Skillset, Protagonist launch international sales training scheme

UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures will house a new film sales training scheme backed by Creative Skillset.

The scheme will see three trainees take part in paid four-month stints at the company, where they will learn about the different departments of an international sales company.

The training will include attendance at Cannes, Berlin or AFM, with travel and accommodation costs covered by training body Skillset.

As part of the pilot initiative Skillset is also backing language training for existing staff at the London-based Protagonist.

Protagonist CEO Mike Goodridge said: “The sales and distribution sector traditionally has very few formal training initiatives, yet a sales company in 2014 is key to the independent film sector. This programme will allow an industry trainee to immerse himself or herself in the nuts and bolts of sales and distribution, as well as development, acquisition, finance and marketing.”

Dan Simmons, head of film at Creative Skillset added: “We hope to roll out this initiative by supporting a consortium of film business companies in taking on interns in the future”.

Applications are now open for the training scheme which is due to get underway next month. Applicants should visit www.protagonistpictures.com

Protagonist’s Testament of Youth got underway in the UK earlier this week.

Cast includes Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Taron Egerton, Colin Morgan, Dominic West, Emily Watson, Joanna Scanlan, Hayley Atwell, Jonathan Bailey, Alexandra Roach and Anna Chancellor.