TV production bootcamp is back

The region’s independent TV sector is calling on creative talent to join a skills bootcamp to kickstart a career in TV.

Applications are now open for the next TV Production Bootcamp, due to start next month, for local people who would like to start a new career as a TV researcher, production co-ordinator or runner.

Create Central is working with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is funding the training, to help the region’s screen industry discover new talent, or to encourage people from other careers to switch to the TV industry.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “In the heart of the UK and the home of TV and film hits like Peaky Blinders, Man Like Mobeen, Gadget Show, Great British Menu and Small Axe, our creative sector offers a variety of rewarding careers for local people.

“Even in these difficult times when many people have sadly fallen out of work due to the pandemic, there are opportunities to retrain for a new career in the TV sector.

“Young people in particular have been badly affected by the economic impact of Covid, and Create Central’s bootcamps are a great opportunity to not just get into work, but do so in one of the region’s most exciting sectors.”

Create Central and the WMCA teamed up with Solihull College & University Centre, which provides the skills training, to launch the bootcamps earlier this year.

The bootcamp is a month-long programme followed by a work placement in one of the region’s top TV companies.

Colette Foster, CEO of Full Fat TV and Create Central member, said: “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.”

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 8 August .