At an event in Southwark tonight practitioners from the film and television industry join trainees from two separate FT2 training schemes to wish them well as they launch their freelance careers.
ADE RAWCLIFFE, Diversity & Talent Manager at Channel 4, who is making the presentations, says: "The FT2 Training Scheme is a brilliant opportunity for people to learn the skills necessary to have a successful career in film or television. As opportunities for formal training become more difficult to find in the industry as a whole, the importance of FT2 becomes ever greater. FT2 training is highly regarded across the film and television industry - I know many people working today who track their success back to their fantastic FT2 training."
Among those receiving certificates are:
JETHRO HEGARTY who completed new entrant training in April to take up a contract as a Sound Assistant on "The Bill" says: "It's a great scheme... It's practical training on films and television productions, as part of the crew, and you also receive technical training and invaluable support every step of the way from the FT2 staff."
HANH NGUYEN who will complete in August as an Assistant Editor says: "FT2 has been a fantastic training programme, the experience has been both rewarding and enjoyable. I would not have had such great training without FT2 and Channel 4 and worked with so many talented people."
AMBER SINGER who will complete the Set Crafts Apprenticeship Scheme as a Set Painter in the autumn says: "FT2 have proved to be professional and supportive during my two year appenticeship, and has given me a great oppportunity to work within the film and television industry."
KATE BONE, Assistant Production Co-ordinator, who completed at the end of April but can't be at the event as she is working in Greece on the feature "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, a sequel" says: "I have had the most fantastic two years on this scheme. The productions I have worked on, the people I have met - FT2 has provided such an impressive start to my career I cannot recommend it highly enough, especially to those who do not have any contacts within the industry to begin with. I am now, and will always remain a huge huge advocate for FT2. This scheme has given me the opportunity to experience first hand the top end of the film and television industry. With hard work and a positive attitude, once on board with FT2 nothing should stand in your way. I will always request a trainee from now on!!"
SHARON GOODE, Director of FT2, thanks all those in the industry who have supported these apprenticeship-style training models, "These industry schemes could not happen without the ongoing support of production companies, staff and crew. These are the last groups who have completed the old two year model and we wish them every success in lauching successful freelance careers. We are currently recruiting for new 'Screen Firsts' and look forward to starting those trainees in the autumn."
These schemes receive industry money through funds administered by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries, from Channel 4 and from the European Social Fund.
FIONA CHESTERTON, Director of TV, Skillset, says: "We are delighted that the Skillset TV Freelance Fund supports high quality training, such as FT2's, bringing new talent into the industry. People with craft skills are as important as ever to keep the TV and Film industries at the cutting edge."
