Developing Skills and Talent in the Creative Industries
Film
Discover a wealth of help and advice for navigating the creative screen industries. This comprehensive reference guide features careers advice, communities, courses, skill development, funding, jobs, and work experience. Visit Studio12’s website Opportunities Guide for current film opportunities.
Please note: Our site contains links to other websites, which Studio12 and Leeds City Council do not necessarily endorse. We cannot guarantee link functionality or control content and availability. While we aim to keep this page updated, please verify details yourself before applying for opportunities. Studio12 members needing help or advice can email studio12@leeds.gov.uk.
Careers Guidance
Want to explore screen industry roles? Visit the ScreenSkills website for job profiles. Their Job Profile Matcher can help you find your ideal entry-level role in film, TV, animation, visual effects, or games. Production Hive’s website lists film and TV careers with job descriptions and entry information. ITV’s website outlines entry-level TV production routes.
Need a portfolio to showcase your creativity? The ScreenSkills website gives advice on developing portfolios in Animation, Costume, Games, Sound, Visual Effects, Writing, and more.
Want to break into the screen industries? Visit the ScreenSkills website to explore study options, degrees, apprenticeships, trainee positions, and learn how to approach employers. Visit the BBC website to explore creative career options.
Want to break into the screen industries but held back by finances? Visit the ScreenSkills website to learn about bursary cash grants to help you enter or advance in the screen industries. Funds can cover expenses like training fees, accommodation, care, equipment, software, and travel.
Interested in becoming a Runner? Runners work behind the scenes doing small jobs and basic tasks to help productions run smoothly. Visit the National Careers Service website.
Interested in becoming a Producer? The Producer’s Handbook on the ScreenSkills website is a handy reference guide addressing the paperwork, jargon, and queries new producers may encounter.
Supporting Film Industry Community
British Council Film: Their website contains an opportunities page and guides on how to get your film made, screened, promoted, and more. Resources include a Short Film Toolkit and links to film archives, catalogues and organisations. You can also browse UK feature films currently in production, and recent UK short film releases.
British Film Commission (BFC). A national agency supporting and maximising international film and TV production in the UK. They offer production support, troubleshooting, guidance on tax relief and funding, and advice on regulations and permits. Visit the BFC’s website.
British Film Institute (BFI): Their website’s BFI Player is their video on-demand streaming service, showing critically acclaimed classic, cult and archive films. Thousands of titles from their National Archive are available online for you to watch for free. You can also explore BFI film releases and BFI learning / training opportunities. Also the Insight Producer’s Toolkit contains filmed recordings, helpful advice and useful links for emerging producers heading towards their debut feature or long-form work.
Creative England: We are the first port of call for productions looking to film in England, outside of London. Funded by the BFI, our national team offer free comprehensive production support to feature film and high-end TV. We are on hand to help at every stage of production, from early feasibility to post. Visit Creative England’s website.
Film & TV Charity: If you work in film, TV, or cinema, we support your mental and physical health needs with services like counselling and a 24/7 confidential support line. Visit the Film and TV website for help with bullying, mental wellbeing, legal advice, and career development.
Film Hub North: Visit their website for a range of filmmaker resources including archives, and guides on sourcing producers or agents and producing short films.
Imperial Personal Management (IPM): Based in Leeds, they offer casting services for both small and big projects. They also have a casting studio available to hire in Kirkstall. Visit IPM’s website.
New Monday: A Leeds community initiative for all creatives, especially those in digital, TV, and film. We host free monthly breakfast, networking, and speaker sessions. Visit The New Monday’s website.
PACT: This UK screen sector trade body represents and supports independent production and distribution companies. Offering legal and business advice, they help them grow their businesses across independent TV, film, digital, children’s, and animation. Members range from one-person start-ups to international indies. Visit Pact’s website.
Provision: Visit their website to find out more about their equipment hire for film & TV. They are based on Burley Road, Leeds.
Screen Yorkshire: Based in Leeds, they propel Yorkshire’s film and TV sector. Their website fosters talent and builds a diverse screen workforce through industry training and development programs. They also offer production support for global projects including location, studio and crew.
