A new, intensive training course delivered by Sgil Cymru will provide future locations crew in the film industry with vital knowledge and practical skills, ahead of an exciting and busy year for film productions in Wales. Investment in Pinewood Studio Wales, Cardiff and other studios across Wales have attracted major productions into the country and Sgil Cymru will help professionals to step up or across into new roles, to cope with the growing demand from companies filming in Wales, from across the globe.
In January 2017, across two weeks of training that specialises in locations for film, guests from industry will take part in classroom-based sessions, which will also accompany practical briefs at various sites.
Finlay Bradbury, Location Manager (Spectre, Bridget Jones’ Baby, The Dark Knight) is just one of the experts sharing his knowledge. A select number of course participants will also be offered work experience placements with Location Solutions, the team behind Hollywood blockbuster Show Dogs, currently shooting at Pinewood Studio Wales. Gareth Skelding of Location Solutions, whose recent credits include The Bastard Executioner and Set Fire To The Stars, will offer his advice based on experience. He said:
“Certainly from the perspective of a specialist location company working on major productions, there are many opportunities for location crew and fixers, particularly in Wales at the moment with the creative industries being the fastest growing industry here. With the incentives offered to worldwide production companies to bring their productions to Wales, it feels like 2017 will be another big year for us and hopefully we can show off the depth of creative talent and amazing locations that we have here. I look forward to meeting participants of the Sgil Cymru training course and hopefully some of them will get the opportunity to join our team on some of the productions we are involved with.”
Economy Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said:
“We are working hard to attract drama productions to Wales and offer a comprehensive package of support which includes helping production companies to identify the right location and supporting them to find highly skilled, local crew. Not only do TV productions generate direct economic benefits while filming is ongoing, they also bring longer term benefits by promoting Wales on an international stage, demonstrating the creative expertise that exists here and highlighting our stunning scenery, picturesque locations and wonderful landscapes, all of which helps bring tourists to Wales.”
Lowri Thomas, an experienced location manager who has worked on programmes such as Pobol y Cwm, Dr Who and Hollyoaks, will share her best-practice tips during Sgil Cymru’s location training, and spoke ahead of the course. She said:
“A good location manager has to be able to understand the brief and the vision of the director, designer and producer. They will have the ability to think logically about where to find the most suitable locations, being good time planners and able to work quickly. Good communication is essential, as is a confident and methodical approach to planning. Location managers will have a thorough understanding of the roles on set, and be strong and diplomatic enough to deal with potentially difficult residents and crew. It’s important to be calm and not to panic!. Participants will learn about scouting, securing locations, presenting their findings, negotiating fees and a number of ‘tricks of the trade’.”
Sgil Cymru, launched just a year ago, is already being recognised as Wales’ leading film training and apprenticeship provider. Sue Jeffries, Managing Director said:
“This is the third in our recent programme of film training courses. The feedback we have had from trainees on our Production Management and Script Supervisor courses has been excellent, and we have already assisted in securing paid work for a selection of our course participants on locally-based productions such as Will and Show Dogs.”
The programme is supported by Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund, with BFI’s Film Forever National Lottery funds. The locations course runs for 10 days, Monday to Friday, over 2 weeks, starting on 16 January 2017 and ending on January 27 at Pinewood Studio Wales, Cardiff. Cost is just £350.00 per participant. Those interested in attending should visit www.sgilcymru.com for more information and apply by Friday 6 January 2017.
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