Screen Yorkshire is calling for people with a passion for the screen industries (Film, TV, VFX, Virtual Production, Animation and Games) to apply to Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme. Our highly successful part-time training programme is designed to build your confidence and skills and empower you to embark on a rewarding career in the screen industries. You must be aged 19 or over, live in West Yorkshire, and not have participated in a Skills Connect programme before to apply. 

Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, Beyond Brontës is a Skills Connect course, brought to you by the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin 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.

Since 2019, Beyond Brontës has supported over 200 trainees, many of whom have gone on to work on high profile screen productions, such as: Bridgerton, The Witcher, The Duke, Gentleman Jack, Jamie Johnson FC, The Railway Children Return, Mission Impossible 7, Race Around the World, All Creatures Great and Small, The Great British Sewing Bee, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Sky Peals, and Bonus Track, at high-profile factual production companies such as True North, Wise Owl Films, Candour, and broadcasters including Channel 4 and ITV. 

Successful applicants will take part in a training package showcasing the industry, from idea development, to post-production and distribution, introducing them to a wide range of roles, from research, story-telling, development, production office and editing – to on-set crew roles, working in departments like locations, costume, hair and make-up, art department, production department, script supervision, lighting, camera and sound. The training programme includes industry masterclasses and practical workshops under the guidance of industry mentors; CV and interview advice and workshops; tips on working as a freelancer, including finance and networking advice, and set etiquette training.

We will support participants with finding their first job in the screen industries with 1-2-1 skills assessments and career advice and practical help to secure entry level employment in the screen industries.

An overview of the screen industry landscape and job roles in the screen industries, including:

• Understanding of entry level opportunities within the screen industries, including Film, TV, VFX,
  Virtual Production, Animation and Games
• Progression opportunities and career paths within the screen industries
• Basic set etiquette, preparing participants for entry level job roles in the screen industries
• CV and interview skills
• Increased confidence and recognition of transferable knowledge, skills and individual abilities
• Opportunities to explore a role/work area they are interested in with the help of an industry mentor
• Understanding what it means to work as a freelancer within the screen industries
• Access to information about screen industries job and training opportunities and where to find them
• Access to Screen Yorkshire’s ongoing support, including trainee hub, crew service and further training opportunities

We are looking for individuals who have a true passion for working in the screen industries (including Film, TV, VFX,
Virtual Production, Animation and Games), but you are not sure where to start. You must be aged 19 or over and live in West Yorkshire to apply and not have participated in a Skills Connect programme before.

No experience or qualifications in the screen industries are necessary, however, applicants must show a commitment to starting a career in the screen industries and be available to take on freelance contracts, short-term or long-term employment within 6 months after completing the course.

University graduates, or people who will soon graduate, are welcome to apply, as are people with transferable skills looking to change their career path at any life stage. We are looking for trainees who bring a diverse range of experiences to the group and we actively encourage applicants from groups who are currently underrepresented in the film and television industries. Please refer to our FAQs to find out which groups are considered underrepresented.

Our part-time 2024 training programme runs for 6 weeks across West Yorkshire during July and August 2024. This will include an in-person Bootcamp on 1st, 2nd and 3rd July to introduce you to the programme. Attendance at both the in-person Bootcamp and practical workshops below is mandatory. Our in-person practical workshops will take place on:

• 8th, 9th and 10th July
• 15th, 16th and 17th July 
• 22nd, 23rd and 24th July 
• 5th, 6th and 7th August  
• 19th, 20th and 21st August

All dates are subject to change – a full schedule will be available at the start of the programme. Although the training aims to be comprehensive, training in specific roles and technical skills will be limited due to wide remit. 

To apply, please complete and submit our online application form here. You have the option to record or film your answers to the main questions instead of submitting them in written format.   

In the event that you are shortlisted for the programme, you will be invited to an online interview sometime between 20th May and 7th June.  

Successful applicants will be offered a place by the week beginning 10th June and will be expected to accept within 48 hours of the offer. We will endeavour to contact everyone who applies, however due to the number of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us by the end of June, please assume you have not been offered a place on the course.