An online boost to training

Developing a skilled, diverse workforce is vital in sustaining a strong UK production landscape. That’s why, for more than a decade, the HETV Skills Fund has been supporting those at every level of their screen careers through tailored training and opportunities for growth.

May saw the launch of ScreenSkills and the HETV Skills Fund’s Post-production Explained scheme. The free-to-access e-learning series was created by grade-specific experts and designed to share best-practice workflows, identify the different stages of post-production and help teams work seamlessly across each area.

Neil Hatton MBE, chief executive of UK Screen Alliance, says: “It’s fantastic to see these post-production modules launched – and there are more to come. They will be an invaluable lexicon of information for anyone connected with the post-production process. Well done to the Fund for backing them.”

Shaped by a strong collaborative relationship with industry, the Fund invests contributions from qualifying UK productions into areas where its impact will be most keenly felt to nurture behind-the-camera talent. These investments are determined by the Fund’s working groups, comprised of experienced professionals working within the sector and able to identify areas of focus. The resulting opportunities pair in-person training with readily available resources, underlining the Fund’s commitment to improving accessibility to learning.

“In-person training programmes are vital for learning, but just as important is ensuring that this teaching remains open and accessible to all”
Kaye Elliott

Kaye Elliott, ScreenSkills director of high-end TV, who leaves her role after eight years in July, says: “In-person training programmes are vital for learning, but just as important is ensuring that this teaching remains open and accessible to all. It allows HoDs, crew, freelancers and those looking to start their careers to access the tools, knowledge and latest industry learnings that, in turn, help create smooth productions. By providing these packages of free online resources, the Fund provides an essential platform that can be accessed as and when needed. In the past few years, we have all learnt how to pivot to a more online learning model and work productively, so it makes sense to use that by working with experts to create bespoke resources available to everyone.”

Kaye took a central role in the development of the From Script to Screen e-learning series, launched by the Fund. The 12-module series is designed as a key resource in breaking down the roles and responsibilities for getting a scripted project off the ground and to completion.

In addition to a glossary of terminology, the series includes a module on onboarding trainees. It provides HoDs or those supporting a trainee placement with a best-practice guide to ensure both the production and the trainee get the best out of the placement.

Its emphasis on supporting mid- to senior-level professionals is mirrored in the Fund’s new leadership and management essentials training, designed for freelancers who have completed the in-person deeper dive developed by the Fund to help managers support teams and ensure there is shared, standardised knowledge across productions.

Further resources and learning launched in the past 12 months, focusing on script supervision and production paperwork, have been informed by the Fund’s skills council and designed by industry to complement existing and in-person training. The Fund is updating modules with additional audio versions and easy-read documents to ensure they are truly accessible to all.

All the created resources are a result of collaboration with senior industry members and reflect the Fund’s aim to ensure that training, upskilling and management resources are accessible to all who require them. The focus is on providing support and tools to aid career progression so that the UK remains home to a skilled and knowledgeable workforce ready to make great content.