New film internships to be launched

A new training initiative is set to be launched providing feature film development internships, supported by the Lottery through the Film Council's Training Fund.
The search is on for people with a passion for film, who understand why a movie works and who want to work with writers and producers to develop high quality screenplays for British feature films.
Helen Bagnall, Head of the Film Council's Training Fund commented: "Being able to work in development and follow through the creative and technical processes of development alongside industry professionals is an invaluable training opportunity."
The scheme will be managed by FT2 - Film and Television Freelance Training. Sharon Goode, Director of FT2 said: "We are delighted to be working with the Film Council on this new initiative. A good script is the foundation for a good movie. Helping individuals learn how to develop good scripts will help everyone working in the industry produce the sorts of films British crews can be proud to work on and audiences will want to see."
This pilot scheme was modelled on the results of research conducted in spring 2001 by FT2 on behalf of the Film Council. The aim was to get feedback from feature film production companies on what such a possible training initiative should include. It is a 62 week paid full time training programme made up of two 6 month attachments to production companies augmented by short course training.
Training provider Draft Zero has been commissioned to deliver the script development short course training.
This initiative has been warmly welcomed by the film industry. Production companies who have already agreed to participate in the training scheme include Aardman, DNA Films, Scala Productions, The Film Consortium and Zephyr Films.
The application form and further information can be downloaded from the FT2 website on www.ft2.org.uk/recruit or by sending an A4 s.a.e. marked: "Development Internship" to FT2, 4th Floor, Warwick House, 9 Warwick Street, London WlB 5LY. The closing date for receipt of applications is June 7.
FT2 particularly welcomes applications from women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented in the film and television industry.

(KmcA)