Screen Yorkshire is calling for people with a passion for film and TV, to apply to Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme. Our highly successful part-time training programme is designed to build your confidence and skills and empower you to embark on a rewarding career in film & TV. You must be aged 19 or over, live in West Yorkshire, and not have participated in a Skills Connect programme before to apply. 

Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, Beyond Brontës is a Skills Connect course, brought to you by the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Whether you’re hoping to upskill for your next promotion, retrain and switch up your job, or make your very first career move, a Skills Connect course can give you the boost you need for your next step.

Since 2019, Beyond Brontës has supported over 200 trainees, many of whom have gone on to work on high profile film and TV productions, such as: Bridgerton, The Witcher, The Duke, Gentleman Jack, Jamie Johnson FC, The Railway Children Return, Mission Impossible 7, Race Around the World, All Creatures Great and Small, The Great British Sewing Bee, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Sky Peals, and Bonus Track, at high-profile factual production companies such as True North, Wise Owl Films, Candour, and broadcasters including Channel 4 and ITV. 

Successful applicants will take part in a training package showcasing the industry, from idea development, to post-production and distribution, introducing them to a wide range of roles, from research, story-telling, development, production office and editing – to on-set crew roles, working in departments like locations, costume, hair and make-up, art department, production department, script supervision, lighting, camera and sound. The training programme includes industry masterclasses and practical workshops under the guidance of industry mentors; CV and interview advice and workshops; tips on working as a freelancer, including finance and networking advice, and set etiquette training.

We will support participants with finding their first job in the screen industries with 1-2-1 skills assessments and career advice and practical help to secure entry level employment in the screen industries.

An overview of the screen industry landscape and job roles in film and TV, including:

• Understanding of entry level opportunities within film and TV
• Progression opportunities and career paths within the screen industries
• Basic set etiquette, preparing participants for entry level job roles in film and TV 
• CV and interview skills
• Increased confidence and recognition of transferable knowledge, skills and individual abilities
• Opportunities to explore a role/work area they are interested in with the help of an industry mentor
• Understanding what it means to work as a freelancer within film and TV
• Access to information about film and TV job and training opportunities and where to find them
• Access to Screen Yorkshire’s ongoing support, including trainee hub, crew service and further training opportunities

We are looking for individuals who have a true passion for working in film and TV, but you are not sure where to start. You must be aged 19 or over and live in West Yorkshire to apply and not have participated in a Skills Connect programme before.

No experience or qualifications in the film and TV industry are necessary, however, applicants must show a commitment to starting a career in the screen industries and be available to take on freelance contracts, short-term or long-term employment within 6 months after completing the course.

University graduates, or people who will soon graduate, are welcome to apply, as are people with transferable skills looking to change their career path at any life stage. We are looking for trainees who bring a diverse range of experiences to the group and we actively encourage applicants from groups who are currently underrepresented in the film and television industries. Please refer to our FAQs to find out which groups are considered underrepresented.

Our part-time 2024 training programme runs across West Yorkshire from January to May 2024. This will include an in-person Introduction Weekend on 20th and 21st January. Training sessions are designed to be accessible to those with existing commitments and will take place primarily on weekends for in person sessions or Tuesday or Thursday evenings for online sessions. Attendance at these training sessions is mandatory. Our in-person practical workshops will take place on the weekends and Saturdays of: 

• 20th and 21st January 
• 17th and 18th February 
• 9th and 10th March  
• 20th and 21st April  
• 4th and 5th May 

All dates are subject to change – a full schedule will be available at the start of the programme. Although the training aims to be comprehensive, training in specific roles and technical skills will be limited due to wide remit. 

Applications received after this date will not be considered. If for any reason you need to submit your application by an alternative method or have any other queries, then please contact training@screenyorkshire.co.uk. To apply, please complete and submit our online application form via the button below. You have the option to record or film your answers to the main questions instead of submitting them in written format. 

In the event that your are shortlisted for the programme, you will be invited to an online interview either on Monday 11th December, Tuesday 12th December, Wednesday 13th December, or Thursday 14th December.  

Successful applicants will be offered a place by the week continuing 18th December 2023 and will be expected to accept within 48 hours of the offer. We will endeavour to contact everyone who applies, however due to the number of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us by the end of December, mid-January, please assume you have not been offered a place on the course.