Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme

Applications now Open! - Application Deadline 4th December, 10am

Screen Yorkshire is looking for people from West Yorkshire (aged 19+) with a passion for film and TV to apply to Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme. The part-time training initiative has an established track record for opening doors to film and TV jobs for young people from under-represented groups in the screen industries with almost three-quarters of its trainees finding work in the creative industries as a direct result of the scheme.

The highly accessible training package is tailored to the needs of the participants, prepares young people for a wide range of jobs in film and TV, from roles at broadcasters and independent production companies – such as research, story-telling, development and editing – to on-set crew, working in departments like costume, set building, hair and make-up or lighting.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire speaks to trainees at The Hepworth in Wakefield. Image: Lisa Stonehouse

Getting young people into work in film & TV

Alumni from the training programme have secured behind the scenes roles on an impressive line up of high-profile TV and film productions including Mission Impossible 7, Bridgerton, Birchanger Green, Alma’s Not Normal, The Witcher, Gentleman Jack, The Syndicate, Anne Boleyn, Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Channel 4’s Dispatches and First Dates.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire joins trainees on Beyond Brontës: The Mayor's Screen Diversity Programme at The Hepworth. Wakefield. Image: Lisa Stonehouse

I’m a firm believer in you’ve got to see it to be it, and the success of this programme with helping so many young people from diverse backgrounds break into film and TV is absolutely fantastic. Supporting the culture and creative sector across West Yorkshire is one of my key priorities as Mayor. I am very proud to provide funding to this ground-breaking initiative that is giving fresh, diverse and upcoming talent in West Yorkshire the best chance of a rewarding career in the film and TV industries. I urge young people from across the region to take up this life changing opportunity.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

Beyond Brontës has been the opportunity of a lifetime, I have had such an amazing experience! Not only have I learnt so much with the sessions provided and the training courses I have attended but I have also been on a three month internship making films for the BBC. Beyond Brontës has provided the sort of learning I craved throughout my education. I have met such a fantastic group of people with shared interests whom I plan to keep in contact with. I am very grateful for this scheme.

Rupinder Jawanda, Beyond Brontës trainee from Bradford

Trainee Rupinder Jawanda. image: Lisa Stonehouse

Trainee Shehzida Iqbal working on set of feature film 'Birchanger Green'. Image: Lisa Stonehouse

Beyond Brontës has been a great programme to be a part of. With workshops, placements and mentorship, it’s provided some amazing opportunities to get experience and build my network in Yorkshire. You also get so much support from the team at Screen Yorkshire, as well as your peers. I’m so glad I took the leap and applied to the programme - it’s made access into the industry less daunting and made me realise that film and tv is really the industry I want to work in.

Beyond Brontës trainee Shehzida Iqbal who worked on feature film ‘Birchanger Green’

Participants receive a bespoke package of training and support to help them to prepare for a career that is suited to their personal interests and strengths. Running across five months, the course is tailored to the needs of the individual, with modules including industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorships, and one-to-one support. Internships and work experience placements are also arranged wherever feasible.

Screen Yorkshire actively encourages applications from people from the following groups that are currently under-represented in film & TV to apply: individuals of Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds, 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.

People who are interested in applying should be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment for working in the film and TV industry, but they don’t need any work experience or particular qualifications to apply. The course is open to individuals aged 19+ from West Yorkshire – which includes Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. It is free to participate in and the course structure is designed as part-time to allow flexibility around other commitments.

Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, Beyond Brontës is a Skills Connect course, brought to you by the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Whether you’re hoping to upskill for your next promotion, retrain and switch up your job, or make your very first career move, a Skills Connect course can give you the boost you need for your next step.

The deadline for applying to Beyond Brontës applications is 10am, Monday 4th December 2023, with the part time training programme running from January to May 2024.

Apply now!

Beyond Brontës: The Mayor's Screen Diversity Programme