Starting from scratch: Finding entry level positions in Film & HETV
- Jan 23, 2023
- 3 min read
If you're here, you're interested in working within film and HETV and are wondering where to start. It can be a long and sometimes disheartening journey, but I hope to offer you some advise.
I have spent the last year and a half working within the Film & HETV industry as an art department trainee and know how hard it can be for someone with no contacts to get in. I studied architecture and after graduating found it very difficult to find entry level positions in film. In this blog I'll be talking about the best places I've found to find trainee schemes and entry level opportunities in the UK.
Probably the most popular trainee scheme in the UK. Screenskills offers a year long trainee scheme with positions in a number of different departments such as Art, Production, Locations and Costume (to name a few).
Throughout the year you're offered exclusive placements on multiple productions that you can apply to, as well as lots of job support and training opportunities.
The trainee finder is extremely popular with thousands of people applying for only a hundred or so places, so there is a lot of competition. Applicants must have under a year of experience and demonstrate passion for their chosen department.
I've been on this scheme and plan to write a more detailed account of my experiences of it in the future, but I definitely recommend it!
Creative access is a company providing access to creative industry jobs at all levels. They not only offer trainee positions in Film and TV but also other creative industries such as journalism, marketing and arts.
Most of the trainee opportunities tend to be placements on specific productions such as The Great, but they also offer apprenticeships through companies like Channel 4, ITV and Sky.
My first job in film was through creative access and throughout the process they offer a lot of support such as help with your CV and a mentor. I would set up notifications to see what opportunities come up!
The Sara Putt Trainee Scheme is a professional development programme for those aspiring to work behind the camera. The scheme offers you 10 workshops providing training to help you work within the industry.
It runs once every year and you must have less than three years cumulative experience in your chosen department. If your application is successful you are required to pay a fee of £150.
I don't have personal experience with the scheme but have met others who have been successful after it's completion.
The TNC Talent Pool is a job board for crew working in the UK. It regularly offers trainee placements on productions though the department tends to vary a lot.
I've seen placements for large companies such as Netflix, so keep an eye out for any positions they post.
Filmbase is a job board for those who work in creative departments such as art, props, set dressing and graphics. In order to use it you have to sign up for membership and pay a fee. If you have less than two credits you'll be signed up for a new to industry membership which limits the amount of jobs you get.
Despite this I have seen a lot of great opportunities come up, mostly for positions as an art department assistant. They also do regular webinars offering knowledge on specific departments. The fee is only £20 per year and I feel like if you're new to the industry it is worth it.
Facebook Groups
There are a number of facebook groups dedicated to finding crew. The main ones that I frequent include People in TV: Runners and Art Department UK. These can be good places to find opportunities with people posting jobs regularly. You can also ask for general advice and feedback on your CV.
Some other job boards not mentioned here include Mandy, The Screenskills Job Board and Production Base. These have been recommended to me, though I haven't used them before.
I hope these sites are useful and help you in forging your own career in film and HETV. If you have any questions about the screenskills trainee finder or creative access feel free to reach out!
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