More than 30 Armed Forces veterans participated in two online taster sessions to see how their skills can transfer to film production.
The taster days are part of Veterans in Focus: Location Department, the second iteration of an initiative supported by ScreenSkills using National Lottery funds awarded by the BFI as part of the Future Film Skills programme and delivered in association with the National Film and Television School (NFTS).
The online event began with a general introduction to the film industry and the different departments typically involved in production. After explaining how films are created from script to screen, participants learned about the roles of the production design, directing, cinematography, production management and post-production departments.
The afternoon was dedicated to the ins and outs of the location department, what location manager typically do and how skills acquired in the military can be translated into behind-the-camera roles in the department.
Commenting on the event, one participant said: “My mind was already made up before today that this is the path I want to take and today just reaffirmed my decision.”
Veterans interested in working in the locations department are now able to apply for one of eight places on a three-week locations course that will help them transfer into the industry. The course will take place at the NFTS in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and participants will join the ScreenSkills Film Trainee Finder scheme on completion.
You can also read about the experiences of Alan Lane, who successfully transferred into screen after a military career after participating in a similar initiative, funded by ScreenSkills two years ago.