Trainees will be taught in Leeds by a wide range of successful, experienced TV industry professionals, working currently on productions. The training will consist of practical and theoretical workshops giving an overview over the basic knowledge needed to work as an art department runner or assistant. A work experience module will be included in the programme (COVID restrictions permitting), offering hands-on opportunities on film and TV productions. However, while best efforts will be made, placements cannot be guaranteed.

The course has been designed to match the specific needs of the region’s film and TV producers and employers at a time of great growth – so top employers, including ITV Studios, are actively supporting the programme.

Furthermore, Screen Yorkshire and the CoSE:Y team will deliver two ‘boot camps’ designed to prepare the trainees for the specific requirements of Art Direction & Props crew in film and TV, such as their role within a department, the way departments interact with other departments during production, set etiquette, sustainability training and preparation for freelance life (including CV and application writing, tax, invoicing and networking). They will also receive valuable Health & Safety Production Passport training including Covid-19 safety training.

• On completion of the certificate, you will:
• Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues in both prep and on location/set
• Be able to develop and maintain good working relationships during the production process
• Understand hazards and risks in the workplace and be able to evaluate and minimise risks
• Understand relevant equipment, materials and related issues
• Be able to select, prepare, organise and manage relevant equipment & materials for a shoot
• Understand the unique techniques of film and television art direction & props
• Have a developed understanding of planning, drawing, model building, props sourcing and management and set continuity
• Identify art direction needs from script to screen
• Demonstrate an awareness of production issues related to sustainability and the environment
• Be able to operate effectively as a freelance worker

Find out more about the role from Art Director Shaun Clark

No previous Film & TV qualifications are required. Applicants must have been 18+ by 31 August 2021 to be able to apply for this course. The course is entry level and is specifically targeted towards trainees who have identified the goal of establishing a career path in the Art department of Film and TV productions.

A keen interest in forging a career in production design and a willingness to acquire practical skills is essential. You may have graduated in related professions like architecture, interior design or trained as a joiner, carpenter, window dresser, furniture maker, set builder in theatre, etc. Graduates and professionals from less obvious industries are very welcome to apply as long as they can clearly demonstrate their interest in this career and if possible can show samples or tell us about plans and work they have undertaken, which can be considered as relevant to this course.

Training is an investment both for the candidate and the provider and so should only be undertaken by candidates with a clear commitment to achieving a high level of proficiency and dedication to the craft. Entrants will be 18+ and some applicants may choose to undertake this award instead of going to University. Graduates are still welcome to apply, as are people looking to change career later in life.

The qualification will be assessed on the basis of written coursework and evidence of technical understanding. Successful trainees will achieve a UK Film & Television Craft Certification for Art Direction & Props endorsed by Screen Yorkshire and ScreenSkills and recognised by film and television production and production insurers.

Applicants who will be 18 years old on 28 February 2022 will not be required to pay a fee for this course. For trainees over this age the course fee is set at £2000 however you may be eligible for bursary support covering the majority of the course fee. If you are 19+ and would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to in the main application form.

The course will run between May 9 and August 13, 2022. Trainees should note that learning commitments throughout the teaching period are part-time (3 days a week between May 25 and July 15). Full time commitment is expected during the 2 bootcamps (May 9 to 13 and June 13 to 17) and the planned work experience placement (July 18 – August 5).

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. Apply via the button below.

You may be invited to a phone/online interview between March 15 and 25. Successful applicants will be offered a place by the end of March and will be expected to accept within 3 days of the offer. We will endeavour to contact everyone before April 25, however, if you have not heard from us by then, please assume you have not been offered a place on one of the courses.

The UK film & TV craft courses are part of the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire, a ground-breaking pilot delivered by Screen Yorkshire and supported by ScreenSkills using National Lottery funds awarded by the BFI as part of the Future Film Skills programme.