Breaking into the film and TV industry might once have been viewed as out of reach to young talent, but Screen Manchester is on a big mission to change this “misguided” perception.
Screen Manchester is now a key part of the recently formed BFI Initiative Screen Alliance North, alongside Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen and Screen Yorkshire. Backed by National Lottery Funding, Screen Manchester is now focused on extending the film and TV talent pool in the North and nurturing new and existing talent with opportunities.
Following recent findings from UK film and TV union Bectu, which estimates around three quarters of UK film and TV staff are currently out of work, it’s become even more imperative to help young talent secure opportunities in the industry. But Screen Manchester wants to challenge perceptions about how people can enter the industry too.
Charles Abbott is one of the first to join the Screen Manchester Connected Apprentice scheme, which aims to open doors to productions in the North.
Having lived in Manchester since 2014, Abbott began working in events while developing personal projects for film and theatre. In 2021, a script he worked on was picked up for funding and development by the BFI. It paved the way to a series of freelance projects, working alongside a range of industry professionals from the likes of Netflix and Film4.
But bills needed to be paid. While Abbott was pouring energy into his creative ambitions, he was working as a personal assistant for fashion retailer Oi Polloi, a role he eventually left to pursue his hopes of a full-time career in the film and TV industry.
It led to him being selected for Power Up Agency, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s apprenticeship scheme, which eventually helped him land a production assistant role with the film office for Manchester.
Working for Screen Manchester since June 2023, he’s since assisted in the locations, crewing and trainee departments of the company. It’s just “one of many stories we have to tell,” says Elli Metcalfe, crew and facilities manager at Screen Manchester.
He adds: “At Screen Manchester and Screen Alliance North, we are all about encouraging social mobility through opening the world of TV and film up to new entrants from a range of backgrounds.
“There is an often misguided sense out there that careers in film and TV are only open to a chosen few. Much of our work is founded on a belief that only by demystifying our industry, demonstrating the range of opportunities open to all walks and inviting new people in, will we ever achieve a modern and diverse workforce capable of delivering creativity that reflects the real world.
“We are committed to making sure that we future-proof film and TV production in Manchester.”
