Thirteen participants from marginalised and under-represented communities have graduated from Screen Start, GMAC Film’s new screen sector employability programme.
GMAC Film is an open access media centre that delivers a creative and artistic programme for all people to realise their ambitions in film and the creative sector. Its growing programme spans across youth work, film education, training, film commissioning schemes, open access screening events, outreach work and office hire. GMAC Film’s Screen Start programme is funded by Screen Skills, Screen Scotland and BBC Scotland.
After an extensive outreach process in 2022, bespoke development pathways began taking shape in January 2023, with participants receiving mentoring from industry professionals, doing bespoke training, starting work placements with industry partners, networking and developing screen specific employability skills.
While on the programme, participants are paid the living wage for two days per week with all travel and living expenses covered (including childcare); the aim being that participants are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, network, kit and confidence to join the screen sector workforce at the end of the six-month training programme.
Screen Start Programme Manager, Frances Higson said: “It is such a delight to see all thirteen participants graduate from Screen Start and to receive such positive feedback about the programme’s impact on their development, both professionally and personally. Over the course of the past six months, it has been incredible to see each participant flourish as a result of the opportunities and support provided by GMAC Film, our funders at Screen Scotland, BBC Scotland, and Screen Skills, and our wonderful industry partners.”
Now at the end of the programme, participants have gained: varied on-set experience, industry contacts within their chosen field, an industry standard CV, a focused career plan in their area of production. The pilot year of the Screen Start has been a huge success, with participants developing skills, confidence and aspirations over the course of a few months.
Screen Start graduates, courtesy of GMAC Film
Emma Turner, ScreenSkills’ Head of Film, Animation and Future Skills: “We have been delighted to support Screen Start as part of our Film Skills Fund training and programmes funding. It is always rewarding to see such a talented and enthusiastic individuals go through such a unique and supportive programme which is fully focused on growing a truly diverse crew in Scotland. Screen Start has provided meaningful experiences and opportunities to its cohort of thirteen and ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund will be ready to support them further as they continue to step confidently into and up in the screen industries.”
Fi Milligan-Rennie, Screen Scotland’s Head of Education: “Bespoke training opportunities and industry placements are vital for those getting their start in film and tv. The Screen Start programme’s individually tailored approach is really making a difference to industry trainees in understanding potential career trajectories. It’s also great to see how the programme is creating increased opportunities, understanding and co-operation between training providers and industry that will bring about new collaborations into the future.”
Thirteen participants include:
Rurally Excluded - 3 participants
BPOC - 3 Participants
Disability - 5 participants
Care experienced - 2 participants
Young carer - 1 participant
LGBTQI - 3 participants
Asylum seeker - 1 participant
Single Mothers - 2 participants
Trainee testimonials
Comfort Anjorin, Firecrest Films and BBC Alba – Cameras Trainee
“Before Screen Start, I didn't have the confidence to operate a camera and I didn't have any contacts, I got involved because I wanted to meet people in the industry and tell stories.
I've achieved so much through the programme. During my placements with BBC Scotland, No Drama and Create Anything I gained valuable experience, made industry connections and even met producers who are keen to help me bring my own film to life - I'm so excited. This experience has taken me from 0 to 100; Screen Start has really helped me.
The aspect I enjoyed the most was meeting people who work in the industry and meeting all the Screen Start trainees, it's been so wonderful. Screen Start is such a promising experience, because I know that when the programme comes to an end I'll still be in the industry as a result of all the connections I've made.
For anyone who is wondering about applying for Screen Start, I'd say just go for it. If you're passionate about Film and TV, GMAC's Screen Start is for you - it's a great steppingstone into the industry for people who are new and want to get involved. The GMAC family are so nice, they offer guidance and advice and want to help you succeed. I could easily go to them with any problem, and they'd be happy to help. I'll always stay in touch with GMAC.”
Ross Mcgregor, River City and BBC Alba – Fight Co-ordinator
“Growing up I was always interested in combat, such as martial arts and fight scenes in movies. As a wee boy I would be running around with sticks pretending I was Darth Maul or jumping from trees escaping made-up bad guys, but when I did grow up those dreams became more and more distant. I started working 9 - 5 doing all sorts of jobs like labouring, painting, house removals and even working on a farm! When I got into Screen Start the dream I had as a wee guy started to come back to life.
I started to branch out when I was around 18 doing some extra work here and there. I then went on to do some boom operators work which I totally underestimated how hard it was! Although I got a bit of experience in the film sector, I was still hoping it would somehow lead to my dream of being a fight co-ordinator. I just didn’t know how to get there.
I was relieved when I started Screen Start, as I tend to be a bit wary of people I don’t know. It was surprising that I felt l could let my guard down when I met the other participants, everyone was open minded and we all had similar interests, which was different for me. I really liked my mentor Paul Donnelly (of Outlander) as he has a lot of experience doing fight co-ordination and acting. Paul has done multiple martial arts which gave me the opportunity to learn things that I always dreamed of as a kid.
The training on Screen Start has been useful for me as I have learned things I never even thought about. We did a session with BECTU on physical resilience where we learned about the body, and I found this really helpful because when you’re training to be a fight co-ordinator you need to be aware of your body. We also spoke about different chemicals that can realise into the body when you're stressed, and this was the first time I’d ever heard of this. I feel like my mind is opening more and I'm starting to learn a lot, not only about my pathway but myself. I think myself very lucky to have been a part of Screen Start and I’m excited to see where my future is going. I hope that Screen Start continues to give people like me a chance to catch their dreams.”
Screen Start_pilot year from GMAC Film on Vimeo.
More information
GMAC Film
Established as a charity in 1982, GMAC Film is an open access media centre that delivers a creative and artistic programme for all people interested in film, regardless of age, background, or income; enabling anyone to acquire the skills, knowledge, resources and confidence to realise their ambitions in film and elsewhere in the creative sector. The mission of GMAC Film is, as it has been for nearly 40 years, to promote equality of opportunity for all; inclusive of ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, gender, age and disability – our target groups. GMAC Film seeks to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in projects free at the point of delivery so that low income is never a barrier to taking part, giving confidence, knowledge and ambition to those who become involved, allowing each voice to be heard. Visit gmacfilm.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Screen Start
The Screen Start trainee development programme provides an opportunity to break into the Scottish Screen Sector, regardless of background, experience, or interests. Participant on the Screen Start programme gain access to professional development workshops, work placements, mentorships, and more to support you in starting a career in the screen industry.
Screen Scotland
Screen Scotland drives development of all aspects of Scotland’s film and tv industry, through funding and strategic support. Screen Scotland is part of Creative Scotland and delivers these services and support with funding from Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
ScreenSkills
ScreenSkills is the industry-led skills body for the screen industries – film, television (including children's, unscripted and high-end), VFX (visual effects), animation and games.
We train the people who make the shows the whole world loves and are supporting continued growth and future innovation across the country by investing in the skilled and inclusive workforce who are critical to the UK screen industries' global success.
We provide insight, career development and other opportunities to help people get into the industry and progress within it.
BBC Scotland
BBC Scotland Productions is one of the country’s leading creative organisations. Our award-winning teams work across a range of BBC services, including Radio Scotland, Radio nan Gàidheal, network radio, Sounds, BBC1 Scotland, ALBA, the BBC Scotland channel and a range of digital platforms.
We specialise in music, entertainment, events, Gaelic language programming, sport, audio drama, speech and topical radio and digital content. We are also home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and a development unit that focuses on securing public service commissions across all platforms.