Unconscious Bias Training - Physical Production

Piloted with BIFA voters in 2018, our Unconscious Bias Training programme was designed to help voters recognise and mitigate against potential subliminal biases in their film watching and voting process, such as genre, budget, commerciality, reputation of the gender and race of key creatives or lead actors. The training has since been developed and rolled out to other organisations in the film and television industries, including productions, talent management, pr and marketing, programming and commissioning. 

Following feedback from sessions we delivered in 2020, we have further developed a more tailored approach to our unconscious bias training, and will now be delivering a number of more focused sessions offering an in-depth look at how bias are effecting various roles and process within the film industry.   

Our training is accessible, relatable, informative and impactful. It helps us build a better, more inclusive industry and it helps industry professionals improve their leadership, judgement and decision-making skills.

This initiative is funded using National Lottery funds awarded to ScreenSkills by the British Film institute as part of the Future Film Skills strategy.

Who it's for

This Physical Production session is designed for anyone who works “on set” in production, and aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to minimise the impact of unconscious bias through their work.

Suitable for anyone involved in physical production. This training equips attendees with vital skills and tools in recognising and addressing unconscious bias.   

Training sessions will take place via Zoom. Sessions are for a maximum of 35 participants and tickets for each session will be released one month ahead and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. To join our mailing list to receive a booking reminder, please email us. For more information and booking, visit BIFA here.

What it covers

The course will focus on the various manifestations of unconscious bias across the diverse roles involved in physical production. This will mean reflecting the experiences of people who work with sound, cameras, lighting, and props as well as hair, makeup, wardrobe, and catering.

Using real-life examples from production environments, the course will look to support participants in identifying how they can recognise and address the impact of bias in their work.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

• Explain the concept of unconscious bias and its impact on the production process.
• Understand the bi-directional relationship between unconscious bias and the media.
• Describe the relationship between implicit association, unconscious bias, language, stereotypes, attitudes and behaviour.
• Challenge content, messages and language which may unintentionally reinforce unconscious bias.
• Address stereotype threat and micro-messaging arising from unconscious bias

N.B all participants are required to take the ScreenSkills’ Addressing unconscious Bias: Basic awareness in the workplace e-learning module ahead of the session.

How to apply

We're committed to building a fair and inclusive industry, and therefore will continue to offer a limited number of ScreenSkills subsidised and free-of-charge places at our sessions.

However, we do ask that if you are able to pay the course fee of £30+VAT, you kindly do so, to enable us to provide more subsidised places to those that need them. If you require a free or subsidised ticket, please email us. 

Contact information

Name: BIFA
Email: hello@bifa.film