Our bootcamps
Create Central bootcamps have been developed as an alternative training model to address industry feedback. Through Create Central industry can identify real and ‘live’ skills gaps within regional screen businesses and work with training providers to rapidly develop bootcamps to directly address these gaps.
Scripted Drama Bootcamp
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) allocated funding to work with Create Central to develop these pilots bootcamps, with the long-term aim of creating an industry-led model for future skills programmes.
Our bootcamps generally run for 6-12 weeks, with participants getting as real-life industry experience as possible, including working to live industry briefs and, where possible, undertaking placement on a TV or film production in West Midlands.
Create Central collaborates with national providers to create opportunities and careers pathways for ‘campers. Each sub-sector bootcamp is tailored specifically to industry needs, so will differ in content, form and outcome.
Recruitment for the bootcamps has a strong focus on democratising access for disadvantaged and excluded groups, as well as support for those who need a ‘career pivot’ or wish to join the growing ‘gig/start-up’ economy.
‘Campers on the TV Production Bootcamp
For example, the TV Production Bootcamp pilot was created to help the region’s screen industry discover new talent and to support local people to start a career as a TV researcher, production co-ordinator or runner.
Create Central members who work in TV helped to shape bootcamp content and provided real-life work experience for existing gaps in their businesses. Eleven of the 12 ‘campers from the pilot have worked regularly in the industry since.
“The bootcamps scheme has turned out even better than any of us had hoped. With the film and television industry opening up again, we want to keep the momentum of getting people into the industry and giving them opportunities to stay in the industry, because the TV industry needs great people, and we want great people working with us.”
Each bootcamp within the pilot was managed on the principles of ‘design thinking’. At every stage Create Central evaluated and evolved the model before moving to the next stage of the process.
With the bootcamp pilots successfully concluded, and the delivery model and partnerships working effectively, the WMCA has decided to increase the number of bootcamps it will fund.
‘Campers in the classroom on the TV Production Bootcamp
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Do you want to get into the screen industries?
Yen Yau is a founder member of Create Central and screen industries professional with over 20 years experience. Her passion is supporting new entrants who want to work in the film and television industries. She has some great advice for getting your career started…