ScreenSkills: The industry-led skills body for the screen industries, working across the UK to ensure film, television, VFX (visual effects), animation, and games have the necessary skills and talent. The ScreenSkills website offers a wealth of valuable advice and support.
Star Casting: Based in Leeds we work with Casting Directors, producers, film makers and TV companies to supply actors, supporting artists and models. The majority of our work is soaps, commercials, films, catalogues, photo shoots, promotions and voiceovers. Visit Star Casting’s website.
Variable: A filmmaker community focused on living well while pursuing creative goals. They host weekly meetings to foster connection and support. Members access a private network, original content, and events with industry professionals. Open to all experience levels. Visit Variable’s website.
Women in Film & TV (WFTV): The UK’s leading membership organisation for women in creative media. Part of an international network, they host events, an annual awards ceremony, a mid-career mentoring program, a leadership initiative, and a screenwriters’ lab. Visit WFTV’s website.
Apprenticeships & Courses
BBC Apprenticeships: All of our schemes in Leeds allow you to gain on-the-job experience, training, a salary and qualification. Visit the BBC’s website.
BFI Film Academy Short Courses: Designed to train and inspire UK filmmakers aged 16-19, these courses in Leeds and Bradford require no experience and cover all filmmaking roles. Participants create a short film and gain the NCFE Level 2 qualification “Preparing to Work in the Film Industry.” Visit the Leeds Film website.
Channel 4 Apprenticeships: New to the industry? Apprenticeships offer essential experience, a qualification, and a generous salary. Lasting 12-15 months, they’re a great alternative to university. Visit Channel 4’s website.
ITV Apprenticeships: Over a minimum 12 months you’ll learn from the best, get paid to do it, and pick up an industry-recognised qualification. If you’re made for more, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Visit ITV’s website.
ITV News Traineeship: Based in Leeds, this opportunity is ideal for aspiring journalists to launch their careers. Train over 9 months with national and regional news teams, whilst gaining multimedia skills. The program offers an annual salary of £27-£29k. Past trainees have often secured roles at ITV, both in front of and behind the camera, though permanent positions are not guaranteed. Visit ITV’s website.
Leeds City College – TV and Film BTEC Level 3: Aged 16-18? Get this qualification for free. For those 19 and over, fees apply. The program teaches technical skills, industry-standard briefs, emerging TV and film technologies, work experience, and enterprise opportunities. To apply you’ll need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English. Visit Leeds City College’s website.
National Film and Television School (NFTS) Leeds: Based at ITV’s Emmerdale Studios, NFTS Leeds offers a range of training courses, from one day sessions to nine-month diplomas across scripted and unscripted disciplines. Visit the NFTS website.
Screen Yorkshire Film & TV Craft Courses: In partnership with NFTS Leeds and ScreenSkills, they offer part-time film and TV craft courses in locally in-demand areas (roles employers in Yorkshire are looking to fill). Successful participants earn UK craft certificates, and no experience is needed. Courses typically cover grip, lighting, hair & make-up, costume and production assistant (scripted), offered in person, online, and through mentoring. Visit Screen Yorkshire’s website.
Sky Apprenticeships: Want to learn about business or coding? Our apprenticeships in Leeds let you learn and earn on the job. Business options include administration, finance, marketing, and security, while technology options cover cyber security, software development, and technology. Visit Sky’s website.
Work Experience
Note: Find additional work experience opportunities by contacting the Leeds TV & media companies listed at the bottom of this page.
Channel 4: Their website announces TV work experience opportunities in Leeds. They also offer free virtual work experience, ideal for updating your CV and exploring suitable roles.
Lime Pictures: A Liverpool based British TV production company, producing award winning drama and entertainment shows for the international market including Hollyoaks, The Only Way is Essex and Geordie Shore. Visit Lime Picture’s website.
Mama Youth: Based in London they work with partners across UK cities. They recruit and train people aged 18-25 from under-represented groups or with limited educational or employment opportunities. The training projects equip people with skills for long-term careers in TV and media. Visit Mama Youth’s website.
Shine TV: A British media company based in London and Manchester, providing four-weeks paid work experience for individuals over 21 interested in a TV career. Experience includes initial training with office runners followed by hands-on work in production or with the development team. No prior experience is necessary. Visit Shine TV’s website.
