Applications open to Beyond Brontës 2021

Screen Yorkshire aims to boost diversity in TV and film

Applications closed at 12pm on 7th May 2021.

Screen Yorkshire has launched a new recruitment drive for its successful industry skills training programme Beyond Brontës.

The programme launched in 2019 with the aim of increasing access to film and TV jobs for young people from under-represented backgrounds. In the first two years, alumni have gone on to work on high-profile projects including Gentleman Jack, Anne Boleyn, Coronation Street, Channel 4’s Dispatches and First Dates.

Beyond Brontës is now welcoming applications for its third cohort. The programme is open to anybody between the ages of 18 and 24, with a passion for film and TV, living in Leeds City Region, which includes locations such as Bradford, Wakefield, York and Barnsley.

A particular focus is people of Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, but Screen Yorkshire is also keen to hear from individuals who have disability status or identify as LGBTQ+, and those who may have been prevented from accessing training and work experience due to socio-economic challenges.

Successful applicants will receive a bespoke training package designed to inform them about working in the screen industries and prepare them for entering the job market. The training covers a wide range of industry roles: from development to post-production, craft and technical roles such as costume and lighting, as well as roles at broadcasters and within independent production companies.

Award Winning Producer and TV Mindset Founder Adeel Amini

As someone who started in TV on a scheme, I know just how important they can be for career development. Beyond Brontës is the gold standard, and a true force in providing the screen industries with the diverse and authentic voices they need.

TV producer Adeel Amini, who was appointed to Screen Yorkshire’s board in February

The programme, running from late May to September 2021, is part-time and free to attend, and is tailored to the needs of the individual, with modules including industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorships, and tailored one-to-one support from our dedicated team.

The second cohort of the Beyond Brontës programme graduated in March 2021 with the support, input and encouragement of a wide range of broadcasters, streaming platforms, regional production companies, industry professionals and experts.

Year Two Beyond Brontës graduate Lia Barrett, from Bradford, says:“ Participating in the Beyond Brontës scheme has made my career goals – in the most uncertain year of our lives – feel like an imminent reality. I have been lucky enough to adopt a number of roles in short and feature length films, developing my professional credits under the guidance of experienced mentors.”

Lia Barrett, Year Two Beyond Brontës Graduate

Ameer Matani, Year Two Beyond Brontës Graduate

Ameer Matani, from Huddersfield, who joined the second cohort, says: “Beyond Brontës has given me the opportunity to learn from and ask questions to many individuals within the screen industries. Through them I have learnt a lot about what it takes to make TV programmes, from pre-production right through to post-production, and I have also been exposed to other opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about. I would absolutely recommend signing up.”

Developing talent to foster a skilled and diverse regional workforce is a central part of Screen Yorkshire’s growth strategy. Beyond Brontës is part of a package of regional initiatives designed to help secure continued growth in film & TV production levels across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Screen Yorkshire is working in partnership with the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to deliver Beyond Brontës with the support of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP). The programme’s Leeds City Region recruitment area encompasses: Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, York, Kirklees, Calderdale, Selby, Craven, Harrogate and Barnsley.

Applications closed at 12pm on 7th May 2021.

Apply here:

Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme (Summer 2023)