31st October 2023

This is first in our series of articles focusing on the sectors which need your skills, and this week, it's TV and Film.

Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are seeing a boom in the film and TV world. Right now, 3,000 people are working in the industry in Bucks, and that number has grown fast in the last five years, by a whopping 41%!
Both counties are expecting even more growth. Big studios like Pinewood, Marlow and High Wycombe Stage Fifty, Shinfield Studios, and Bray Studios are expanding and planning more fantastic projects. This could mean about 17,600 more jobs in the area over the next few years. That's huge!

So, here’s where you come in. The industry needs people with specific skills, and careers that will be most in demand are:

2D & 3D Animator • Audio Visual Technician • Production Assistant • Production Manager • Assistant Director • Production Accountant • Cinematographers• Camera Operators • Grip • Costume Designer • Wardrobe • Prop Maker • Hair Stylist • Makeup and Hair Artist • Sound Technician • Video Recordist • Lighting Technician • SET Construction Technician • Storyboard Artist • Stunt Co-ordinator • Location Manager • Editor • Props • Carpenters • Electricians

If you fancy the sound of these careers, you can find out more about them at www.screenskills.com and check out the current courses available in your local college.

CURRENT COURSES 

Buckinghamshire College Group

•    Level 2, 3 (and some 4) BTECs in Creative Media Production, Make-up, Hair, Musical Performance, Music Technology, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Art & Design, Live Action and Animation
•    There are no T Levels currently but keep checking as every September new courses are introduced.

Activate Learning (Reading College, Bracknell & Wokingham College):

•    Level 2 and 3 BTECs in Creative Media Production, Hair and Make-up and Musical Performance and Production, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Art & Design, 
•    Look out for T Levels in Craft and Design, and Media, Broadcast and Production in 2024.

Windsor College Group (Stroud, Langley, Windsor)

•    Level 2 and 3 in Creative Media Production and Creative Digital Media, Digital Film & Video
•    UAL Level 4 in Artistic Media Production

Henley College

•    Level 3 Music Performance & Production, Creative Media & Production (TV & Fi

Colleges want to be more relevant by working together with employers and teachers. This includes having industry experts teach some classes, making classes mimic real-world projects (like a virtual film set!), and offering special workshops. They're also looking at ways for those under 18 to get a taste of the job world with flexible apprenticeship style opportunities.

Bucks New University

•    Undergraduate Degrees in Visual Effects, Sound Design, Music Production, SFX Props and Modelmaking, Set design, Hair & Makeup, Costume Design, Media Production, Film and TV Production, Film Production.
•    Master's programs in Filmmaking, Visualization, Wigs, Hair & Makeup, Special Effects, Music & Audio Production, Animation.

Reading University

•    Undergraduate Degrees in Film & Television, Creative writing & Film
•    Master’s programmes in Film & Creative Enterprise 

The National Film & Television School

•    Post-graduate and higher-level courses tailored for the industry. 

Apprenticeships:

•    These are generally offered by the larger broadcasting companies such as the BBC or ITV. For more information see: TV Production Apprenticeships - How to Find Placements — Amy Clarke Films

FUTURE PLANS

If you’re wondering what the future will look like for getting a job, Bucks are planning a Film & TV Skills Hub: a platform where everyone involved in film & TV (like studios, teachers, and freelancers) can connect more easily. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for learning and getting into the industry.

They’ll also be Sector Immersion Days. These are like "test drive" days where you can check out different film & TV workplaces, learn specific skills, and understand the kinds of jobs out there. 

Berkshire are developing a Screen Industry Workforce Development Partnership: This is another initiative to help employers and educators talk about skills and priorities. The Berkshire Film Office and Resource Productions have also got some serious money (£0.6 million) to help grow local talent in film-making over the next three years.

In short, both Bucks and Berks are gearing up to make the film & TV industry more accessible and exciting for you all!

For more resources see our portal section:

See Your Future...

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