Talent Development Schemes
BBC Three Pitch: BBC Three supports northern filmmaking talent by seeking authentic stories for an audience aged 16-24. Annually, in collaboration with Sheffield Doc/Fest, new filmmakers pitch documentary ideas to BBC commissioners. The winning pitch is funded for production, and the winner joins a northern production company to develop their film. This opportunity is for experienced directors and filmmakers capable of creating compelling documentaries. Visit the BBC website.
Beyond Brontës – The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme: This part-time training program in West Yorkshire empowers individuals aged 19+ to pursue screen industry careers. It covers idea development, production, and distribution, with training in research, storytelling, editing, and on-set roles like locations and costume. The program includes masterclasses, workshops, mentorship, and focuses on CV preparation, interviews, freelancing, finance, networking, and set etiquette. Support is provided for securing entry-level employment within six months. No prior industry experience is required, making it ideal for career changers and recent graduates. Trainees have gone onto work high profile screen productions such as Bridgerton, Mission Impossible 7 and Steph’s Packed Lunch. Visit Screen Yorkshire’s website.
Channel 4 – 4Stories: This talent initiative aims to cultivate new writers and directors by championing diverse voices and untold community stories for mainstream TV. Six writers will initially be commissioned to develop treatments for an anthology series, with three progressing to scriptwriting under the guidance of experienced producers. These dramas will air on Channel 4, and the selected writers may also develop further original series concepts. Visit Channel 4’s website.
Channel 4 – Production Trainee Scheme: This annual scheme welcomes entry-level talent passionate about making TV, regardless of experience. The program starts with a week-long TV Boot Camp featuring insights from industry graduates and Commissioning Editors. Trainees work for independent production companies for 12 months, receiving support and monthly training. Applicants may have a degree in Film and TV, or less than 3 months experience (e.g. from internships or placements). Visit Channel 4’s website.
Channel 4 Content Creatives: This paid training and placement program in West Yorkshire and Manchester jumpstarts careers in creative digital media. Combining classroom learning and practical work experience, participants receive eight weeks of training in production, digital storytelling, and ideas / pitching skills, followed by a sixteen-week work placement at a creative digital organization, including Channel 4’s 4Studio. Visit Channel 4’s website.
Channel 4 Screenwriting: Screenwriting allows new talent to flourish, express their voice and bring it to a wider audience. The course involves a series of lectures from high-profile writers, producers and directors, the guidance of your own script editor, and workshops with industry professionals. You will craft an original one-hour drama or drama serial; we option your script for six months and set up a meeting with our commissioning team to discuss other opportunities to work with us. Graduates have gone on to write for Hollyoakes, Ackley Bridge, and many more. Visit Channel 4’s website.
Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards: Our partnership with Northumbria University and New Writing North will seek new storytellers through roadshows in Northern cities, connecting them with production companies. The Awards are England’s largest writing development program, discovering hundreds of talented, often unpublished, writers and supporting new work-in-progress. We’ve provided thousands of pounds in support and career-making opportunities, including publication assistance, mentoring, manuscript assessment, writing placements, retreats, and cash awards for writing time. Visit Channel 4’s website.
Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme: This program is a one-stop shop for unrepresented new writers aiming to write TV drama and earn their first writing credit. Over 8 months, participants gain skills, industry training, mentoring, and introductions to scripted drama production companies. It targets emerging writers in Bristol, Glasgow, and Leeds, fostering stories that reflect local diversity and creativity. Visit Channel 4’s website.
Screen Yorkshire Boot Camp: A free skills development scheme for aspiring film and TV industry entrants, offering an intensive 3-day Boot Camp. Open to those without film-related degrees but with a strong interest in the industry. Visit Screen Yorkshire’s website.
ShortFLIX by Creative England: This short film initiative supports aspiring filmmakers aged 18-25 not in full-time education, employment, or training (no experience is needed). It seeks creative ideas for short films to broadcast on Sky Arts, offering training, mentoring, script development, a £10k budget, and a professional crew. It focuses on underrepresented applicants with few opportunities to get started in filmmaking. Visit the ShortFLIX website.
