.Short Course Unit, Ravensbourne College, School of Broadcasting, Walden Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5SN. Tel: (020) 8289 4900. email: short.courses@rave.ac.uk
• 2.VET Ltd, The Lux Building, 2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6US. Tel: (020) 7505 4747. Fax: (020) 7505 4800. email: training@vet.co.uk Website: www.vet.co.uk
• 3.The National Short Course Training Programme, The National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1LG. Tel: (01494) 677903

FT2

This stands for Film and Television Freelance Training the only UK wide provider of new entrant training for junior construction, production and technical grades for the freelance sector of the industry which is both industry funded and managed.

The New Entrant Technical Training Programme is a two year, full time, training programme for young people wishing to enter the industry as junior production and technical grade assistants. Apprenticeship in style, training is delivered through a sequence of production attachments across features, television drama, documentaries, commercials, corporates and promos and specially commissioned short course training delivered by recognised industry centres of excellence. All trainees work towards achievement of the Skillset NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 relevant to their grade.

Whilst on the programme, trainees receive a monthly training allowance and financial assistance with travel, child and dependent care costs where appropriate.

Areas in which training is offered

Camera Assistant/Clapper Loader, Assistant Editor, Art Department Assistant, Production Assistant, Assistant Script Supervisor, or Production Co-ordinator, Grip, Make-up/Hair Assistant, Props Assistant, Sound Assistant and Wardrobe Assistant. Researchers for factual programmes can apply to go on an 18 month course run by the Independent Researcher Training Scheme.

FT2 does not train Directors, Producers or Scriptwriters.

Selection

For training as a Make-up/Hair Assistant you must have achieved both NVQs in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy at Level 2 (or equivalent) and if you wish to train in Production you must have achieved the NVQ in Administration at Level 2, possess excellent word processing skills and a proven touch typing speed of 40wpm and an administration or secretarial qualification.

For these and the other areas, applicants must have demonstrable commitment and enthusiasm for film and television, a strong visual sense, highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and the determination and tenacity to succeed in the freelance labour market. The scheme is funded by the Skillset Freelance Training Fund and the European Social Fund and standard ESF Eligibility Criteria apply.

Application

All applications on the official FT2 Application form are considered (the closing date for applications is normally the 1st April of each year) and those that are successful at this stage are invited to an interview where their suitability for and understanding of the scheme are considered. The panel is composed of practitioners and recent graduates from the scheme. Offers of places are made starting usually in the late Summer.

Competition is fierce with usually between 40 to 60 applicants for each available place, so once more it is up to you to sell yourself as hard as possible.

Recruitment usually opens in February of each year and application forms and further background information on the scheme are downloadable from the website or by sending an A4 sae stating which position you are applying for.

Setcrafts Apprenticeship Training Scheme

In 1996, FT2, with financial support from Skillset, launched the Setcrafts Apprenticeship Training Scheme which recruited six young people seeking to establish careers as freelance carpenters, fibrous plasterers and set painters in features and commercials.

The Apprentices receive a monthly salary and are attached to a sequence of features and commercials as members of crew and undertake four week blocks of formal training at industry recognised centres of crafts training excellence acquiring the skills and knowledge to achieve the relevant grade NVQ at Level 3.

For information on FT2 and the above schemes (including entry requirements) visit FT2’s website at www.ft2.org.uk. Or write enclosing an A4 sae to: FT2 – Film and Television Freelance Training, Fourth Floor, Warwick House, 9 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LY. Tel: (020) 7734 5141. Fax: (020) 7287 9899. email: info@ft.2org.uk Website: www.ft2.org