Graduate Fellowship Programme - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications invited for paid film industry placement programme in 2010. A Skillset funded initiative to help graduates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities to fast track their film careers is inviting applications for training placements with leading film businesses starting in September 2010.

Now in its third year the Graduate Fellowship Programme fast tracks the careers of up to 11 emerging leaders from BAME groups through a bespoke package of professional development support including training placements lasting up to one year in leading film businesses, coaching and mentoring, master classes and workshops with top industry exec's and filmmakers. Fellows also receive a training bursary equivalent to £17,000 per annum.

So far the programme has supported 20 Fellows make the transition from unemployed to full-time employment. Past 'graduates' have been kept on by their host company and/or gone on to work on feature films and TV drama's such as CHATROOM, directed by Hideo Nakata starring Nowhere Boy's Aaron Johnson and Imogen Pots; Michael Winterbottom's THE KILLER INSIDE ME starring, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson and Cassey Affleck, Toni Grisoni's famed RED RIDING TRILOGY for Channel 4 as well as SILENT WITNESS and WAKING THE DEAD for the BBC.

The Graduate Fellowship Programme receives support from the Skillset Film Skills Fund, supported by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council and the film industry through the Skills Investment Fund (SIF). Host Companies are: Film Four, Focus Features, ICON Entertainment International, Origin Pictures, Revolution Films, Revolver Entertainment, Rise Films, Ruby Films, the Salt Company, Vertigo Films and Warp Films. Delivered by Diversity in Visual Arts (DiVA), the Graduate Fellowship Programme is funded by the Skillset Film Skills Fund and the UK Film Council.

Skillset's Director of Film, Neil Peplow, said: "For the film industry to continue telling relevant stories, it is essential that our workforce actually reflects that society. BAME communities are still under-represented within the film workforce, as highlighted in our most recent employment census and film production workforce survey. Skillset is pleased to once again support the Graduate Fellowship Programme, and provide a new cohort of exciting new BAME talent with an opportunity to launch their career in film. "

The programme will launch with a call for applications from the 27th May 2010 with placements beginning in September 2010. Deadline for Applications: 5 pm Friday 18th June 2010. Late applications will not be considered.

To download an application pack visit  www.divafilms.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on forthcoming events, interviews with Fellows and Host Companies.