The FLAMIN Fellowship (Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network): Film London and Arts Council England’s Fellowship supports early-career artist filmmakers in England with development and funding for innovative work. The program includes £2,500 project funding, monthly workshops on key topics, mentoring, and promotion. Each year, six artists benefit from this support, helping them achieve major exhibitions, awards, and screen at international festivals. Visit Film London’s website.
The Network by TV Festival: This free entry-level scheme for UK residents aged 18+ offers a career start in TV, running every August during the Edinburgh TV Festival. Delegates access masterclasses and workshops with industry professionals, enjoy exclusive Festival sessions, receive Edinburgh accommodation, a year of industry mentoring, and support to find paid TV jobs. Participants have worked with figures like Louis Theroux and the Eastenders team. The scheme targets behind-the-camera roles and is open to those ready to work in TV from September. Visit The Network’s website.
Awards / Funding / Pitching
British Film Council: Their website page contains a list of current funding opportunities.
British Film Institute (BFI): They use National Lottery funds to develop and support original UK filmmakers and films, and to increase the audiences who can enjoy them. They fund production, development and completion of short and feature films, in addition to distribution and exhibition. They also fund short and feature documentaries. Eligible films for short film funding can be provided with up to £15k funding. Visit BFI’s website.
Channel 4 Commissioning: Want to pitch your idea to Channel 4? The 4Producers website provides in-depth information about content and commissioning. In each genre department you will find an overview, a detailed brief outlining what that department is looking for, and a contacts list.
Channel 4 Film4 Production Fund: Film4 invests £15 million annually in developing and financing films for theatrical release in cinemas. They collaborate with filmmakers and other funders, prioritizing contemporary British-led talent or content, and only accept proposals through production companies or agents. They understand that finding representation can be difficult so the Film 4 Production website provides useful tips.
Channel 4 Indie Growth Fund: It supports UK-based indie production companies by providing funding, guidance, and strategic advice for business growth and development. With 29 investments in 18 diverse companies, including Candour Productions and Duck Soup, it partners with both startups and established indies to help them grow and prepare for eventual sale. Visit Channel 4’s website.
Creative England: They offer diverse funding and distribution support for projects of any size from shorts and features to high-end TV programmes. Visit Creative England’s website.
Creative UK: We fund script and production development, and programs for new and emerging filmmakers. We also offer support in crew and location sourcing, sales and distribution, and promoting the development of creative companies. Visit Creative UK’s website.
Cross Currents International Documentary Fund by HotDocs: They offer development and production grants of $10k – $30k for interactive, short, or feature-length films by emerging filmmakers. Recipients may also receive a Hot Docs Fellowship, which covers travel to Canada, accommodation, festival accreditation, and participation in the Emerging Filmmakers Lab. Applicants must be emerging filmmakers with three or fewer professional directing credits and must be the (co)director of the project. Visit the HotDocs website.
Doc Society: A non-profit organisation which works with other funding agencies to offer funding that enables the creation of short or feature documentaries, and connects the films to a global audience. Visit Doc Society’s website.
Film & TV Charity: If finances are a barrier, our Stop Gap Grants of £500 – £750 can assist with rent, bills, and food (not for project development or production). Grants are open to those currently working or with at least two years of recent professional experience in UK film, TV, or cinema services. The Sir Horace Ové grant offers up to £500 to Black and Global Majority film, TV, and cinema workers for opportunities, covering childcare, travel, or professional development. Eligibility criteria applies, visit the Film & TV Charity’s website for details.
Film Hub North: We provide film funding for both the exhibition and production sectors. If you’re an exhibitor, we support you with professional development initiatives to screen films. If you’re a filmmaker, we offer production funding. Visit the Film Hub North website.
Film London: They offer a wide range of funding opportunities, from working with the BFI Network to provide assistance and support for new filmmakers to working with Film Hub London to support film exhibitors. Visit Film London’s website.
Genera Films: They have funded over 50 short films (up to £5k each), that have gone on to screen in BAFTA and Oscar qualifying film festivals and launched careers of many filmmakers. They fund at any production stage and from any country in the world. Pro-members receive a free funding application to Genera Films main rounds. Non-members can apply for a one-off application fee. Visit Genera Film’s website.
