First Break - Project IV

First Break is a project that supports people at the start of, or thinking about, a behind-the-camera career in television drama.

ScreenSkills has partnered with a new production called Project IV to introduce applicants to the world of TV drama. We will support, nurture and encourage participants who are considering a role behind the camera; giving you tools, knowledge and a comprehensive work experience taster across the production process.

If you have always wanted to work in television drama but don’t have the experience, industry contacts or qualifications, First Break could be for you. We are looking for participants who are keen to learn, who are enthusiastic, hardworking and who are passionate and interested in working in TV. To find out more about the kind of roles involved in making a film or TV drama, look at our film and TV drama job profiles.

How does First Break work?

There is a multi-stage application process for First Break. The first step is to apply through this page to attend our First Break Open Doors event.

Stage one: Open Doors event

Run via Zoom on 4 April 2022, 18:00 - 19:30

Participants will be able to meet members of the production crew in an informal round table setting via zoom breakout rooms. You will be able to ask a range of professionals from different departments such as camera, sound, make-up and costume about their jobs. You can find out who makes the sets you see on TV, who chooses the locations, and how filming works.

Stage two: bootcamp

Applications to the boot camp will open following the attendance of the Open Doors event.

Participants who attended the Open Doors event will be invited to apply to attend the boot camp, with a view to being selected to take part in the work experience element of First Break. This will be held on a weekend so you don’t have to take time off work. The bootcamp will introduce you to how the screen industry works and keys skills on navigating and working on set. You will meet with industry professional trainers who will provide top tips for CVs and guidance about working as a freelancer.

Stage three: three-week paid work experience

Based on location in and around Leeds for a 3 week period between May - July 2022. 

Places available 6

Applications to the three weeks' work experience will open following the attendance of the boot camp.

Participants will be given the opportunity to apply for the three-week work experience programme in one of three job role groups based on preferences, they will then rotate around 3 departments within each group.  These will be identified when attending the weekend boot camp.

Work placements (paid):

• Production
• Assistant directors
• Locations
• Make-up
• Costume
• Art department
• Sound
• Camera

ScreenSkills will provide successful work experience participants careers support and a signposting session that will include the following:

• Assistance looking for opportunities – full-time employment/job vacancies, apprenticeships and further and higher education
• Signposting to local organisations that provide new entrant opportunities/forums
• Further information about working as a freelancer and securing new opportunities
• Help with interview techniques, CV writing, online content and promotions
• A work-ready one-to-one planning session

Who it's for

To be sure we reach a wide range of new talent, you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• You are a resident of Leeds or the surrounding area
• You are aged over 18
• You are not currently in full-time education
• You have the right to work in the UK
• You have an interest in working in TV drama in a role such as camera, sound, costume, makeup etc. (Please note this is a behind the scenes support programme and not for actors).

We particularly welcome applications from women in the technical department and men in creative arts. We also particularly welcome people from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background and disabled people. We also welcome career changers, those who find a lack of work experience a barrier to accessing entry-level jobs, or anyone who is unemployed and claiming benefits who has completed some further education such as a BTEC or NVQs.

How to apply

To book your place, click 'get ticket' above.