Story Compound Digital Academy

This training programme supports six early to mid-career professionals working across production disciplines to build the digital and AI skills increasingly required in high-end TV and film production.

The course focuses on the responsible, legal and practical use of AI and digital tools across development, pre-production, production and post-production. Participants will apply learning through a collaborative short film project, gaining hands-on experience of using AI to support planning, decision-making and delivery.

This course is part-funded by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions.

Who it's for

This programme is designed for freelance or independent professionals working across production disciplines within the UK screen industries.

You must:

• Be currently out of work in film or high-end TV production in the UK
• Be at an early or experienced career stage
• Have a minimum of two screen or broadcast credits
• Be currently residing in the UK
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Be aged 18+

This programme is open to applicants working across a range of production roles, including (but not limited to): production, development, editorial, production management and related disciplines.

We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, including (but not limited to): people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; disabled people; those from the LGBTQ+ community; and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We offer inclusive training. If you have access needs that we can support during the recruitment process or delivery of the programme, please let us know and we will work with you to meet them.

Where possible, support towards childcare or caring costs may be available for the duration of the course. Please note that assistance funding is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.

This is a UK-wide opportunity, and applications are welcomed from across the UK (In-Person Days are in London, travel to london every other week will be required for the duration of the programme).

 

What it covers

The Story Compound Digital Academy is a free intensive programme for UK-based screen sector professionals who want to develop practical AI and digital production skills.

Over 15 weeks (27 May - 6 August 2026), you'll work on a virtual short film production, "Silly Games," gaining hands-on experience with AI tools including Claude, Midjourney and Runway across pre-production, production and post-production. 

The programme concludes with a screening and Q&A with participants, showcasing the films and networking with the wider industry. You'll leave with production credits, portfolio-ready work, and the digital skills to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. 

Successful applicants will receive:

• a hybrid training programme combining live online sessions, in-person workshops and practical production activity
• training in the ethical and legal use of AI within screen production
• hands-on experience using AI and digital tools across the production lifecycle
• guided practical exercises and group project work
• access to course recordings and learning materials
• a completed short film project and production documentation

How to apply

Click 'apply now' to submit your application. You will need to be logged into your ScreenSkills account to complete this process.

Applications open 23 March 2026 and close 13 April 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview between 4–15 May 2026, with final participant notifications on Monday 18 May 2026.

Course dates

In-person sessions

• Wed 27 May 15:00 - 17:00 Somerset House
• Wed 10 Jun 15:00 – 17:00 Somerset House
• Wed 24 Jun 15:00 – 17:00 Somerset House
• Thu 09 July 09:00 – 17:00 Twickenham (production day)
• Wed 22 July 15:00 – 17:00 Somerset House
• Thu 06 Aug 19:00 – 21:30 Somerset House (screening)

Online sessions

• Thu 28 May 15:00 - 17:00 Zoom
• Thu 11 Jun 15:00 – 17:00 Zoom
• Thu 25 Jun 15:00 – 18:00 Zoom
• Thu 23 July 15:00 – 17:00 Zoom

Contact information

Name: Lily Usher
Email: lily@storycompound.com