Skillset pinpoints new technologies and talent development as key areas for development.
UK training body Skillset has pinpointed its top five training and education priorities for the UK film industry for the next three years, as part of its film strategy campaign A Bigger Future.
Developed in consultation with the film industry in partnership with the UKFC, the five priorities for the UK film industry are:
New technologies - keeping the UK at the forefront of technological development;
Trainees, apprentices and new entrants, with particular focus on VFX – building up depth of talent in priority areas;
Talent development – helping creative talent produce critically and commercially successful films to create employment and build the reputation and sustainability of our industry;
Business skills - creating sustainable, successful businesses;
Health and safety skills.
The list follows last week’s UKFC/Pinewood/Framestore commissioned report into the impact of the film industry on the UK economy, which highlighted the fact that the recession has reduced provision for training in the industry.
Funding for A Bigger Future has fallen this year to just over £4million, from £7.2million last year.
One new initiative to come out of the campaign is a Craft and Technical Academy, which is in the process of being tendered for and aims to be a centre of excellence for craft and technical training. It will be funded by industry contributions to the Skills Investment Fund (SIF).
Chair of Skillset’s Film Skills Council, Iain Smith said: “Extensive consultation with industry pinpointed major skills gaps and this lynchpin strategy has been designed to close these. It will also address other pressing skills and training issues facing the UK film industry.
John Woodward, CEO of the UK Film Council, added: “The quality and reputation of the UK’s creative talent are as important to the film industry as the tax breaks. It’s crucial that the UK continues to lead the world in the skills race.”
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