Creative Skillset has now opened its first call for funding for training as part of its new Film Skills Strategy.

The first funding round offers £750,000 to both organisations and individuals, with the latter able to apply for up to 80% to the costs of training for a maximum of £800 in areas of skills shortages such as craft and technical and health and safety. International scholarships are also available.

The applications are due by July 18 for organisations, which can offer subsidized training in the initial priority areas of production management, VFX, career and business acceleration, digital content and audience choice and creative talent development.

Creative Skillset is also launching two new funding schemes for organisations worth £400,000 for the year – Emerging Needs and Innovation. £150,000 will be available in this first round.

The funding is part of Creative Skillset’s new four-year Film Skills Strategy, which runs through 2017. The organisation’s film work is funded by the BFI with National Lottery funds and through Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund (SIF) which includes contributions from productions filmed in the UK.

The aims of the strategy are to:

  • Create jobs by supporting new entrants into the sector
  • Strength the skills base of existing professionals
  • Build skills for the future to support the sector to adapt and innovate
  • Ensure world class film education

Dinah Caine [pictured], CEO of Creative Skillset, said: “The new film skills strategy will support the development of people and businesses across the film industry, encouraging greater cultural diversity and driving growth.  We are delighted to be working in partnership with the BFI to support delivery of Film Forever and I am pleased to open this first funding round, with more to follow throughout the year.”

Tim Cagney, Deputy CEO of the BFI, added: “The UK has a superb reputation as a global hub for film production with top-class crews, technical expertise and facilities. Investment in skills and business development is essential to maintaining and building that reputation and helping us to drive further growth in this vital UK industry, so we’re delighted that the BFI’s significant investment in the new Skills Strategy will be delivered through our strategic partnership with Creative Skillset to help us future-proof UK film.”

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