Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme

Applications are now closed.

If you have a passion for film and TV but don’t know where to start, this is the training scheme for you!

Beyond Brontës is a free, part-time training initiative that aims to increase diversity in the screen industries by breaking down the barriers which can prevent young people from finding work in film and TV.

It is a training package tailored to the needs of the individual. Modules include industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorships, and tailored one-to-one support from our dedicated team. Where possible, the programme also connects with local productions and TV and film companies to offer placement opportunities.

Screen Yorkshire delivers Beyond Brontës with funding from the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s creative new deal.

Beyond Brontës trainees on set of 'Moment of Grace'. Image: Lisa Stonehouse

Screen Yorkshire works closely with a wide range of broadcasters, streaming platforms, regional production companies and industry professionals to deliver Beyond Brontës. Together, they offer their expertise to create an industry-integrated scheme, which means trainees are ready to take on their first roles in film and TV after graduating.

Previous Beyond Brontës trainees have gone on to work on high-profile TV productions including Mission Impossible 7, Bridgerton, Alma’s Not Normal, The Witcher, Gentleman Jack, The Syndicate, Anne Boleyn, Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Channel 4’s Dispatches and First Dates.

Applications are open to young people aged 18 – 30 years old, living in West Yorkshire, Young people who are interested in applying should be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment for working in the film and TV industry, but they don’t need any work experience or particular qualifications to apply. The course is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 from West Yorkshire – which includes Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. The part time training programme will run from 6th June – 14th October 2022.

Screen Yorkshire delivers Beyond Brontës with funding from the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s creative new deal.

Get in touch! For enquiries email beyondbrontes@screenyorkshire.co.uk

Beyond Brontës has been a great programme to be a part of. With workshops, placements and mentorship, it’s provided some amazing opportunities to get experience and build my network in Yorkshire. You also get so much support from coordinators as well as your peers. I’m so glad I took the leap and applied to the programme- it’s made access into the industry less daunting and made me realise that film and tv is really the industry I want to work in.

Shehzida Iqbal, Beyond Brontës: The Mayor's Screen Diversity Programme trainee on 'Birchanger Green'

Trainee Shehzida Iqbal working on set of feature film 'Birchanger Green'. Image: Lisa Stonehouse

The trainees came with a shoot ready attitude and were assets to our production from their first day with us. We loved the local knowledge they brought to the production and we have recommended each of them for further work on other productions.

Jennifer Monks, Co-Producer, feature film 'Birchanger Green'

Thinking of applying? Read our FAQs

Who can apply for Beyond Brontës?

To be eligible for the Beyond Brontës programme, you must be:

Aged between 18-30
Live in one of the following districts: Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, or Wakefield

As the programme is designed to help those facing barriers to the industry, we strongly encourage applicants from those who identify with having a protected characteristic that may be under-represented in the industry.

English isn’t my first language, can I still apply/take part?

We do not have any non-English speakers on the team currently. We would suggest that you apply in English to the best of your ability. The course will require lots of interaction, therefore we suggest applicants are confident in how they can meet these requirements and we will do our best to accommodate any specific needs where we can.

I’m receiving benefits. Will the programme affect them?

There are various benefits that can be claimed with specific regulations and rules on what might affect your benefit claim. The best way to assess your query, would be to visit your local Department of Work and Pensions or alternatively, contact them. Details for contacting your relevant claim department by telephone, can be found here: https://customerservicecontactnumber.uk/dwp/

Will I be trained in a particular field of the screen industries?

Beyond Brontës will provide various resources to help the selected cohort to gain knowledge, skills and confidence in the industry overall, in addition to supporting individuals’ tailored career interests. Where we can, we will cater to help individuals gain access and insight into their field of interest.

I’m studying at University/have a degree. Does that make me ineligible?

No - the programme intends to help those who wish to enter the screen industries. You can apply for Beyond Brontës whether or not you have a degree, regardless of whether that degree is relevant to the screen industries or not. Unless you already have an established career in the screen industries, as a freelancer or other, you can apply.

How do I know if I am under-represented in the screen industries and eligible for Beyond Brontës?

It is against the law to discriminate against someone with a protected characteristic and there are many individuals with protected characteristics who are under-represented in the screen industries. Some of these protected characteristics are: gender, race/ethnicity, social class, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, religion, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and location. These protected characteristics can intersect eg. a working-class individual with a disability. There is more information on protected characteristics here: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics Beyond Brontës intention is to redress the issue of under-representation in the screen industries by aiding under-represented individuals with protected characteristics to enter the industry. Therefore, we encourage applicants who identify with having a protected characteristic that may be under-represented in the industry to apply for the programme. If you are unsure if you are under-represented in the screen industries there is further information here: https://www.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/downloads/bfi-workforce-diversity-in-uk-screen-sector-evidence-review-2018-03.pdf (see pp. 31-39).