Find out about Film Forward

The Film Forward Programme is designed to address the lack of diverse representation at mid to senior levels in production and post production in UK.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange performing a spell
Image: Marvel Studios 2022

The programme aims to give professionals the tools to progress to a more senior level in their careers by matching participants with at least three years’ of relevant experience with paid placements.

Film Forward is part of ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund's wider commitment to increasing and improving diversity and inclusion at every level of the film industry across the UK.

Meet the 2025/26 Film Forward cohort

2025/2026 Film Forward cohort
  • Daniel Templeton - stepping up from edit assistant to colour assistant
  • Inka Ritola - stepping up from lead assistant editor to post production manager
  • Graham Oliver - stepping up from technical artist to Unreal Engine operator
  • Sara Missaghian-Schirazi - stepping up from development producer/director to team support in virtual production
  • Sophie Bramley - stepping up from video design and environment artist to Unreal Engine artist in virtual production

Developed in partnership with The Adobe Foundation and based on the existing Film Skills Fund Film Forward programme, the new 2025 iteration has been designed specifically to support Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent mid-level film professionals working in post-production departments.

Five candidates have been welcomed onto the new Film Forward programme ready to start their four-week placements across post-production, virtual production and VFX.

The programme will match the five candidates, each with three or more years’ experience, with paid placements and provide them with tailored career coaching to support them to step-up to a more senior role.

Each member of the cohort has now had their four-week placement confirmed with one of four supporting companies; Final Pixel, Bild Studios, Molinare and Framestore, and will receive vital on-the-job learning, on-site experience and the opportunity to further develop their skills in a working environment.

Previous Film Forward cohorts

Previous Film Forward cohorts were designed to create change in the UK film industry by supporting experienced Black and Asian professionals to advance to more senior roles.

2023/2024 Film Forward cohort
The Film Forward 2021 cohort

We welcome discussions with productions that are interested in working with any of our Film Forward participants. For more information please contact Naomi Joseph.

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