31/10/2007

Screen Academy Wales graduates start on film industry ladder

Two graduates from the Skillset Screen Academy Wales (SSAW) have been selected by the Skillset-approved industry training provider Cyfle to join the prestigious new Film Training Scheme, from amongst the 150 applicants.

Matthew Redd, who completes his MA in Film Producing and Business Management this autumn, and Ryan Hooper, who graduated from the MA Film in December 2006, have both been selected to take part in the intensive one-year Cyfle training scheme – aimed at fast-tracking the brightest filmmakers into a career in the UK industry. They join Glyn Hamer as Boom Operator and Elen Williams as Art Department Assistant as the four trainees selected.

"I'm excited to be spending the next year on the Cyfle Film Scheme traineeship, and am looking forward to the opportunities that the experience will open up for me,” said Matthew Redd.

“Studying at the Skillset Screen Academy Wales has given me a new perspective on the film industry and how I see my career developing - it's been a fantastic step forward."

The trainees have completed their four week induction course which was based on the Skillset-approved City and Guilds Induction Certificate at the Cyfle Cardiff training centre. The induction included sessions and talks by industry professionals such as Skillset Cymru Careers Adviser and freelance Producer Sue Jeffries as well as organisations such as the Film Agency for Wales, the Wales Screen Commission and Creative Business Wales. They have also been involved in focused filmmaking workshops as well as a film project with Cyfle trainer and mentor John Shackleton.

“Screen Academy Wales is really encouraged that two of the four Cyfle trainees have graduated from our ranks – which, considering the number of applications, we hope is evidence that the courses the Academy offers will ensure a high level of graduates that are ready to take their first steps in the industry,” said Hannah Raybould of SSAW.

“SSAW works closely with Cyfle as its industry partner to ensure that our students are offered mentoring and short courses in practical areas such as pitching skills and health and safety, as well as ensuring as much hands on experience on short films and TV productions as possible while they are studying their chosen fields of filmmaking through the Cyfle-run Post Graduation Facility.”

Matthew Redd and Ryan Hooper will now be undertaking on-the-job training on their first placment with Boom Films (a subsidiary of Boomerang production company) on their slate of micro features and TV dramas, with Matthew as production coordinator and Ryan as 3rd assistant director.

"Following extensive recruitment UK-wide four trainees were selected to this new and exciting film training scheme, two of which have come from our partner SSAW. This film training scheme builds on Cyfle's reputation and track record of providing structured new entrant training which has been the backbone of its work since it was established in 1987" said Nadine Roberts, Cyfle Manager of new entrants.

"During the next twelve months trainees will not only have on-the-job hands-on training on films UK-wide but also attend relevant short courses, create a professional porfolio of work and attend an Exit Programme before they finish their training which really prepares the trainees for a career in the industry. This combination of training, support and mentoring from industry as well as dedicated Cyfle training staff is what makes our training schemes so successful".