ITV Commissioning: We commission brilliant programmes in a full range of genres, including entertainment formats, high-quality drama, must-watch sporting events, impactful factual and award-winning current affairs and journalism. Visit ITV’s website to find out about their commissioning areas as well as guidelines, requirements and support.
Liverpool Film Office Fund: It supports a wide range of feature film and TV content, including both scripted and factual programming, with development awards of £2,500 to £25,000. It is open to established and start-up production companies based in or around Liverpool and to out-of-region producers looking to co-produce or collaborate with Liverpool-based talent. Visit Liverpool Film Office’s website.
Netflix Commissioning: If you have an idea for a show, film, game script or screenplay or a production in development you may be curious how to get it to Netflix. To pitch to them you must work through a licensed agent, producer, manager or industry executive who already has a relationship with Netflix – visit their website.
Netflix Documentary Talent Fund: The fund has championed filmmakers from across UK and Ireland. Last year five films were selected and the filmmakers were empowered to produce a short documentary with a budget of £30,000. They also underwent bootcamp training from specialists at Netflix who coached and hosted workshops covering all aspects of production. Visit the Netflix website.
Pat Llewellyn Bursary Fund by Women in Film and TV (WFTV): The fund seeks the next compelling talent-led documentary. If you think you’ve found the next Stacey Dooley or Louis Theroux, pitch us your idea in 250 words for a chance to receive £10k and a mentor. The proposal should be suitable for a UK broadcaster and could feature documentary contributors, content makers, YouTubers, or experts. Visit WFTV’s website.
Screen Yorkshire Content Fund: Their fund provides up to £500K investment for Yorkshire TV, film, video games and digital sectors. It’s open to producers either based in Yorkshire or wishing to film or establish a base in the region. Visit Screen Yorkshire’s website.
Sky Commissioning: We commission content across all the key genres for our customers in the UK and Ireland… Factual, Arts, Entertainment, Kids, Cinema, Drama and Comedy. Visit Sky’s website.
Studio21 Script Competition: We seek pilot scripts for an international drama with global appeal and co-production potential. The winner receives £10k for development and connections with Studio21 and industry leaders. Studio21 helps form partnerships with coproducers, platforms, or channels. Twenty-one scripts are shortlisted, with six finalists presenting to key digital platform commissioners at Content London. Visit Studio 21’s website.
Together TV’s Diverse Film Fund: This funding supports diverse new talent to make documentaries about contemporary Britain. Filmmakers receive £10k for development, production, and post-production costs, along with mentorship from industry experts. Eligible applicants include those in TV, film, or video without a prior broadcast credit. Some filmmaking experience is necessary, and production companies are eligible if they lack a previous TV broadcast credit as Producer/Director. Visit Together TV’s website.
Festivals
Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF): An annual international film festival in York each November, showcasing over 400 films from global filmmakers and celebrating independent cinema. ASFF is a BAFTA qualifying festival, making screened films eligible for BAFTA consideration if shown at multiple qualifying festivals. Previous films have won awards at BAFTA, the Oscars, Sundance, and SXSW. The festival program also features industry masterclasses, networking, and panel discussions. Entry fees apply, visit ASFF’s website.
BFI Flare: The UK’s largest queer film event annually in March, screening the best in contemporary LGBTQIA+ cinema from across the globe. They accept short, mid and feature films in any genre, with deadlines usually in December. Visit BFI’s website.
BFI Future Film Festival: The annual February festival at BFI Southbank in London spans four days, featuring fiction, animation, documentary, TV, and video games. It offers young people masterclasses, workshops, and screenings from emerging filmmakers. Films must be under 10 minutes, made within the last two years by those aged 16 to 25, and can be in any genre. Visit Film Freeway’s website for details, including on low entry fees.
BFI London Film Festival: Each October the festival presents UK and international short and feature films, from both emerging and established talent. It highlights diverse cinema in various genres and styles, including fiction, documentary, animation, artists’ moving image and more. Submission deadlines are usually in June and entry fees apply. Visit BFI’s website.
