With the British Film Institute forecasting a need for nearly 21,000 new crew members by 2025 and the highly anticipated Ashford International Studios on the horizon, now is a great time to prepare for future opportunities in the film and television industry. Screen Ashford needs fresh talent and experienced industry professionals to make it happen!
Screen South, in partnership with Ashford Borough Council and Ashford-based film company Borderpoint Films, has announced the launch of Screen Ashford, an innovative initiative designed to nurture and develop the next generation of industry professionals and provide a network for the region’s industry professionals.
The programme offers a range of exciting events and labs for all ages over the next year along with training activities specifically for residents, workers, and students in the Ashford borough.
Screen Ashford’s plans to nurture a new generation of industry professionals include a range of exciting opportunities for people living, working, or studying in the Ashford borough and neighbouring areas. Whether you’d like to get behind the camera, work in the editing suite, or manage production schedules, Screen Ashford wants to help you turn passion into profession.
Jo Nolan, Managing Director of Screen South said:
“Screen South is very excited to support Screen Ashford in screen activities in the Ashford area. There has been a lot of talk about future opportunities in the area – so it’s great to be working with local industry partner Borderpoint Films and the Council to lay out opportunities that will give pathway opportunities and a chance for the local industry to come together”
Kicking off the programme is Screen Ashford’s inaugural Summer Screen, an initial programme of events and workshops (detailed below), with further events and workshops to be announced later on for the Autumn season.
- 3-Day Film School (18+, 12 places): A practical script-to-screen introductory programme Fri 12th, 19th, and 27th July 2024 | 10am – 5pm | Borderpoint Studios, Ashford
- Short Film Screenings: A 1-hour screening of short films make in and around Kent Wed 17th July 2024 | 7pm – 8pm | Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
- Screen Ashford Network Launch: Featuring a Q&A with an industry professional Wed 24th July 2024 | 7pm – 9pm | Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
- Screen Ashford Film Competition Launch: Screen Ashford will commission 4 short films (3 mins) to be made in and around Ashford, each with a £3000 contribution from Screen Ashford Thu 25th July 2024
- Introduction to Creating VR Projects (18+) Mon 5th & Tue 6th August 2024 | 10am – 5pm | Virtual Recreation, Elwick Place
- Film Culture Camps (14-17 years, 20 places) Wed 7th August & Thu 8th August 2024 | Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
Chris Dixon, Arts & Cultural Industries Manager at Ashford Borough Council said:
“This is a great opportunity to develop more creative skills at all levels in Ashford. We hope that these initiatives will equip local talent with the skills, connections and confidence necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry.”
For more information about Screen Ashford and how to get involved, visit https://screensouth.org/events/screen-ashford or contact info@screensouth.org.