Plans to set up a screen production hub in Blackburn with Darwen have been unveiled by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in partnership with local industry stakeholders. Spearheading this £750,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) project, UCLan aims to train the next generation of television and film production staff to meet growing industry demands.
The Blackburn with Darwen Screen Strategy is set to equip young individuals with the necessary skills in scripted film and high-end television production, facilitating their connection to the broader industry and supporting long-term growth. Despite industry challenges, such as the recent Hollywood strikes, the UK film industry is on the brink of significant expansion. This growth is highlighted by Disney’s recent announcement of a $5bn investment in UK and European film production, which promises new opportunities and jobs across the sector.
Paresh Parmar, Associate Dean for the School of Arts and Media at UCLan, emphasised the importance of local connectivity to the wider industry and providing local talent with skills in leading technologies and workflows. “With the demand for content growing, there aren’t enough people with the relevant production skills to keep up,” he stated. “This programme not only provides technical skills but also prepares students for real-world challenges, getting them ready to connect to the broader industry.”
Initially focusing on Blackburn, supported by UCLan’s facilities in Preston, the programme will cater to school-age education, further education, and higher education sectors. It will establish a screen production talent and skills hub, termed the Step Up Hub, aimed at creating a thriving screen production cluster in Blackburn with Darwen.
The Blackburn Youth Zone will introduce those under 16 to careers in the media industry, while Blackburn College and UCLan students will work on joint projects supported by work placements at Film Buddy and Pixeleyed Pictures. Additionally, MR Helix will provide emerging talent in Lancashire with access and placements at Pinewood Studios. This partnership includes support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, offering industry insight and experience, as well as understanding the role of leading technologies and engineering in film production.
The initiative began when Pixeleyed Pictures, in consultation with Blackburn with Darwen Council, identified the need for a comprehensive long-term screen strategy for the region, previously overlooked in the BFI skills cluster. Nina Karwalska from Pixeleyed remarked, “The Futures in Film Academy has provided training to students from Blackburn College and UCLan, enabling them to gain industry knowledge and on-set experience. Some students have secured placements on major productions like the upcoming BBC’s Wolf Hall series 2, Paramount+’s Curfew, and Knives Out 3. Our technical production training ensures that we meet the stringent requirements of respected industry bodies.”
Rizwan Wadan from MR Helix pointed out, “There is little awareness of the role of engineering and technology in the HETV Drama and Film industry. We’re working closely with our industry partners and the fellows at the Royal Academy of Engineering to provide invaluable industry knowledge, access to leading technologies, and establish technical innovation hubs. Our technical training, developed with direct input from industry partners and supporters, will create vital connections and gateways into the Film and TV industry.”
Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, highlighted the council’s forward-thinking approach, using strong partnerships to create exciting opportunities. “We look forward to seeing this scheme develop – building on the success we saw with the pilot project.”
Richard McKenny, Curriculum Manager for Film and Television Production at Blackburn College, commented, “This is an incredible opportunity and a chance to shine a spotlight on the amazingly talented young people that our county produces. It opens the door to higher levels of training that will give them industry-leading skills, putting them ahead of their competition while providing opportunities to retain talent within the town.”
This initiative marks a significant step towards building a skilled workforce in Blackburn with Darwen, poised to contribute to the burgeoning UK film and television industry.