ScreenSkills involvement on crime drama A Town Called Malice

British crime drama A Town Called Malice takes audiences back to the 80s with a cocktail of period detail, South London gangsters and Spanish sunshine. But, while the show’s Costa Del Sol setting may suggest otherwise, the production, by Rogue State, Vertigo Films and Sky Studios, is a wholly British affair.

By contributing to the High-end TV Skills Fund and working with ScreenSkills to source trainees, the production also became an example of how the industry can collaborate to create new opportunities and further develop the screen workforce.

For Sandra Shuttleworth, Head of Production, Vertigo Films, that relationship is vital in supporting the future health of the sector. She said: “Finding your break in the industry can be quite daunting and the work of the HETV Skills Fund is one of the most efficient ways in paving a real route to a career in the industry, whilst ensuring that skills shortages and gaps are being addressed with training and development that meets industry needs.”

It’s an area she knows well and is based on her own early experiences of trying to find work in the screen industries. “I got my start working all kinds of roles on set; first as a runner and then moving across to the camera department, then to the production office. At one stage in the 90s I was one of only five female camera assistants in the country, so supporting to provide the best opportunities to all kinds of new entrants is very personal to me.”

Creating pathways and providing opportunities for new entrants is at the heart of ScreenSkills’ HETV Trainee Finder programme. The flagship initiative provides paid placements on productions to those looking to get their break across a range of roles in the industry.

Charlotte Mundy was part of the 2020 cohort, securing a costume trainee position on production of A Town Called Malice. She said: “It was a real insight into how the vision of the production extends to supporting artists to make a world of the show believable. I was lucky to have worked with an incredible Costume Department on this production who took the time to teach me while having a very busy schedule. This was the first production where I had the opportunity to work closely with the design team (Designer Molly Rowe and Assistant Designer Emma Kate Wood) and watch the design process from the start to being established.” 

The experience offered her a chance to get a more fully rounded view of how a production works and how different roles come together, “I was also given the chance to experience a variety of roles within the production including alterations for principal cast, buying and returning pieces, organising costume stock for fittings and working on set. All of this gave me an idea of what kind of roles I could pursue in future productions.” 

Charlotte was one of three trainees working on the production, an experience Shuttleworth believes is key to developing a screen career. “Every production is different, and each one comes with its own set of needs and the only way people are really going to learn how to handle that, is in the real situation of working on set. But also, the networking opportunities that come with working on productions. There are hundreds of crew, sometimes all going onto different productions and they may need someone in your role that worked well – so make the most of the experience.”

Programmes like Trainee Finder are the result of the work of the High-end TV Skills Fund and the support of contributions from productions like A Town Called Malice. And it’s not just new entrants who benefit either. ScreenSkills’ Make a Move initiative was launched in 2015 and designed to help career progression for those identified by industry colleagues as ready to take the next step.

Shuttelworth spoke about how it is tailored to suit the needs of both the participant and the production. “The programme helps to make sure the stepping up isn’t rushed, whatever level it is. Because of the skills shortage, some crew are being fast-tracked into more senior roles, which is amazing in principle – but when you’re working at such a fast-pace – there can be some knock on issues that comes with inexperience. But Make a Move really nurtures crew.”

She believes it provides a neat balance that all parties can benefit from. “Just like an individual may need support reaching their next role, the production may need support in facilitating that – whether that’s someone to stand in whilst the crew member undergoes training, or if they need to buy specialist software or equipment for their role – ScreenSkills’ Make a Move programme helps create the right environment for people to grow and productions to flourish.” 

And the experience of taking on people from ScreenSkills programmes? “Marvellous! They were all such a great addition to our crew departments and their enthusiasm was infectious. Whilst organisation and good communication are vital skills for crew – so is kindness and a good sense of humour. We all spend a lot of long days together, sometimes working away from home. It especially goes a long way on night shoots!”

All eight episodes of A Town Called Malice are available to stream on Sky Max and NOW

Read more about the Trainee Finder and Make a Move programmes