Location marshall training for film: Belfast

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions.

Do you have a passion for logistics? Are you organised? Do you like working with the general public? If these traits apply to you, have you considered pursuing a role as a location marshall trainee on film productions? Location marshall trainees provide support to the location manager and the ssistant location manager/assistant unit manager and ensure that the production can progress and all scenes can be shot without interference from members of the public!

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) have partnered with ScreenSkills to provide training to 10 enthusiastic trainees in Belfast.

Who it's for

This opportunity is aimed at those with no experience in the film and television industry. If you have previously worked in a public facing role such as health care, blue light roles, ex-service people and delivery drivers and are considering a career change, you will no doubt already have many of the skills required to enter the film industry as a location marshall.

ScreenSkills and the NFTS are committed to embedding inclusion in everything we do. If you have any accessibility requirements or further questions before booking, please contact nftsleeds@nfts.co.uk

What it covers

This course is designed to introduce you to  and train you inthe role of a location marshall trainee.

The course will take place from Monday 17 April - Friday 21 April 2023 - with a mandatory online training day on Thursday 13 April.

The role of the location marshall trainee:

Locations marshalls are employed to help the location department team with the day-to-day running of a film set and unit base: moving equipment, supplying and erecting protection to various departments – 'ezy-ups', heaters, coolers, keeping the set clean and tidy, redirecting and informing members of the public about what is going on. 

They also support preparation of locations prior to film crew arrival – ensuring that other departments treat locations with respect, providing protection to the fabric of the building, setting up rooms, tents and areas for holding supporting artists, and after filming has ended they help pack up and ensure they leave the site as it was found. 

The location team needs to be able to provide enough people-power so that those required on set before the beginning of the filming day are not the same people who are the last to leave at the end of the day. 
The role is a freelance job and it’s important to have an enthusiastic “can-do” attitude, be able to take instructions, be a good communicator, be fit and prepared to stand for long periods of time and to come to work prepared for almost anything and any weather.

The role of the assistant unit manager:

Is to assist the unit manager who works as part of the location team and is in overall charge of the unit base where all the facility vehicles park: lorries supplying essential equipment to all the different departments, e.g. costume, make-up, catering, production office have somewhere to park each day with adequate space, electrical power, fresh water and to ensure that access to the car park is not obstructed. The unit department also helps to ensure that the vehicles on set are provided with everything they need.

How to apply

Click 'apply now' to submit your application form.

This application is for the Belfast course. You can also apply for courses taking place in Glasgow, Cardiff and Leeds (England).

Contact information

Email: nftsleeds@nfts.co.uk