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
What our ‘campers say about their experience
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Chelsea, was one of our fantastic ‘campers working on the live broadcast of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as part of our partnership with Sunset+Vine, the leading sports television production company and Host Broadcaster.
"I was working as a Live Gallery PA on the Bham2022 Commonwealth Games Athletics events. I was part of the Field B mixer team, which covered the Opening Ceremony, long jump events and shot-put events.
By the morning of my first day of the Athletics events, I felt comfortable and confident that I was ready. I had found my groove, and by the end of the long day, my Team was impressed with how at ease, confident and proactive I had been throughout an incredible evening of sport.
I know this is only the beginning of my career as a Live Gallery PA and I’m really happy that we were put right in the thick of it, because we can’t really learn until we do it!"
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Another Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games ‘camper, Ahmed worked as a vision mixer at the NEC, helping to bring badminton, table tennis and netball onto viewers’ television screens.
“I was so pleased when I was offered the vision mixer role as it was one of the jobs I wanted to do. I was based in the gallery, working with the director and the VT operators making sure that viewers see the right action at the right time. It’s a job that needs 100% attention because if you’re too late to get to a good bit of action, you’ve missed it entirely. It kept me on my toes, but I’m really excited to be part of this massive sporting event. Having this opportunity and being able to put it on my CV is priceless and I hope it will help me to be offered a job in TV, whether with Sunset+Vine or with another broadcaster, but I had no doubt it would be an unforgettable experience.”
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Ethan is a ‘camper from the Create Central, WMCA and University of Birmingham Scripted Drama Bootcamp. He had the opportunity to take up placements on This Town (from Steven Knight/Kudos), The Letter (from Justin Edgar/104 Films) and an invitation to shadow on Phoenix Rise (BBC) in Coventry.
Ethan said about his experience at 104 Films, "My time on set was really amazing. It was really interesting to see the adaptations made to cater towards deaf colleagues on set and was really heartwarming to see that the industry has a place for disabled people, which as a full time wheelchair user myself, was great to see. I was able to ask questions and network while I also got more on set experience which will be invaluable for my future career. Hopefully, this will lead to future work between myself and 104 Films as they are one of the pioneers of getting people with disabilities into an industry that can sometimes feel inaccessible to us. I cannot thank Justin and the 104 team enough for welcoming me on set and giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity to work with them."
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Simone is another ‘camper from the Create Central, WMCA and University of Birmingham Scripted Drama Bootcamp. She has a keen interest in the costume department and had a chance for a three-week placement on This Town (from Steven Knight/Kudos).
“Overall, I had a really great experience during my placement on This Town. The crew in each department I went to was always extremely friendly and open to answering questions about their experiences and routes into the industry. I think three weeks is a really good period of time for a placement, as it allows you to spend time in the department you’re really interested in and also visit other departments to get a really rounded overview of what goes into a production. It was such an invaluable opportunity and I hope placements like this continue in the future.”
Simone went on to work on the show as a paid costume trainee until the end of season one and has also worked on the whole production of six-part drama, Joan (from ITVX and Snowed-In Productions) as a costume trainee.
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Sador is a ‘camper from the TV Production Bootcamp from Create Central, WMCA and Solihull College & University Centre.
"My time spent at Create Central’s TV Production Bootcamp over the summer was the best decision I could have made in elevating my career. It was invaluable in helping me get a better understanding of what is needed to get a job in the creative sector, and I would highly recommend anyone starting out to give it a go.
Tips on CV writing, how to pitch yourself and guest masterclasses were a few of the activities offered during the Bootcamp.
Everyone was encouraged to help one another and network, even after the Bootcamp has finished. It’s testament to how much the Bootcamp cares about their ‘campers, as the advice and guidance provided extends way beyond the classroom.
And, thanks to the wonderful team at the Bootcamp, one month later after completing the course, I managed to secure a trainee position working within the camera department in the Kudos production This Town shooting here in my hometown of Birmingham."
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Do you want to get into the screen industries?
Yen Yau is a Create Central Member 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…