Training scheme launched for UK location crew

A recruitment drive, designed to train a new generation of skilled assistant location managers, has been launched.

The Production Guild of Great Britain has provided the opportunity for 30 locations assistants and runners to be trained and mentored by top location managers in film and TV. The scheme is designed to meet the growing need for more experienced location department crew working in film and high-end television production.

Alison Small, chief executive of The Production Guild, commented: “Location teams pave the way for a well-managed and smooth productions and play a key role in ensuring the UK film and television production sector maintains its competitive edge and excellent delivery.

“With the new UK tax reliefs for high-end television production and the extension to the UK film tax relief, we are confident that we will be seeing growing employment opportunities in production.”

Managed by location manager Harriet Lawrence, the scheme is heavily subsidised by Creative Skillset and will see two schemes run concurrently in the South East and in Scotland from Sept 2014 to March 2015, delivered over seven weekends.

Lawrence said: “The location team is at the forefront of a shoot and enables all departments on a production to work effectively so it is essential that UK location departments are at the top of their game in this growing and vibrant industry. I am delighted to run this course for the Production Guild because it will be the most comprehensive training scheme for assistants and runners.”

Tutors and mentors for the scheme include Emma Pill, James Grant, Bill Darby, Martin Joy, Camilla Stephenson, Alex Gladstone, Antonia Grant, Jonah Coombes and Michael Harm.

“We are pleased to invest in this training and development so that location teams across the UK can continue to be the best in UK production,” added Dan Simmons, head of film, Creative Skillset.

Further details on the scheme can be found on its official website and closing date for applications is June 27 for the South East and Aug 8 for Scotland.