The new Film Forward program, backed by ScreenSkills and the Adobe Foundation, aims to transform opportunities for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent professionals in the screen industry.
- The initiative focuses on the thriving sectors of virtual production, post-production, and visual effects, breaking historical barriers.
- Participants will receive comprehensive support through paid placements, mentorship, and network expansion to elevate their professional status.
- Five carefully selected candidates will engage with leading companies to gain invaluable industry insights and experience.
- This program aligns with broader efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in the UK film industry, targeting mid-to-senior-level professionals.
The Film Forward program, in collaboration with ScreenSkills and the Adobe Foundation, seeks to reshape the landscape for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent (DDN) professionals in the screen industry. This initiative marks the third installment of a substantial effort to dismantle obstacles for underrepresented groups, emphasizing sectors like virtual production, post-production, and visual effects (VFX).
Anita Overland, chair of the Film Skills Council, remarked, “Supporting and nurturing diverse talent across the industry is vital to its future success. The Film Skills Fund’s Film Forward program is an inspiring step toward a more inclusive workforce.” This statement underscores the importance of inclusion for the industry’s continuous growth.
Building on the success of prior programs, the current iteration focuses on providing hands-on experiences, mentoring, and professional network expansion. These components are designed to heighten the prospects of DDN professionals for securing senior roles within their fields, ensuring they gain critical exposure to industry practices.
The program will recruit five adept professionals from the DDN community with at least three years of experience. These individuals will partake in a four-week paid placement, starting in 2025, with renowned companies Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore, and Molinare. Such experience is invaluable for career growth within the dynamic sectors of virtual production and VFX.
Emma Turner, head of the Film Skills Fund, emphasized the initiative’s role in leveling the playing field and recognizing the rapid changes within digital content production. She stated that the program targets DDN professionals in specific growing sectors, providing essential career development opportunities.
Film Forward embodies a strategic commitment to diversity, empowering DDN professionals to advance and innovate within the screen industries.
