Animation training scheme aims to boost diversity

Film London and Creative Access are to co-fund 12 entry level placements for London-based creative companies looking for new animation talent.

The initiative will fund 12 full-time training position paid at London Living Wage, providing 75% of the fee for the first six months, and 50% for six months thereafter.

The scheme seeks to address the lack of diversity across the screen industries, offering a bespoke talent search service for companies who require trainees, connecting them with up and coming, graduate-calibre individuals from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

The scheme is open to all employers working across the animation industry, from film studios and television production companies to advertising agencies.

Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Analysis by Creative Skillset shows a real lack of diversity in the production industry’s workforce, and with schemes like this we hope to ensure London’s rich, cosmopolitan make-up is better represented.

“This initiative – which is supported by the Mayor of London’s London Enterprise Panel – also bolsters our wider work to support the city’s growing animation industry by helping match the best possible candidates to the best possible trainee roles.

“This has the dual benefit of offering employers bright, fresh talent and the trainees themselves their first invaluable role in the animation sector.” 

One creative professional already benefiting from the scheme is producer Iain Harvey, who has taken on promising trainee Mohamed Orekan for a hands-on role with Illuminated Films. Orekan has been part of the team behind On Angel Wings, written by Michael Morpugo (War Horse) that screened in the UK on BBC1 at Christmas. Kaleidoscope Film Distribution secured worldwide rights (excluding UK TV) last year.

“Mohamed has been the ideal addition to our small team, working under the guidance of our art director,” said Harvey. “He has picked up everything with ease and has provided us the confidence to rely on him for animation fixes for On Angel Wings. I am just pleased to been able to give him an opportunity through the Film London/Creative Access scheme.”

Supported by the Mayor of London’s London Enterprise Panel, the project forms part of Film London’s strategy to address the lack of diverse talent entering the industry. This is based on Creative Skillset’s latest census, which reported the number of black, Asian or minority ethnic talent working in the production industries was only 5.4% in 2012, which is a fall from 6.7% in 2009 and 7.4% in 2006.

For full details of the scheme contact Bob Thompson at producing@filmlondon.org.uk or visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/animationtraineeships