Pinewood, BFI launch paid internships

A new joint programme has been launched by Pinewood Studios and the British Film Institute (BFI) to support skills development for interns in film production.

The programme is intended to help grow and develop new film talent and provide opportunities for people wanting to work in the film industry.

The joint initiative will ensure productions financed by Pinewood and the BFI take on paid trainees across a number of departments, depending on the size and scale of the film.

The organisations will also work with industry partners to source interns/trainees from across the UK and from a diverse range of backgrounds to learn a range of disciplines from craft and technical skills to production services.

The next step will be for the organisations to appoint an industry body to administer the placements.

Launching the new scheme on a visit to Pinewood Studios, culture secretary Maria Miller said: “The government recognises that developing skills and training are essential if the UK is to keep its leading place in world film. I am delighted that Pinewood is supporting our ambitions in this area with this initiative.”

Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI said: “A major focus of the BFI’s forward vision for UK film is about identifying and developing emerging talent and supporting the next generation on who we will depend for a vibrant industry and culture in the future. It’s great to be coming together with Pinewood to emphasise this joint commitment.”

Andrew M. Smith of Pinewood Studios said: “As Pinewood continues to progress its work in film financing it seems right that we take this step today with the BFI to ensure that skills development and training is at the heart of everything we do.

“Supporting those with aspirations to get that all important first step and providing opportunities for them to develop and progress their careers in what can often be a tough industry to crack is an exciting step forward for us. The BFI shares Pinewood’s passion for skills development and we are excited that by joining forces we can leverage our reputations and work with productions to embed this good practice.”

Pinewood and the BFI have co-invested in four films to date: Last Passenger, Belle, Our Robot Overlords and Posh.