BFI Film Academy training bootcamp with Warner Bros. Discovery

We are looking for 15 talented young people to take part in a training bootcamp, both to get a feel for the ins and outs of working on a busy set and to equip you with the tools to be successful in working on a high-end TV series or feature film set.

Completing the residential will leave you in the best position to secure a permanent job in the film and high-end TV industries. All participants will get a chance to interview for a paid full-time role starting in August at Leavesden Studios.

The residential workshop will take place from 26 June to 2 July at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield.

Accommodation and meals will all be provided for the bootcamp. Travel bursaries will be available.

The residential will cover:

• set etiquette, radios, call sheets etc
• deep dives into specific departments and their expectations of new entrants
• day at Leavesden Studios for tour and work shadowing on set 
• Harry Potter studio tour
• a day of professional skills, including being a freelancer, how to present yourself, as well as mock interviews with Warner Bros. production staff and feedback
• trainee 1 to 1s – opportunity for individual conversations with a selection of recent trainees who can share their honest first day experiences on production

You will meet real industry head of departments from Warner Bros. Discovery, and they will be on hand during the week to oversee sessions and give insight, feedback and answer any questions.

You will be interviewing for Warner Bros. Discovery productions based at Leavesden Studios, Watford.

If job offers are made, wrap around support will be available to help with relocation, any equipment needs and also a full-time cohort leader based at the studio responsible for pastoral care and production liaison.

Below are brief descriptions on some roles available for traineeship with Warner Bros. Discovery. Please also refer to Screenskills’ job profiles website page for additional information on entry-level roles.

The grip department are responsible for the movement of the camera on set. They work closely with the camera department, lighting department, the assistant directors and most other on-set crew. The grip trainee provides support to the key grip, and grip team. These jobs could include: arranging lunches, teas and coffees, moving equipment, helping with admin/data entry.

The SFX department is responsible for the live action events that happen on set and on camera – for example, fake snowfall or explosions. The trainee provides admin support to the SFX department and general interaction with the crew and other departments. Key tasks can include: arranging lunches, teas and coffees, answering phones and ordering equipment.

The SFX department is responsible for the live action events that happen on set and on camera – for example, fake snowfall or explosions. The trainee provides on-hand support to the SFX department in the workshops and/or on set. Key tasks include: arranging lunches, teas and coffees, moving equipment, providing a safe environment and keeping work spaces tidy.

The camera department is responsible for recording the picture and arranging the camera equipment for the shoot. They work closely with the director of photography (DOP) / cinematographer, the director and 1st assistant director on set. Key trainee responsibilities are: arranging lunches, teas and coffees, liaising with other departments, moving and cleaning camera equipment when required. 

The digital imaging technician (DIT) works closely with the camera department in storing, backing up and distributing the daily footage. They can also grade the picture. The trainee’s key responsibilities will be: to provide general support to the DIT, liaising between DIT and camera, arranging lunches, teas and coffees. They also lay and clear cables safely and move equipment.

The sound department is responsible for recording sound on set and delivering sound rushes at the end of each day. Key tasks would include: supporting the sound department, arranging lunches, teas and coffees. They may also assist with ensuring equipment is fully charged and distributing cans to those who require them.

The video department is responsible for providing viewing monitors and recording live footage for instant playback purposes. Occasionally, they are also asked to edit on set. The trainee’s responsibilities include: arranging lunch, teas and coffees for the video team, laying and moving cables carefully, ensuring iPads and monitors are fully charged daily, and moving equipment.

The hair and makeup trainee is working within the department who provide for hair and makeup for cast, stunts and supporting artists on the picture. Tasks will include: arranging lunches, teas and coffees for the team, tidying and cleaning equipment, liaising with other departments, dealing with ad hoc requests from the artists, helping with administration (such as timesheets).

The editorial department are responsible for organising and backing up the film rushes. The editor will work closely with the director in editing the picture. The editorial trainee’s key responsibilities will include: arranging lunches, refreshments, administrative tasks, purchasing stationery and equipment, liaising with the production office, ad hoc requests from assistant editors and the editor. 

The production office are the central administration office for all departments across the picture. They deal with contracts, accommodation, travel, issuing daily paperwork, vendors and purchases. The production office PA will: arrange lunches, teas and coffees for the team, collect post, liaise with other departments, set up meetings, organise paperwork, and they will be given tasks by the production coordinator.

The art department and set dec department are responsible for designing and overseeing the build of sets, plus buying, hiring and making the décor of the set. The trainee / assistant would have key tasks such as: arranging lunches, teas and coffees for their teams, liaising with other departments, assisting the departmental coordinator with administrative tasks, ordering office supplies, occasionally helping with décor and restocking refreshments. They will deliver drawings to other departments.

The costume department are responsible for the wardrobes on the picture. They create, make and/or hire the costumes for the cast, stunts and supporting artists on the film. The key responsibilities for a costume PA will include: assisting in moving costumes, cleaning costumes, dressing performers, administration tasks (such as photocopying), and they would occasionally need to buy costumes and organise and label wardrobe items.

The VFX department are responsible for all the non-practical effects on the picture that are later added in post production. The VFX PA will have key tasks that include: arranging lunches, teas and coffees for the department, helping the coordinator with administrative tasks, and they may sometimes be required on set to operate a witness camera. They may assist the data wrangler in collecting information from set, and liaising with production and editorial.

The location department is responsible for finding and managing the locations used for filming. A location PA’s responsibilities consist of: arranging lunches, teas and coffees, dealing with the general public, communicating on walkie talkies, putting up location signs, liaising with on-set departments, ad hoc admin and set requests, and ensuring spaces are kept clean and tidy.

The accounts department are responsible for tracking costs on a production, paying the salaries for all crew and performers. The trainee would complete data entry, cost reconciliation, general office duties and organising paperwork. They may also arrange lunches, teas and coffees.

The prop master liaises with production designers, directors and cast members to work out what props are needed in the picture in line with the script. Key responsibilities for the trainee will be general admin for the props department, data entry, arranging lunches, teas and coffees, occasional research of period props and styles, assisting communication within the department and liaising with other departments, as well as helping to organise ‘Show and Tells’.

This opportunity is open exclusive to Film Academy alumni and participants who have taken part in our partner opportunities. You must be aged 18 or over, and not enrolled in school or university in September. If you have already taken part in a Future Skills Traineeship you will not be eligible for this opportunity. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• dedication to a career in screen, with a demonstrable interest in chosen area(s)
• an ability to work to instruction and to time – can complete tasks as instructed within a set time limit
• excellent attention to detail
• collaborative approach – able to work in a team
• flexibility – can deal with/enjoys work environment that is changeable, where no day is exactly the same
• good timekeeping and is willing and able to work long hours (average week is 55 hours)
• a positive attitude/can deal with setbacks and enjoys a challenge
• strong communication skills

Watch a recording of the information Q&A session to find out more about the opportunity and the application process.

If you have any further questions not covered above please email filmacademy@bfi.org.uk.

This new opportunity is from a partnership with Warner Bros Discovery, NFTS, London Screen Academy and Leavesden Studios.

This opportunity is made possible with funding from The National Lottery.