Film London has unveiled a new three-pronged programme to help grow the capital’s screen industries.
Dubbed Equal Access, the programme is calling on film, TV and post production companies to aid 150 Londoners from the Film London talent pool to move into paid roles this year.
Film London said that it wants to ensure London’s screen industries “reflect the city itself”. Equal Access is appealing to organisations actively engaging with talented individuals from under-represented communities.
The move forms part of the agency’s response to wide-ranging calls to address the rising demand for skills, as well as tackle the industry’s serious lack of diversity. It suggests companies:
· Commit to interviewing at least two candidates from the Equal Access talent pool for entry and junior-level positions
· Provide access to inspirational speakers and mentors for breakfast masterclasses and other learning events
· Work with Film London to develop and provide paid internships for new starters
· Work with Film London to develop and provide paid ‘returnships’ for talented parents and carers re-entering the industry.
Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “London’s screen industries are witnessing a golden moment, and this means there are more opportunities than ever before. Our Equal Access work seeks to capitalise on this boom but also to help sustain it, giving industry access to excellent below-the-line talent who might otherwise find themselves at a remove from the city’s studios, editing suites and post houses.
“We know that different stories, experiences and outlooks enrich the industry and the content we create, and by helping companies cast a wider net when it comes to recruitment we hope to play a part in maintaining our industry’s world-beating success. We have talent at our disposal and excellent contacts with training providers and academic institutions, so now we’re calling on even more film, TV and post-production companies to work with us to ensure London’s screen industries reflect the city itself.”
