ScreenWorks is giving 450 young people work experience opportunities in 30 disciplines across the screen industries.
The programme, which is a partnership between Northern Ireland Screen and Into Film, introduces young people to the film, TV, animation and games industries. It has been given a significant investment boost to continue until March 2020.
The work placements will begin in late September to coincide with the new academic year and will include production accountancy, editing, visual effects, journalism, animation, game design, story development and catering.
A pilot project began late last year when 150 young people aged 16-19 were given the chance to explore careers in the industry by taking part in placements with award-winning artists and technicians.
Project co-ordinator Sean Boyle from Into Film said the response from teachers and pupils was so positive that Northern Ireland Screen has decided to increase the scope of the programme. Some courses are being offered to younger age groups to help inform their study choices.
He said: “The past few months has shown that there is a real appetite for careers in this exciting, fast-moving industry. We need to train thousands of young people to meet the needs of film, TV, animation and games and are looking at all aspects of the business.”
Patricia Dickson is the course co-ordinator of Level 3 Fashion at the Belfast Metropolitan College and her students took part in the pilot project. She commented: “I thought it was a great opportunity for our students to work with an outside company and people who are from the industry. It gives them links with people within the field, introduces them to Into Film and hopefully provides them with contacts for the future.”
Beth Irvine, a pupil of Ballyclare Secondary School, who attended the Prosthetics experience, said: “This programme gave me the knowledge I needed to understand how to apply, make and work with prosthetics, as well as help develop my teamwork and communication skills; something that I think every young person needs help developing."
For more details about the programme and how to apply go to: Intofilm.org/screenworks or email screenworks@intofilm.org.
