Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire

Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire

Film & TV Craft Courses - Applications now closed

 

Our craft courses offer specialist craft and technical film and TV training to individuals in areas where there are specific crew skills shortages.

The courses are part of Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire (CoSE:Y), a Screen Yorkshire initiative in partnership with ScreenSkills, providing trainees with industry-recognised UK craft certificates in their chosen area of training.

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. We offer bursaries for applicants who need financial assistance with covering the fee for their chosen course.

Our six craft courses in Lighting, Hair & Make-Up, Costume, Art Direction & Props, My First Factual TV Job and Production Assistant (scripted) are taught by craft specific tutors alongside film & TV professionals, through a combination of practical training in person, 1-2-1 tutorials, and masterclasses.

 

Student showcase, University Centre Leeds: Creative Ambition Make-up course

You too can work in the film & TV industry

Whilst no experience in film & TV is necessary, training is an investment both for the candidate and the provider, so candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to achieving a high level of proficiency and dedication to the craft. The courses are specifically targeted towards trainees who want to break into film and television. We want to address under-representation within the screen industries by encouraging people to apply whatever their background.

The courses have been designed in response to increased demand for these craft skills, with each role identified by ScreenSkills as ‘in demand’ across the UK’s booming film and television industries taking into regional demand specific to Yorkshire. They provide trainees from any background with a clear pathway into the industry, developing their craft skills for the specific considerations of working within these industries.

CoSE:Y Lighting Trainees. Image: Lisa Stonehous

The lighting technician course was an excellent way for me to change career paths. Both Terry and Jenni were brilliant tutor's, I can't thank them enough. Since completing my training I’ve worked on major productions, including The Railway Children Return, Gentleman Jack, The Confessions of Frannie Langton, Wedding Season, and Funny Girl!

Lighting Technician Matt Jas (CoSE:Y trainee 2021)

I had a truly eye opening and transformative experience on my course. I was able to solidly get my foot in the door of the TV & Film industry world, and what once felt like a cold and impossible world to enter into now feels like it could hold a bright and passionate future.

Thomas Sample (CoSE:Y Art Direction & Props trainee 2022)

We were lucky to have been taught by industry specialists from various productions such as; Peaky Blinders, Marcella and Emmerdale.

Laura Carden-Raffells (CoSE:Y Hair & Make-up trainee 2020)

I’ve been overcome with delight at every stage, receiving support and encouragement and giving me a renewed vigour for life when I had lost interest in pretty much everything. I thought that was it for me but I’m 43, I’m not done yet! I just needed it teasing out of me.,

John Cooper (SoSE:Y My First Factual TV Job trainee 2022)

Studying for a craft certificate in Costume Design at Screen Yorkshire was the best step I took and jump started my career as a costume trainee in Film and TV.

Ella Johnston (CoSE:Y Costume trainee 2022)

Suranne Jones behind the scenes during the filming of Gentleman Jack series 2. Lookout Point for BBC One

No previous screen experience is necessary!

Trainees will also take part in an introduction week, further exploring the world of film and TV, such as their role within a department, set etiquette and the challenges of freelance life (including tax, invoicing and networking).

As a trainee of Screen Yorkshire, we provide a real on set experience in collaboration with Leeds MetFilm School on a large filming project at the end of your course. It will consist of a 3-day shoot in studio, with a crew, teaching you set etiquette and how to work in a professional manner. You will put into practise all the skills you have learnt throughout your duration of time training with us, providing you with the confidence to move forward with your career.

Got some questions? Read our FAQs

Who can act as my referees?

You should provide either an academic or employer reference and indicate on your application form the capacity in which you know this person.

Am I able to amend my application once it’s been submitted?

We ask that you check your application through thoroughly to make sure there are no mistakes before you submit. You cannot amend your application once it has been submitted. If you need to make changes to your telephone number, email address or living address, you can email training@screenyorkshire.co.uk and ask for these changes to be made.

Do I have to be based in Yorkshire to apply?

As long as you are UK resident and have the right to work in the UK you are eligible to apply for these courses, however please note each of the course locations and the fact that we are unable to contribute to accommodation, travel or subsistence costs. We particularly encourage applications from those who already live, work and/or study in Yorkshire, and expect those not living in Yorkshire to show commitment to working in the region.

I’m not yet 18, can I apply for one of the courses?

You can apply for our craft courses if your 18th birthday falls on or before the 6th February 2023.

I’m over 18 but can’t afford the course fees, what can I do?

If you are aged 18 by 6th February 2023 then you may be eligible for partial bursary support for part of your course fees. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to on the course page. We will not ask you to accept any offer of a place until we have confirmed the amount of bursary support you will receive. Bursaries are not available for the Hair and Make-Up course as there is no course fee for this course, apart from up to £250 material costs for the entire course. Payment plans are also available to those who pay fees.

I am already studying/have a degree. Does that make me ineligible?

No, so long as your current course of study will be completed before the start of the course you are applying for. Please make sure you are aware of any course specific minimum qualifications, you can find this information in the course outlines For example, to be eligible to apply for the Hair and Make-Up course you will need a related degree or other relevant qualification.

How long is the commitment to the course?

All courses take place between April and July 2023. Trainees should note that learning commitments throughout this period are full-time (approximately 20hrs per week), and there are no intended term breaks and full-time commitment will also be expected during the planned placements.

I’m receiving benefits. If I’m on one of the courses will this put my benefits at risk?

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/

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

We would suggest that you apply in English to the best of your ability. However, please note that all of the courses will be taught in English and require lots of interaction. Before applying we advise applicants to consider whether their language skills will enable them to engage with confidence and fully benefit from the learning.

Meet the team

  • Karen Roch

    Karen Roch, Manager - Skills Manager

    Karen has a background of 30 years in the TV and film industry within art departments, working alongside producers, directors, directors of photography and large production teams. Karen has extensive industry experience, including working with multicamera, and single camera set-ups, on big dramas through to short films, in both studio and on location environments. During her career, she has taught at many universities, whilst still honing her craft. Karen now manages delivery of our training programmes, utilising her specialist industry insight to help connect new entrants to industry experts and help shape the film, TV and screen workforce of the future.
  • Justin Gonsalves

    Justin Gonsalves - Skills Coordinator

    Justin works with Karen to deliver our training programmes, designed to connect new entrants to industry experts, helping to shape the film, TV and screen workforce of the future. Justin has a background working within the film and TV industry and utilises his experience to support trainees who are taking the first steps in their screen careers.

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