NEWS

Last week, we kicked off the third round of the West of England Film and High-End TV Workforce Development Programme, by welcoming 30 eager applicants to The Bottle Yard Studios for an Industry Induction Day on 31st October.

Part of the Studio’s commitment to nurturing new, local talent and fostering career growth in the film and TV industry, the Programme is designed to give aspiring professionals hands-on exposure and knowledge about the ins and outs of production work.

The 30 selected participants, each with their own unique story and ambitions, experienced a full and inspiring day giving them the opportunity to learn, connect and discover new pathways into the industry.

18 of the applicants have since been selected to move forwards to undertake the full training programme, delivered by local industry professionals, Matt Gras and Cara Bamford of Stepping Up.

A day of learning and networking

The Industry Induction Day immersed the applicants in the vibrant professional environment of The Bottle Yard Studios, which is a cornerstone of high-end TV and film production activity in the region. The day’s schedule included:

• Networking: Participants met and connected with different members of both The Bottle Yard Studios and Bristol Film Office teams, giving them first hand insights into the Studio’s operations and the work involved in supporting filming on location in the city. This chance to engage with experienced professionals helps new entrants start building connections and skills.
• Studio tour: A guided tour of the Studio’s main site introduced participants to the different spaces and facilities that are used by film and High-End TV productions. From stages to specialised workspaces, the tour offered a look into the dynamic settings that make up the studios, helping applicants envision where they could one day contribute to future projects.
• Industry insights: During an industry talk, participants learnt more about the regional production landscape, the structure of the film and TV industry and realities of working within it, as well as hearing from a seasoned professional who shared their experiences, challenges, and insights about working in film and television. This gave attendees a realistic introduction to understand the industry and the skills needed to thrive.

Empowering the next generation

Delivered by the Studios and its partners Bristol UNESCO City of Film and Bristol Film Office, the Workforce Development Programme is tailored to create a welcoming entry point for those looking to make their way in the industry, especially for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. The initiative aims to level the playing field, offering resources and support to help new talents develop the confidence and skills to succeed in the film and television world.

Each round of the Programme is carefully crafted to provide practical, hands-on experience and guidance in navigating the industry. The goal is not just to develop skills, but to empower and equip participants with a solid foundation that can help them establish lasting careers in an ever-evolving industry.

Supporting a growing creative hub

As the largest Studio in the West of England, one of the UK’s key production hubs, The Bottle Yard Studios plays a pivotal role in supporting and growing the local creative economy. Programmes like these underscore the Studio’s dedication to shaping the industry’s future by nurturing talent that reflects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Looking ahead

With Round 3 now in motion, the 18 participants selected to progress to the full training course will engage in a series of workshops that will further expand their skills and readiness for work in High-End TV and film production.

As the Programme continues, we look forward to seeing these new talents making their own mark, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive industry.

If you missed out on this round, keep an eye out for future opportunities by following The Bottle Yard Studios on social media (via the links in our website footer).  

This Programme is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Mayoral Priority Skills Fund which provides flexible grants to meet current priority skills gaps in the region. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.