Press Release

DIRECTORS UK LAUNCHES MULTI-CAMERA DIRECTORS TRAINING PROGRAMME WITH CREATIVE SKILLSET

20 November 2015

Directors UK today announces the launch of a unique new training initiative developed in conjunction with Creative Skillset and the country’s top multi-camera practitioners and trainers.

In January, six participants will undergo a two week intensive in-studio training programme, where they will learn all the practical aspects of multi-camera directing. In-studio training will combine both theory and practice to participants; where not only will they be able to learn what to do in the role of a multi-camera director, but they will also have the opportunity to learn and observe from some of the very best the industry. 

Upon completing the course participants will be fully equipped with the most comprehensive and up-to-date creative, editorial and technical knowledge, that will allow them to work across a variety of production genres including light entertainment, music, news, sports, events, comedy and game shows. 

Steve Smith, Directors UK Vice-Chair and Chair of the Entertainment and Multi-Camera Committee, said: “Directors UK is working hard on helping to deliver the skills directors need to progress in their careers. Multi-camera directing is particularly difficult to break into as the perceived risks of allowing a new director to take control of a large expensive studio, working to a tight budget and schedule are so great. This course has the widespread support of many industry partners including broadcasters, production companies along with Pinewood Studios and The London Studios. We will also use this opportunity to promote the talent of BAME directors, helping provide a solution to the obvious problem identified in Directors UK’s BAME report published earlier this month, UK Television: Adjusting the Colour Balance”. 

Sarah Joyce, Creative Skillset TV Partnership Manager, said: “Creative Skillset is delighted to be funding this project for 6 trainee directors, providing them with the skills they need to move to the next level. Uniquely, through this course, directors are taking the lead in training the next generation and prioritising the needs of BAME and women directors whilst delivering a new gold standard in training”. 

The initiative aims to raise the levels of skill and excellence in multi-camera directing and cement the UK’s position as the premier source of creative directorial talent, whilst working to develop a more diverse directing talent pool and would particularly welcome applications from women and members of the BAME communities, as these are under-represented groups within the industry. This project is being delivered in close partnership with Pinewood Studios and The London Studios where the training will be based, and has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding. 

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 1 December. Full details for applicants can be found on the Directors UK website: www.directors.uk.com

    Notes to Editors:
    • DIRECTORS UK is the single voice of British screen directors representing the creative, economic and contractual interests of 6,000 members – the overwhelming majority of working film and television directors in the UK. DIRECTORS UK campaigns for the rights, working conditions and status of directors in the industry and works closely with fellow organisations in the UK, Europe and around the world to represent directors’ rights and concerns. It also promotes excellence in the craft of direction both nationally and internationally.
    • About the Skills Investment Fund - Working in partnership with industry and informed by leading research, Creative Skillset directs collective investment through the Skills Investment Fund to create new and innovative training in priority skills and in-demand roles to ensure growth in the UK’s Creative Industries.
    • About Creative Skillset - Creative Skillset empowers the Creative Industries to develop skills and talent; we do this by influencing and shaping policy, ensuring quality and by securing the vital investment for individuals to become the best in their field and for businesses to grow. As the industry skills body for the Creative Industries, we work across film, television, radio, animation, games, visual effects, fashion and textiles, publishing, advertising, marketing communications and performing arts. www.creativeskillset.org
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Author

Tolu Akisanya

Communications and Campaigns Officer

[email protected]

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