The Film Skills Fund and Adobe Foundation announce the third Film Forward programme, aiming to support deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent (DDN) professionals in film, particularly in virtual production, post, and VFX.
- This initiative aims to enhance career opportunities for DDN mid-level professionals by offering paid placements.
- The programme collaborates with leading companies like Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore, and Molinare, providing essential industry experience and mentorship.
- It seeks to dismantle traditional barriers in the film industry, promoting inclusivity and career advancement for underrepresented groups.
- The focus is on creating a more dynamic and diverse workforce, benefiting both the industry and participants.
ScreenSkills, in partnership with the Adobe Foundation, has embarked on its third iteration of the Film Forward programme. This initiative is strategically designed to dismantle the barriers facing deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent (DDN) mid-level professionals within the film sector, with particular emphasis on virtual production, post-production, and visual effects (VFX).
According to Anita Overland, chair of the Film Skills Council, “Supporting and nurturing diverse talent across the industry is vital to its future success.” The focus of the programme is to create tangible opportunities for DDN professionals, thereby addressing the historical lack of representation in these roles and highlighting the value these individuals bring to the industry.
Building on the success of previous Film Forward programmes, the current initiative seeks to provide five DDN professionals with at least three years of experience in relevant roles with four-week paid placements. These opportunities, hosted by renowned companies such as Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore, and Molinare, are structured to offer invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Emma Turner, head of the Film Skills Fund, emphasizes the importance of targeting DDN professionals in the growing sectors of VP, post, and VFX. The programme aims to level the playing field by breaking down traditional barriers, enabling these professionals to access senior roles within the industry. “This is about levelling the playing field and breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited access,” she states.
Current research, including the BFI Diversity Standards and the Creative Diversity Network’s Diamond Report, consistently highlights the underrepresentation of DDN professionals in the film and television industries. Film Forward is a proactive step towards rectifying this disparity by fostering career paths for these underrepresented professionals.
Ultimately, Film Forward aligns with ScreenSkills’ broader commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity throughout the UK film industry. By working alongside the Adobe Foundation and leading industry companies, the programme ensures participants gain invaluable, hands-on experience, thus contributing to a more inclusive future for the screen industries.
The Film Forward programme is a significant stride towards inclusivity, providing crucial opportunities for underrepresented DDN professionals to thrive in the film industry.