Studio to offer scholarships, apprenticeships and trainee roles on Warner films shooting in UK.

Warner Bros. is to launch 12 higher education scholarships, six apprenticeships and two trainee positions on every Warner Bros. film production in the UK.

Launching in September 2013, new venture Creative Talent will back industry hopefuls with scholarships attached to work placements and mentoring, apprenticeships and training courses.

In total, the investment encompasses:

  • 12 scholarships at higher education institutions;
  • six apprenticeships with roles ranging from set-lighting to post-production;
  • two trainee positions on every Warner Bros. film production in the UK;
  • 25, year-long training course places for young people at theatre company Chickenshed;
  • 20 work experience places for schools local to Warner Bros. London HQ;
  • five work placements on upcoming West End musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with some students receiving an additional three month placement.

The higher education scholarships will be available at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the National Film & Television School, University of the Arts London, Glasgow Caledonian University, Ravensbourne and University of Hertfordshire, and selected courses at other institutions.

The studio already runs an intern programme for around 40 students who spend a paid year with the company during their sandwich degree courses and 20 short term work experience opportunities for students at schools near Warner Bros’ London HQ.

Kevin Tsujihara, CEO, Warner Bros. said: “The UK is known for world class creativity and innovation, and some of Warner Bros.’ greatest successes have been produced with British talent. Warner Bros. Creative Talent reinforces our global commitment to supporting the industries and communities in which we operate and our continuing investment in talent.”

Josh Berger CBE, president and managing director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland & Spain, added: “As we continue to make more films, TV shows, video games and stage plays here, as well as investing in state-of-the-art studios, we will be calling upon the very best talent the country has to offer.

“To that end, it is crucially important to us to invest in the next generation, so that we not only have a diverse pool of exceptional talent to work with, but that we also play our part in maintaining the UK’s position as a global creative industries leader.”

Warner Bros.’ is the single largest contributor to Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund (SIF), investing more than £1million over the last nine years.