FDA, Skillset launch distribution training scheme

UK industry support groups The Film Distributors’ Association (FDA) and Skillset are teaming to produce Digital Dynamics, a training scheme tailored to the UK distribution sector.

The course, designed for professionals with at least three years’ experience in the distribution sector, aims to explore the transformative impacts of ‘digital’ on film releasing and consumption and will focus on audience behaviour patterns and business sector development. It will feature a number of workshops and seminars.

Digital Dynamics, now open for applications, will take place in London in June and July 2011.

Lord Puttnam CBE, FDA President, said: “The skills and abilities of distributors, who connect filmmakers’ output with audiences, are pivotal to the success of the entire industry in the digital age. I am delighted that FDA and Skillset have partnered to launch Digital Dynamics and hope the programme bears fruit over years to come.”

Dan Simmons, acting head of film at Skillset, explained why Skillset is supporting Digital Dynamics:

“A major priority for A Bigger Picture 2 [a strategy subsidiary of the Skillset Film Fund] is helping UK film companies understand and respond to the impact of digital technologies. I am delighted that Skillset is able to support FDA’s Digital Dynamics. The scheme will not only help meet immediate training needs in the sector, but also facilitate thought leadership on emerging skills needs, which will be fed back into Skillset to help set future priorities.”