ScreenSkills has unveiled a data- and partnerships-led five-year vision of how it will provide a “clearer roadmap” for developing the UK’s £13.5m screen industry workforce.
The body said that the five-point strategy marks the first time that data and workflow will be collated and collected across the sectors and regions, helping to address skills gaps and drive innovation.
Partnerships include a study of the UK’s film and TV workforce, undertaken by Ampere Analysis and co-commissioned by Channel 4’s 4Skills, to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
“Establishing a clearer picture of the people who work in our industry - who they are, where they are and what they do – will enable 4Skills and ScreenSkills to continue to make much more meaningful and impactful interventions,” said 4Skills head of partnership and skills Kevin Blacoe.
“Broadcasters, production companies and stakeholders will be able to make much more impactful and meaningful interventions to identify gaps, strengthen the workforce and bolster the creativity and resilience of British production.”
ScreenSkills is also partnering with the BBC on research into the key entry points into the industry to support workforce planning, potentially looking at higher and further education courses, internships, entry-level jobs and any barriers to entry.
The five-year strategy has five areas of focus:
Identify and Communicate Skills Needs by using its data resource to help shape workforce planning, including forecasting future skills needs to help the industry and government ensure that training aligns with evolving demands.
Ensure Access to High-Quality Training by working with training providers and the education sector to deliver quality and inclusive training. It will expand the ScreenSkills ‘training passport’, help streamline career progression and commission courses to tackle specific skills gaps.
Build Strategic Partnerships with industry bodies, screen agencies, training providers, and government including key collaborations with the BBC, seven BFI Skills Clusters and Create Central to help address regional skills gaps and support local production ecosystems.
Promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) through partnerships with the Creative Diversity Network and the Sutton Trust to improve socio-economic diversity; Trainee Finder for diverse talent; and with WorkWise for Screen and Action for Freelancers.
Futureproof the Workforce by building a sustainable talent base for the UK games sector in partnership with UK Interactive Entertainment and highlight the crossover of skills between gaming, digital media, and TV, and by working with the UK Screen Alliance on skills development, researching skills gaps, and ensuring transferrable skills in VFX and post-production.
“Our industry thrives on innovation and talent, but to remain competitive on the global stage, we must provide a clearer roadmap for skills development and invest in sustainable and structured pathways for our workforce,” said Skills Task Force chair Georgia Brown.
“With a more collaborative, connected and future facing approach we can ensure that our creative sectors not only meet current demands but continue to drive economic growth, cultural impact, workforce satisfaction and sustainability for generations to come.”
ScreenSkills chief executive Laura Mansfield added: “By uniting efforts across sectors and regions, this strategy will address skills gaps, drive innovation, and empower the next generation of creative professionals, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.”
Disability placements
ScreenSkills has opened entries for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent (DDN) people working in the screen industries to join its annual Film Forward programme.
Now in its third year, the scheme has previously targeted Black and ethnic minority professionals.
This year, it is looking for five DDN professionals with at least three years’ experience in virtual production, post-production, visual effects or relevant transferable skills.
The individuals will have four-week work placements with Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore and Molinare next year.
ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund head Emma Turner said: “This iteration of Film Forward represents a crucial step in fostering inclusivity in specific, growing sectors of the industry.
“By targeting DDN professionals in VP, Post, and VFX, we are providing essential career development opportunities and helping these individuals advance to the next level.
“This is about levelling the playing field and breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited access and recognising the value, rapid changes and skills collision in digital content production.
Film Forward is supported by the Adobe Foundation.
