UK Film Industry Shows Support For New Training Academy

Leading figures of the UK film industry joined educators and VIP guests at the British Film Institute, London, to launch a new training academy that will help develop vital craft and technical skills needed on Britain's film sets.
The Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy is the first of its kind and is a collaboration between Skillset - the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media - and Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College.
Working closely with studios and other film-based companies, the Academy will become a centre of excellence in film, providing apprenticeships and qualifications for people working behind the scenes within the the UK film industry, in key departments such as camera, sound, grips, lighting, animation, editing, runners, hair & makeup and costume & wardrobe.
British Film Institute Director, Amanda Nevill and Film Producer and Chair of the Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy, Iain Smith (Wanted, Children of Men), declared the Academy open before a supportive crowd of industry heavyweights.
Mr Smith said change was vital if Britain is to keep its filmmaking competitive with the rest of the world.
Mr Smith said: "The Academy has an ambitious objective: to harness, support and develop British craft and technical talent at a time when the industry is undergoing enormous change."
It will be at the cutting edge of technical excellence, supporting the continuation of what we most excel at in this country."
Ms Nevill said it was important for the sector to look at ways they could build a more sustainable British film industry.
Ms Nevill said: "For us to make films that people want to see, on both a domestic and international level, we have to ensure that the quality of our filmmaking remains world class - that we are keeping up with technology, harnessing new skills whilst building on the successes of recent years.
"The Academy will have an enormous impact on the success of the film industry, both now and in years to come, building the foundations of craft and technical skills for our current and next generation of filmmakers."
The Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy will provide qualifications for both industry professionals and new entrants to provide them with an advantage when competing for film work.
(KMcA)