We understand that a skilled local crew base is essential to the success of any filming region. That’s why we are committed to championing and supporting the regional film and TV workforce here in Bristol and the West of England. We also believe that careers in this fast-developing sector should be open to all, particularly those who are not well represented in the industry.

Here are some of the key ways we support skills development and the next generation of production talent.

Are you a community organisation/practitioner with events experience? Want to help us promote our future plans to local talent?

As part of our ongoing work to help diversify the Film/TV Industry across the West of England and make it more representative of the communities that live here, Bristol City Council’s Film Services are looking for Community Advisors to help us launch the next phase of our programme.

We are offering community groups/practitioners awards of £2,000 to host an event in their community which will attract audiences from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the Film and TV industry;

-Disabled people (including those with a longstanding physical or mental condition and those identifying as D/deaf or neurodiverse)

-People from the Global Majority, women

-People who identify as LGBTQ+

-People from a working-class background

-Asylum seekers/refugees

-Carers/care leavers.

Events must take place in March 2025, welcome at least 50 attendees and incorporate a section highlighting our programme plans.

To apply, please complete this form by midday on January 24th 2025.

For more guidance you can download a guidance document here.

During 2024 we launched the West of England Film & High-End TV Workforce Development Programme, our flagship industry-focussed training scheme, designed to designed equip people from the region with the skills to become ‘set-ready’ for careers in scripted film and TV production. Find out more about this project here.

Since 2018, boomsatsuma have delivered a Film & Television Diploma based in their classroom on site here at the Studios. Find out more about the opportunity to study on site here.

We also work closely with other education providers including UWE Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol Film School, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, City of Bristol College, South Bristol Skills Academy and Knowle West Media Centre.

We regularly attend local careers fairs, education and employment events to share information about the regional film and TV industry and the types of production careers that are increasingly available to residents in the West of England. We have also collaborated with national partners like the BBC’s Bring the Drama to host local events designed to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

If you’d like to find out more about our Industry and Community Outreach work, email us at bottleyardskills@bristol.gov.uk.