Woman jumping in front of large green screen showing a cityscape

Opening doors to the film and TV industry: partnering with Garden Studios

Type:
Case study
Category:
Communities

Park Royal forms part of the UK’s largest and most significant Film and TV cluster, anchored by post-production houses, major studios and a network of firms operating in the convergent screen industry.

The area’s strengths and demand for skilled talent creates exciting possibilities for local aspiring talent.

To better connect residents from our diverse communities to these opportunities, OPDC partnered with Garden Studios, locally based employers, community partners and specialist education providers to create a new entry route into sector, prioritising those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Image of a dark film set lit by purple and pink lights with people working in the foreground

Developing a training programme with Garden Studios

The collaboration with Garden Studios led to the development of two training courses, creating pathways into employment in the sector with  production assistant, local crew and rigging crew roles.  

Several employers were involved in the design and delivery of the course,  ensuring it would equip trainees with the critical competencies, credentials and licences needed to take up employment in the sector.   

In addition to the technical training, the course was designed to provide trainees with wrap around support and training to help them launch a career as a freelancer in the industry. 

Over the course of six months, thirty local people participated - taking part in practical workshops and training sessions. These were led or hosted by several employers which Sony‑Pinewood Studios, Running Films, NEG earth and Ideal Rigging Solutions.  

Connecting local communities with local employers

This pilot forms part of OPDC’s approach to working with local employers to create new ways for them to find and grow the talent they need now and in the future.  

The project involved local community groups and youth organisations who helped refer and encourage  local residents to sign up for the course.

Three people stood around a camera looking at the screen

Impact

Of the cohort of 30 local people who took part:

  • 70% of were not in employment, education or training at the start of the course. 
  • 73% had started working in the sector by the end of the course.
  • Those in employment were working in a range of posts including production assistant, camera trainee and trainee rigger. 

Related news