Film & TV Craft Courses

Applications closed on 18 January 2021

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) Leeds, Screen Yorkshire and ScreenSkills are recruiting for the second year for five craft courses that provide students with industry-recognised UK craft certificates for film and TV.

The five craft courses in lighting, grip, hair & make-up, costume and production assistant (scripted), will be delivered by NFTS, one of the leading film schools in the world, in partnership with University Centre Leeds, Keighley College and BECTU Grips and Crane Technicians Branch. Taught by craft specific tutors alongside film & TV professionals, through a combination of practical training in person, online tutorials, online masterclasses and mentoring support, from March – July 2021. A work experience module is intended to be included in the programme if COVID restrictions permit.

No previous film and TV experience is necessary, but 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 students 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.

They will be assessed by the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the relevant colleges for each course. The deadline for applications for the next cohort was 18th January 2021.

Hair and make-up artists Sophia Mascarenhas and Claire Anne Williams , former ScreenSkills Trainee Finder trainees, at work © ScreenSkills, photo by Erroll Jones

The courses have been designed by NFTS 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, particularly in Yorkshire. They provide students from any background with a clear pathway into the industry, developing their craft skills for the specific considerations of working within these industries.

The 'hands-on' part of the Grip Trainee Course was very valuable and probably the best, most beneficial training I have ever received.

Nele Wöhlk (Grip trainee, year one)

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

Laura Carden-Raffells (Hair & Make-up trainee, year one)

From networking skills to mentorship schemes, this course has massively improved my prospects of finally breaking into the film industry.

Jacob Farr (Production Assistant trainee, year one)

Want to work in film & TV? The drama you love is made by people like you!

No previous screen experience is necessary!

With the support of the NFTS, students will also take part in two ‘boot camps’ 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).

To apply for one of the courses you must be at least 18 years old on 28th February 2021. There are no course fees for students who are 18 on this date. Fees apply for those who are older but full and partial bursaries are available.

Amazing teaching and support, and contacts that I have no doubt I'll continue to use throughout my career.

Bethan Tanner (Production Assistant trainee, year one)

Networking with some of the biggest names in the world of film and TV, neither of which we’d have had access too elsewhere.

Izzy Donson (Hair & Make-up trainee, year one)

Interested in applying? Read our course outlines

AB3 BTS Nasreen Paracha (Amy-Leigh Hickman) @The Forge & all3media, (1) (1)

UK Film & TV Craft Certificate Grip

UK Film & TV Craft Certificate Costume

UK Film & TV Craft Certificate Lighting Technician

UK Film & TV Craft Certificate Production Assistant: Scripted

Hair and make-up ScreenSkills Erroll Jones (6)

UK Film & TV Craft Certificate Hair & Make-Up

Got some questions? Read our FAQs

If the answer to your question is not covered in our FAQs, please contact NFTSLeeds@nfts.co.uk.

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 directly and ask for these changes to be made.

Do I have to be based in Yorkshire to apply?

As long as you are 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.

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

You can only apply if your 18th birthday falls on or before the 28th February 2021.

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

If you are over 18 but under 19 then the course is free. If you are over 19 then you may be eligible for scholarship support for all or part of your course fees. Just tick the relevant box on the application form if you would like us to send you a link to apply for a scholarship. We will not ask you to accept any offer of a place until we have confirmed the amount of scholarship support you will receive. Scholarships are not available for the Hair and Make-Up course as the only cost is to cover materials.

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 28th February 2020. 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 run from March – July 2021. Students should note that learning commitments throughout this period are full-time (approx. 20hrs per week), and there are limited term breaks and holidays depending on placement activity.

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.

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