Aspiring filmmakers join new training programme at Bray Studios

Bray Film Studios is hosting a new training programme for aspiring filmmakers this week.

The Studios teamed up with Screen Berkshire, an initiative launched by Slough-based Resource Productions, to help 15 jobseekers break into the world of film.

Bray Film Studios is matching part of the BFI funding to help new and underrepresented entrants find and train for roles in the film and TV industry.

Lesley-Anne Macfarlane, covering head of production at Resource Productions, is co-ordinating the training with the Job Centre and Bray Film Studios.

She said: “We are fortunate to have such a prestigious studio in the borough which is willing to facilitate and help fund these sessions. I live in RBWM, and I am passionate about film and TV, so bringing in the next generation (of all ages) of potential film crew is very exciting.

“I am delighted to be returning to the studios for our second training course. The first workshop, also part of a SWAP skills Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) programme, for a cohort of unemployed Berkshire residents took place at Bray last June’’.

The six-day Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) will cover the different behind-the-scenes jobs with talks by industry professionals and guidance on how to progress into jobs.

Bray Studios director Linda Teare said: “We’ve teamed up with Resource Productions to support employment and training opportunities for residents.

“We’re delighted to be hosting these training sessions at the studios, in the heart of RBWM, and through our match funding creating training and employment opportunities to make the industry more accessible for local people of all backgrounds.”

The SWAP is organised by Resource Productions in conjunction with the Job Centre and the Screen Berkshire cluster which is led by Resource Productions CIC, University of Reading, Shinfield Studios, Bedlam Film Productions and the Berkshire Film Office.

Screen Berkshire was set up to deliver £600,000 in National Lottery Funding from the British Film Institute and the initiative is a bridge between residents, freelance crew, training providers, studios, suppliers and content producers.

Resource Productions CEO Dominique Unsworth MBE said: “Berkshire is at the heart of Britain’s booming film and TV industry and is already home to world-class studios and crew.

“The Bray Film Studios funding will support the provision of job coaches to placement providers, a job-matching service to assist Berkshire-based freelancers and one-to-one job coaching and/or job-matching for any RBWM resident via Resource Productions.

“We are focused on providing opportunities for Berkshire people of all backgrounds to train or update their skills, to help match the continued high demand for skilled crew. A more diverse production staff, and a broader pipeline of technical and creative talent, are crucial to the future of the industry.

“Through Screen Berkshire, we have the plan, and Bray Film Studios funding and support will help us to achieve it.”