Written by Joe Jackson on Oct 28, 2021. Posted in General Interest

Applications now open for Mayor of West Yorkshire's Beyond Brontës scheme  

Screen Yorkshire is relaunching its successful Beyond Brontës programme, thanks to funding from the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s creative new deal. The accessible training initiative launched in 2019 and aims to break down barriers in the film and television industry for young people from under-represented groups.

 

"I'm delighted that we can continue the amazing success story of Beyond Brontës with the support of the Mayor,” declares Glyn Middleton, Head of Skills & Industry Engagement at Screen Yorkshire. “It's an ambitious and pioneering diversity programme, which is helping to change the face of the TV and Film industries in Yorkshire and to enhance our reputation as the best place to produce outstanding productions in the UK".

 

 

Beyond Brontës is a free and part-time initiative, providing life-changing career opportunities for trainees. It prepare young people for a wide range of jobs in film and TV, from roles at with broadcasters and independent production companies – such as those in research, story-telling, development and editing – to on-set crew, working in departments like costume, set building, hair and make-up or lighting.

 

Participants receive a bespoke package of training and support, helping them to prepare for a career that is suited to their personal interests and strengths. Running across five months, course modules include: industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorships, and one-to-one support. Internships and work experience placements are also arranged wherever feasible.

 

Tracey Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, has pledged support to extend the successful programme after funding came to an end this year. Relaunching as Beyond Brontës: The Mayor's Screen Diversity Programme, the scheme is built around the needs of the individual, with a focus on training young people from under-represented groups in West Yorkshire and coaching them to find work across a range of job roles in film and television.

 

 

“I'm incredibly proud of our thriving screen industries, but it can be unfairly challenging for young people to break into film and TV, with many assuming careers in the industry are out of their reach,” says Brabin. ‘’Through Beyond Brontës, Screen Yorkshire has provided more than a hundred young people with the opportunity to find paid work in the industry on major productions like ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Bridgerton’. Funding through my creative new deal will ensure that this ground-breaking initiative can continue its great work, giving fresh, diverse and upcoming talent in West Yorkshire the best chance of a rewarding career in the film and TV industries.”

 

Screen Yorkshire is encouraging applications from the following groups of young people who are underrepresented in the industry:

• Individuals of Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds,
• Individuals who have disability status or identify as LGBTQ+,
• Individuals who may have been prevented from accessing training and work experience due to socio-economic challenges.

The course is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 from West Yorkshire, which includes Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Young people who are interested in applying should be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment for working in the film and TV industry, but they do not need any work experience or specific qualifications to apply. The structure of this free course is designed as part-time to allow flexibility around other commitments.

 

 

“The opportunity to be a part of Beyond Brontës came at the perfect time and I am so lucky to be a graduate,”  enthuses scheme graduate Mahirah Chowdhury. “The knowledge and opportunities provided were something that I cherish dearly. The team is really nice and supportive and the 2022 cohort will be lucky to have them.”

 

Previous Beyond Brontës trainees have gone on to work on high-profile TV productions, including: Mission Impossible 7, Bridgerton, Alma’s Not Normal, The Witcher, Gentleman Jack, The Syndicate, Anne Boleyn, Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Channel 4’s Dispatches and First Dates. Applications are open until 26th November 2021. Further information is currently available online.