British Council Film: Their website contains an extensive list of international film festivals.
British Independent Film Awards (BIFA): We nurture emerging talent, champion the independent film community, and showcase British film and talent. Most award categories are exclusively for British independent theatrical short and feature films. Submissions generally open in June, with potential for free entry. Visit BIFA’s website.
Depict Short Film Competition: This international online short film competition hosted by Encounters Film Festival is renowned for short film, animation, and VR. The festival is a gateway to the world’s most prestigious awards: the Academy Awards, BAFTAs and the European Film Awards. Entries can be 90 seconds or less, across various genres and techniques. Winners receive up to £2500 and a screening at the Festival. Explore 20 years of shorts for inspiration on our website. Entry is free, visit the Encounters website.
Fest Agent: A free film festival website including over 1900 festivals. The agency also provides services on film festival promotion, subtitling, translating, and more.
FilmFreeway: A fantastic free website for filmmakers to enter over 10,000 of the world’s best film festivals and screenplay contests, including 178 Academy Award / BAFTA Award accredited festivals.
Into Film Awards: The annual festival empowers young people aged 5-19 to express themselves through filmmaking. With ten categories, including animation and live action, it highlights young UK filmmakers. Nominees enjoy a red carpet experience at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, and winning the award can boost future film industry careers. Visit the Into Film website.
Leeds Film: With support from the BFI they deliver three annual film festivals, awarding prizes in each category. The Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) in November offers a chance to win Academy or BAFTA awards. The Leeds Young Film Festival in Easter features films suitable for children under 5 minutes. The Independent Directions Film Festival (INDIs) in Easter is free to enter for independent filmmakers aged 16-25. Visit Leeds Film’s website for information on festivals, watch past films on the iPlayer, and find year-round events.
Leeds Queer Film Festival (LQFF): The UK’s only queer DIY film festival accepts films of all lengths and genres with an LGBTQ+ theme. Submissions usually open in mid-summer and it takes place over 4 – 5 days in Spring. As we are a non-profit DIY film festival, we cannot guarantee payment but aim to give proceeds to filmmakers after the festival. Entry fees are low, visit the LQFF website.
Northern Silent Film Festival: This annual festival, held in September-October with year-round events in Yorkshire, brings live-scored films to audiences. It features global dramas, documentaries, experimental shorts, and contemporary art films, each with live improvised musical performances – making every screening unique. Visit Northern Silent’s website.
Scalarama Leeds: An annual exhibition in Leeds showcasing independent films during their Celebration of Cinema in September. Venues, film clubs, and anyone who wants to screen films are invited to unite for a month of movies. With a DIY spirit, Scalarama welcomes all film exhibitors and encourages local communal film watching – visit their website.
Screen UK: Visit their website for a list of UK film, TV, animation and games festivals curated by them.
Sensoria Festival: The UK’s annual festival of film, music, and digital media in Sheffield occurs every October. It features live performances, film screenings, and exhibitions in unique venues like drive-ins and swimming pools. Submissions are usually due in February. Their industry day SensoriaPro brings together composers, filmmakers, and industry professionals to discuss the latest innovations in music and film. Visit Sensoria’s website.
Sheffield Doc/Fest: The UK’s leading documentary festival and Industry Marketplace, held annually in June in Sheffield, showcases diverse documentary forms including film, TV, and immersive art. February submission deadlines apply. Opportunities to volunteer are available. The Industry Marketplace provides funding, sales, distribution, networking, industry talks, and pitch opportunities for all filmmakers. Visit Sheffield DocFest’s website.
Jobs
For job opportunities, visit the websites below.
- Radar Music Creatives (music videos)
Note: You may also come across job vacancies by researching the list of Leeds TV and Media Companies below.
Leeds TV and Media Companies
You may also find jobs or work experience by researching the list of websites below.
- All in Leeds (A collective of over 200 creative agencies in Leeds. You can explore the freelancer’s section to view artist profiles or to upload your own).
You might be interested in:
Address
Open Hours
[Temporary Hours 1pm - 4:30pm]
Tuesday - Friday: 1pm – 5pm
Weekends: Closed