ScreenSkills’ Film Skills Fund, in partnership with the Adobe Foundation, is launching its third Film Forward programme, designed specifically to break down barriers for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent (DDN) mid-level professionals in the screen industries, particularly in virtual production, post, and VFX.
“Supporting and nurturing diverse talent across the industry is vital to its future success. The Film Skills Fund’s Film Forward programme is an inspiring step toward a more inclusive workforce,” said Anita Overland, chair of the Film Skills Council. “We are committed to enabling opportunities for those from underrepresented groups, particularly within the DDN community, to thrive and ensure the industry benefits from their valuable contributions.”
Building on the successes of previous Film Forward programmes, which have supported mid-level production professionals from diverse backgrounds in advancing their careers, this programme will focus on creating paid placements for professionals from the DDN community at mid-to-senior levels in VP, Post, and VFX. The programme is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience, mentoring, and opportunities to expand their networks, thereby enhancing their chances of securing more senior roles.
The Film Forward programme will recruit five professionals from the DDN community who have at least three years of experience in roles within VP, post, or VFX, or relevant transferable skills. They will be matched with Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore and Molinare – leading companies in virtual production, visual effects, and post-production respectively – for a four-week paid placement starting in 2025, offering valuable exposure and development opportunities within in-house teams.
Emma Turner, head of the Film Skills Fund, said: “This iteration of Film Forward represents a crucial step in fostering inclusivity in specific, growing sectors of the industry. By targeting DDN professionals in VP, Post, and VFX, we are providing essential career development opportunities and helping these individuals advance to the next level. This is about levelling the playing field and breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited access and recognising the value, rapid changes and skills collision in digital content production.”
Research from BFI Diversity Standards and the Creative Diversity Network’s Diamond Report continues to highlight the lack of representation of DDN professionals in the film and television industry. Film Forward, as part of ScreenSkills’ Film Skills Fund, is designed to tackle this disparity by creating meaningful pathways for DDN talent to progress and thrive in senior production roles.
Film Forward is part of ScreenSkills’ broader commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at every level of the UK film industry. By empowering underrepresented professionals to step into more senior roles, ScreenSkills continues its mission to build a more inclusive, dynamic industry that benefits from a wider range of talent.
“Our partnership with the Adobe Foundation and leading industry companies like Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore and Molinare has allowed us to expand our diversity efforts,” added Laura Mansfield, CEO, ScreenSkills. “By working with industry leaders, we can ensure participants gain valuable hands-on experience in key areas, breaking down barriers and helping to build a more inclusive future for the screen industries.”
