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BAFTA Scotland & Skills Development Scotland Launch Initiative to Help Graduates Into Work

6 April 2016
Event: BAFTA presents Making the Cut (at the Into Film Festival)Date: Wednesday 11 November 2015Venue: Glasgow Film HouseChair: Rhianna DhillonSpeakers: John Maclean and Fabian WagnerBAFTA/Carlo Paloni

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Scotland (BAFTA Scotland) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) have today announced a new initiative, Career Close Up.

This programme is created to specifically support career starters who have graduated from a screen or broadcast related course at a Scottish college or university since 2014 and are still looking for a break in the industry. Career Close Up will comprise of a year-long series of live masterclasses, hosted by some of the most talented practitioners in Scotland. 

Events will take place monthly for the next year in venues across Scotland.  Each will focus on a particular area of film, television or games, including directing, screenwriting, editing, production design and location management, highlighting the work of the host.  The intimate sessions will be open to a maximum of 20 participants, providing a rare chance for one-on-one discussion, and a greater insight into the skills required for career opportunities in Scotland.  The events will last approximately 90 minutes and will be followed by an informal networking event.

Participants will also be eligible for access to the BAFTA New Talent Network, an invitation only, curated Facebook page which connects members to BAFTA-identified emerging talents from across Scotland, England, Wales, Los Angeles and New York - strengthening peer support and networks globally. 

Jude MacLaverty, Director of BAFTA Scotland, said: “The aim of Career Close Up is to improve the skills and knowledge of crew across Scotland.  There are a number of initiatives aimed at students, but little for those who have recently graduated and we wanted to fill that gap.  Hearing directly from people successfully working in the industry and providing a networking platform will help nurture individuals, and the Scottish industry as a whole”. 

David Martin, Key Sector Manager for Creative Industries at SDS, said: “Developing the industry readiness of new entrants is one of the key themes of the Skills Investment Plan for Scotland’s Creative Industries published last year. 

“SDS is involved in a range of initiatives aimed at helping people take their first steps towards working in Scotland’s creative industries, and this opportunity for new and recent graduates to benefit from the expertise and insight of leading industry professionals will be a significant and dynamic part of that.”

An impressive aspect of Creative Close Up is that in time access will be given to these sessions online, so many more young Scots will be able to benefit from the experiences of Scotland’s most talented film, TV and games talent and learn from their strategies for success.

Career Close Up is specifically aimed at individuals who are actively pursuing a career in the moving image industries.  The programme will only be available to recent graduates with a relevant qualification who are still seeking work in the moving images industry  and have a named credit on a least one project (including student/YouTube projects) .  All applicants should have a basic knowledge of the sector.

For a list of confirmed events and to apply for BAFTA Scotland Career Close Up, supported by Skills Development Scotland, log onto www.bafta.org/scotland

For further information:

About BAFTA Scotland

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – featuring workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes – in the UK, USA and Asia; it offers unique access to the world’s most inspiring talent and connects with a global audience of all ages and backgrounds.

BAFTA Scotland has been championing the country’s film, television and game industries since 1989, celebrating and rewarding excellence through its annual British Academy Scotland Awards and BAFTA Scotland New Talent Awards. BAFTA Scotland is at the core of Scotland’s screen industries, regularly engaging its members and the wider industry while reaching out to the public via a comprehensive range of screenings, educational events and masterclasses. www.bafta.org/scotland

BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work.

To access the best creative minds in film, television and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.

About Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) supports individuals and employers to get the skills they need to succeed and grow. Working closely with partners at a local and national level, SDS are:

  • transforming services to help people get jobs and manage their careers
  • investing in training provision which meets the needs of individuals and industry
  • aligning support with employers’ growth ambitions.

SDS work in partnership to enable people to reach their potential, make skills work for employers and improve the skills and learning system.

By driving efficiency and creating opportunity throughout the skills cycle, SDS contributes to the development of Scotland’s society and economy.