*New Deadline - Monday 19th August, 5pm*
Can you make things happen? Do you know your way around a film production? Can you spot talent and develop stories? You just might be a Producer
Creative Producer Lab is back for 2024 to help develop a new wave of emerging producers in the North and Midlands. Going into its 6 year the programme has seen alumni produce features, Associate Produce on major productions, be funded by BFI, Film 4 and BBC and receive funding from business development schemes. The Creative Producers Lab has proven to be a first step toward a career in producing.
Running from mid-September, through October and culminating at Aesthetica in November, the Lab takes 8 early-career filmmakers from the North, and 8 from the Midlands, through a 6-week training programme. Sessions take place online once per week and cover topics such as producing fundamentals, building a slate, budgeting and scheduling, pre-production, shooting, post-production, casting and distribution delivered by the Film Hubs and industry professionals.
The programme ends at Aesthetica where you’ll connect with writers from script lab programmes and filmmakers from across the region to help build your pool of collaborators and slate. Participants will leave the programme with a foundation in all aspects of managing a production, an expanded network of peers, and the skills they need to make an impact in the industry.
Applications close at 5pm Friday 16 August. Read on for more information about the programme and how to apply.
Who's it for?
We're looking for anyone with an interest in film producing.
The ideal Creative Producer Lab candidate will have good communication skills, a commitment to storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively.
Applicants might be working in grassroots filmmaking and looking to take the next step in their career. You may be transitioning from working in the commercial or corporate sector. Or you may have relevant experience in another artform, or be working as a production coordinator or assistant in production.
This isn't exhaustive, though - if you’re interested in producing, we’d welcome an application.
Creative Producer Lab is not a programme for people who are primarily interested in writing and/or directing. Although we’re open to people moving over from those roles, we’re looking for people who have a genuine desire to be a Producer.
To be eligible for the Creative Producer Lab you must:
- Have an interest in producing the work of others
- Be over 18 and not in full time education
- Have a passion for cinema and an idea about what stories you want to tell
- Be based in the North of England or the Midlands
- Be able to attend the majority of sessions outlined in the programme timeline below
Draft Programme Timeline
- Mon Aug 19 17:00 - Applications close
- Mon Aug 26 - Participants informed of selection
- Wednesday 25 September, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 1 online
- Wednesday 2 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 2 online
- Wednesday 9 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 3 online
- Wednesday 16 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 4 online
- Wednesday 23 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 5 online
- Wed 30 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 6 online
- Thu Nov 8 TBC - Aesthetica Short Film Festival
Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands will cover the cost of travel to in-person events, and a two day pass for Aesthetica Film Festival in York. Please note, we cannot cover travel costs outside of the North of England or Midlands.
How to apply
To apply, simply complete the online application form linked below.
The form asks you to share some information about yourself, your creative background, why you want to be a Producer and what kind of films you want to make.
If you'd like to prepare offline before completing the online form, we've put together a downloadable list of the questions asked for reference. For some questions, there is the option to answer via a written response, or an audio or video recording. If you'd prefer to answer via audio/video, just upload the relevant file when prompted.
Applications close at 5pm Monday 19th August.
Applicants will be notified of decisions on Friday 25th August.
Questions
For queries, send an email with the subject line “CREATIVE PRODUCER LAB APPLICATION” to our team at: bfinetwork@filmhubmidlands.org
Creative Producer Lab is hosted by Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands, and was originally set up with Diploid Productions and Redbag Pictures.