Screen WM are seeking Production Trainees to work on the new series of major BBC drama series Hustle, shooting across Birmingham this summer. Amy Newbery gives all the information below.

Screen WM, the West Midlands regional screen agency are seeking production trainees from the West Midlands to assist in a variety of departments working on the new series of the hit BBC show Hustle which will be shooting in locations in and around Birmingham from July to October. These positions are ideal for new entrants to the television industry or for crew who would like to try working in a different production department.

Screen WM’s Production Placement Scheme was launched in Autumn 2007 to assist people wanting to take the first steps into Film & TV Production, the scheme provides on-the-job work experience for those looking to get into the industry. Placements offer paid employment, usually for the duration of a shoot and are allocated to Screen WM invested projects which will be shot in the West Midlands. So far the scheme has supported over 30 trainees who have worked across a range of departments including camera, art and costume.

The trainee’s role will be to shadow a member of their assigned department, and perform trainee duties as necessary to understand and support the workings of their allocated department. Production trainees are required to observe and where possible have direct experience of the role and area they are assigned to during the production period.

The areas that the trainee must experience are linked to Skillset – the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries National Occupation Standards and/or their job profiles. Where possible, these contribute to the standard required to obtain a Level 3 qualification or equivalent by a suitable awarding body: for example NVQ/City and Guilds. For more information on Skillset and to view the job profiles go to http://www.skillset.org/tv/jobs.

We are seeking trainees to work with the following departments:

Camera

Sound

Art

Script (specifically applicants who are interested in Script Editing)

Editing (cutting room trainees)

If you would like to apply for any of the positions please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter stating which positions you are interested in, your availability and any relevant experience to crew@screenwm.co.uk. Due to the volume of applications only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Guidelines

• All applications to the scheme will be considered, but we are particularly keen to receive applications from individuals who have some experience of working in the industry.
• Please only apply to the scheme if you are based in the West Midlands. If you are based outside the region please contact your local screen agency to enquire about opportunities in your area.
• All trainees will be paid a basic rate of pay (national minimum wage or above) for the duration of the shoot.
• Please note that we will only accept CVs from individuals over the age of 16.
• All placements are for the duration of the 6 episode shoot which stretches 11 weeks, July 13th-October 10th 2009. If you have holiday booked or you are unable to work immediately before the shoot begins or just after it ends please flag this up in your covering letter.

Please send in applications by WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE. Please contact Amy Newbery (amy.newbery@screenwm.co.uk) for applying after the deadline.

If you have any queries about the scheme please email crew@screenwm.co.uk or ring 0121 265 7120 and ask to speak to the Production & Development Coordinator, Amy Newbery.

Screen WM is the regional agency which supports, promotes and develops a sustainable and thriving screen media sector in the West Midlands. Screen WM will:

• promote the West Midlands region by raising the profile of its diverse locations
• promote the West Midlands by highlighting the abundance of talent within the region’s screen media sector
• support businesses through skills development and financial assistance
• develop talent, from new entrants to professional freelancers and employees, within the West Midlands through skills development
• support the region’s moving image heritage and develop access to it
• develop and inspire audiences across a broad range of screen media
• promote and develop the cultural diversity of the region through the moving image

Screen WM is supported by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council, the European Regional Development Fund and Advantage West Midlands.