Welsh factual producer Wildflame Productions has set up what it claims is the first indie-led bespoke training scheme for all of its staff and regular freelancers.
The company is the first indie to partner with the National Film & Television School’s new Cardiff to create the three-year Creative Training Scheme, which will offer career development support at all levels.
NFTS short courses in technical, production and business skills will be part of individuals’ training programmes linked to their skills gaps. Data wrangling, documentary interview techniques and production techniques are among the courses on offer.
Wildflame chief executive Paul Islwyn Thomas said he wanted to help grow the wider Welsh production sector, while putting training at the heart of his business and offer a structured pathway for new and established talent.
“Industry training for the indie and freelance sector has been available on an ad hoc basis for many years, but it's often considered an ‘optional extra’ due to costs and time constraints,” he said.
“The indie sector has often fallen short in its ability to deliver a structured and accredited training model - particularly one which is linked directly to commissioning needs, where we feel it would make the most impact for businesses.”
Wildflame’s output includes S4C's Evacuees, BBC2’s Grierson-nominated The 1900 House, Channel 5’s Michael Ball’s Wonderful Wales and BBC1’s Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me.
Last year, the company exited the Flame Media Group to become totally independent.
