August 2009 note - our Changing Technologies for New Entrants scheme finished at the end of July 2009. We currently do not have any trainees on training schemes (while we await news on funding tenders) but could put productions in touch with recent graduates. Please call 020 7407 0344 or email emma@ft2.org.uk for technical and moira@ft2.org.uk for production and design.
FT2 is the film and television industry's only national provider of trainees and apprentices for the grades below. The demand for trainees is constant and intense and we do try and meet all requests for trainees from Production Managers, Producers and Heads of Departments, you will need to contact us at the earliest possible stage of scheduling. FT2 staff will review availability and send on to you trainee c.v.’s for your consideration.
We like trainees to meet the person who will be supervising them ahead of placement. If you decide that you wish to offer trainee attachments, we will confirm in writing the trainees who will be placed with you and the length of their attachments. Should any trainees be scheduled to attend formal short courses or review meetings during the attachment you will be informed of this up front. It’s extremely straightforward and has been designed to ensure that you have no additional pressures arising from taking on FT2 trainees. We would welcome placements in the following areas:
DRAMA
2nd Assistant Camera (Clapper Loader)
Art Department Assistant
Assistant Editor
Hair/Makeup Assistant
Production Co-ordinator
Props
Script Supervisor
Sound Assistant
Wardrobe Assistant
FACTUAL
Camera Assistant
Assistant Editor
Production Assistant/Co-ordinator
Sound Assistant
Trainees on the Changing Technologies for New Entrants scheme will be available from October 2008
IS THERE A CHARGE TO PRODUCTIONS?
Trainees and apprentices are paid an allowance or salary at or above National Minimum Wage rates. Productions are asked to contribute towards this depending on the level of experience of the trainee or apprentice. FT2 invoices productions for this contribution.
Productions are asked to contribute £75 a week towards the allowance paid to trainees who are supernumerary to crew. If trainees are taken on location we also ask that their overnight accommodation and any extra travel expenses are covered.
Grips Apprentices have been trained in maintenance of grip equipment at grip hire companies. Productions and hire companies are asked to contribute £160 a week towards their salaries.
WHAT DOES THE FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY GAIN?
By taking on a trainee you are investing in a skilled workforce for the future. With the constant changing of skills, you help to ensure that those entering the profession are trained in the most up-to-date practices in real working environments.
Productions and technicians generally enjoy the experience of having trainees with them and welcome the opportunity to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation. Our trainees expect to work hard, work the same hours as the crew and contribute as much as they can to the production, in return for the opportunity to learn good working practice from professionals.
Our graduates' success rate in finding work in the industry is impressive. The vast majority who have graduated are working and progressing in the industry. We feel this clearly demonstrates that the money the industry has invested in these young people is now being paid back to the industry in the availability of experienced technicians and production staff.
WHY DOES FT2 NEED YOUR HELP?
The success of the scheme depends on the availability of placements. We hope that during their training period, trainees (depending on their grade area) will have experienced a full range of productions and formats such as features, broadcast productions and commercials, on HD, 35mm, 16mm and tape and covering drama and documentary. We rely on the continuing support of Producers, Production Managers and crew to ensure that all trainees receive the richest experience possible.
pdf of information for productions
