Screen Yorkshire launches Beyond Brontës 2021 training programme

Beyond Brontës graduate Lia Barrett

Screen Yorkshire has opened applications for the third year of its Beyond Brontës training programme, with a call to encourage applications from young people (aged 18 – 24) whose backgrounds are not well represented in the TV and film industries.

The part-time training scheme launched in 2019 with the aim of breaking down barriers and increasing access to film and TV jobs for young people. A particular focus is people of Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, but Screen Yorkshire also hopes to attract individuals who have disability status or identify as LGBTQ+, and those who may have been prevented from accessing training and work experience due to socio-economic challenges.

In the first two years, Beyond Brontës trainees have gone on to work on high-profile TV productions including Gentleman Jack, The Syndicate, Anne Boleyn, Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Channel 4’s Dispatches and First Dates.

Adeel Amini

TV producer Adeel Amini, who was appointed to Screen Yorkshire’s board in February, said: “As someone who started in TV on a scheme, I know just how important they can be for career development. Beyond Brontës is the gold standard, and a true force in providing the screen industries with the diverse and authentic voices they need.”

In 2020, less than a quarter (22%) of applicants to the Beyond Brontës programme from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, but Screen Yorkshire aims to increase that number this year by intensifying its community outreach marketing.

The scheme comes after The Creative Diversity Network’s (CDN) Diamond 2021 ‘Fourth Cut’ report on diversity in the UK television industry found that diversity across many senior production roles is still poor, with the Beyond Brontës programme founded specifically with the aim of getting young people from minority groups into the screen industries and to help address this persistent imbalance.

Participants receive a bespoke package of training and support to help them to prepare for a career that is suited to their personal interests and strengths. Running across five months, the course is tailored to the needs of the individual, with modules including industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorships, and one-to-one support. While internships and work experience placements are also arranged wherever feasible.

Glyn Middleton, head of skills at Screen Yorkshire said: “Beyond Brontës has been incredibly successful in its first two years. However, we would really like to see more applications from groups that remain under-represented in film and TV. There is a particular shortage of trained people from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds in the industry and this programme has been designed to support those individuals.”

Henna Ravjibha

Henna Ravjibhai from Cleckheaton, who took part in Beyond Brontës 2020 commented: “In just six months, I feel so much closer to gaining a career in the film and TV industry thanks to the support of Beyond Brontës. The course is structured so that I could balance work whilst still getting the best industry training and networking experience possible. I have gained valuable contacts, industry mentors and new friends who are all on my doorstep.”

Beyond Brontës graduate Lia Barrett, from Bradford, added:“ Participating in the Beyond Brontës scheme has made my career goals – in the most uncertain year of our lives – feel like an imminent reality. I have been lucky enough to adopt a number of roles in short and feature length films, developing my professional credits under the guidance of experienced mentors.”

The course is open to individuals aged 18 to 24 from Leeds City Region (which includes Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, York, Kirklees, Calderdale, Selby, Craven, Harrogate and Barnsley) and is free to participate in.

Screen Yorkshire is working in partnership with the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to deliver Beyond Brontës with the support of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP).

The deadline for year three Beyond Brontës applications is 12 noon, Friday 7th May, 2021. To find out more information about applying, go to screenyorkshire.co.uk.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close