Talent hub
Navigating film and TV careers
If you’re hoping to start your career in the film and TV industry there are many organisations out there to help and support. Below, you'll find a curated list of national and regional organisations ready to offer invaluable support along your journey and help you navigate the essential steps to kick-start your career.
Exploring career paths
If you're eager to dive into the industry but unsure about the kinds of roles available, ScreenSkills career maps, job profiles and job profile matcher are great starting points. These tools help you understand various career trajectories, explore available roles and align your interests within the creative content sector. Conducting this research at the start can significantly assist you in identifying the most suitable path for your aspirations in the industry.
New Entrant Starter Pack
Filming in England's New Entrant Starter Pack is the perfect resource for anyone, regardless of background or experience, who wants to launch a career in film and TV. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide provides crucial advice on many things from networking tips to freelancing.
Designed to give you the confidence and knowledge needed to thrive, the Starter Pack is your essential toolkit companion. It features great resources like these helpful templates for NEW ENTRANT CV and also SOME EXPERIENCE CV - so go to the Filming in England website and get started with your pack…
Industry training programs
Embarking on a career in film and TV requires not only passion but also preparation. Fortunately, both regional and national training programs are available to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you want specialised training or broader opportunities to keep your options open, these programs are tailored to make you industry-ready.
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Create Central's Skills Accelerator, which includes bootcamps and other opportunities, provides hands-on training experiences led by industry.
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ScreenSkills is the national industry-led skills body for the screen industries – film, television (including children's, unscripted and high-end), VFX (visual effects), animation and games.
Key offerings: ScreenSkills supports talent at every level, from new entrants to programmes for mid-career professionals and executives across the industry.
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BFI NETWORK collaborates with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide short film and early feature development funding, industry-backed professional development and networking support to producers, writers and directors aged 18 and above.
Key offerings: The NETWORK brings together experts across the UK to offer talent development opportunities.
Industry support
Recognising the unique challenges that come with pursuing a career in this field, there is a growing emphasis on providing support for mental health, wellbeing and financial challenges. The industry is committed to fostering a healthy and sustainable environment for all involved.
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An independent charity for everyone behind the scenes in film, TV and cinema. Film and TV Charity collaborate with partners across the industry to drive positive impact, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of a workforce that does so much to make the UK film, TV and cinema industry one that is admired around the world.
Key offerings: Coaching and resources to help you navigate barriers and make the most of your career.
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A ScreenSkills bursary is a cash grant to remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries or progressing your career once you’re in. You can apply for money to pay for most things that relate to work and continuing professional development, such as training fees, accommodation, care, disability access costs, equipment, software and travel.
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The Royal Television Society, is an educational charity promoting the art and science of television.
From glamorous award ceremonies to lively debates, the RTS embraces all aspects of television, and is open to anyone with an interest in the medium.
Key offerings: Workshops, masterclasses, screenings, awards and careers fairs.
Crew databases
There are a number of different crew databases held by organisations that support the film and TV industry. They can be for individuals looking to promote their skills and talent for work or they can be for productions looking to source the crew for their next project.
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Production Central WM is the region’s dedicated production services agency, backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority and partnered with Create Central. It brings together everything a producer needs — locations, crew, facilities and support — into one streamlined service.
The Production Central mission is simple: to remove barriers and make the West Midlands the easiest place in the UK to produce content. From securing permits and sourcing build space to connecting you with skilled talent, they’re here to keep your production on time, on budget, and on vision.
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Filming in England is part of Creative UK Group. Filming in England is the first port of call for productions looking to film in England, outside of London. Funded by the BFI, their national team offer free comprehensive production support to feature film and high-end TV. Working alongside Film Office partners and their Regional and National networks, they are on hand to help at every stage of production, from early feasibility to post.
Key offerings: Their national, all-inclusive crew directory is the essential resource for productions looking to hire regional crew from all skills and backgrounds.
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Triforce Creative Network works with over 70 production companies and broadcasters to help them hire and crew up more inclusively. All roles, all levels and all walks of life. Whether behind the camera, in creative/production roles or in the office, a producer, a runner, a production accounts assistant or a DOP - TCN Talent Pool want to get you work.
Industry networks
Building your own network of contacts, attending industry events and getting yourself out there will help you to kick-start your career. Understand more about the existing industry networks that can help you to do that.
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Film Hub Midlands is a driving force behind film culture in the Midlands. By providing funding and training, they aim to help more people in the region watch, make, and show films.
Key offerings: They are here to nurture the Midland's new wave of filmmaking talent and to support fiction writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers with original stories to tell and inspired approaches to their craft.
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RTS Midlands - Join in the excitement!
From masterclasses, screenings and not-to-be-missed annual careers fair, to the hilariously fun Big Telly Quiz and glittering red carpet awards ceremony, each year RTS organises a fabulous calendar of events for you to attend.
Key offerings: Workshops, masterclasses, screenings, awards and careers fairs.
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Reel Brum is a network and creative hub for filmmakers of all levels based in Birmingham.
It is a network and creative hub set up for Filmmakers in Birmingham to meet, network, share ideas, create and produce. It’s aims are to foster a creative community within the city, connecting like-minded people to produce consistent, high-quality films.
Key offerings: Networking, screenings, awards, funding.
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Story Engine is grass roots, punk, supporting and showcasing the excellent talent in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands! It is all about making connections, showing broadcasters and indies where the talent is. Shining a light on new writing, working with three directors, three TV script editors, three writing teams and a new cast!
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Kick-start your career in the creative industries with the ERIC app.
Key offerings: Browse thousands of internships, bootcamps, events, training schemes, courses and more.
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BAFTA Connect is a new UK-wide tier of membership forming part of BAFTA’s ongoing mission to strengthen support for future creative leaders in the film, games and television industries.
Connect membership is open to talented emerging and mid-career professionals working within the film, games or television industries, and is offered for a three-year term.
Create Central is dedicated to ensuring that information is accessible, empowering you to embark on your journey with a sense of assurance, equipped with the knowledge and resources to turn your film and TV dreams into reality. Remember, every step forward brings you closer to achieving your goals!
Please note that not all opportunities may be currently available, follow us on social media to get the latest news.
Follow us to make sure you know when our next opportunities are open for applications!
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…
Do you want to get into the screen industries?
Trainees on BAFTA-award winning Late Night Lycett
BBC Talent Hub
The BBC has many exciting opportunities in the West Midlands. You can find out more about what they have on offer in their Talent Hub.