From directing a blockbuster film to seeing your script acted out on stage, there is a variety of exciting roles in film. However, for years the industry has been dominated by a privileged few. Nearly three-quarters of those working in film come from wealthy backgrounds, and, according to the BFI, only 5% of film production staff are black, Asian or minority ethnic. If you don’t have family connections and a second home in Hollywood, breaking into the film industry can seem daunting.
But the tides are turning, as more people speak out to encourage diversity. There have been steps by Bafta and the Oscars towards tackling the problem, and several notable figures – including David Oyelowo and Riz Ahmed – have called for more change.
So, for those looking to start a film career, what’s the best way to gain experience, get the skills and begin your journey? Whether you’re a wannabe director, a budding screenwriter, or want a production role – join us on Wednesday 26 October from 1–2.30pm BST for a live chat with our expert panel. We’ll be discussing:
- Career options in the film industry
- How to break into the sector
- CV, job application and interview advice
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: create a free Guardian account or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profile to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to charlotte.seager@theguardian.com who can post them for you.
Panel
Rob Sprackling is an experienced screenwriter who has worked extensively in Hollywood and the UK. With his writing partner John Smith he devised and wrote the original screenplay for the Disney movie Gnomeo & Juliet and the UK football comedy Mike Bassett: England Manager. He worked on the upcoming adaptation of Animal Farm, is currently in development on an original feature for Aardman and is in production on his latest film, The Queen’s Corgi.
Brian Ward is head of screenwriting at National Film and Television School. He is a writer, director and producer and is credited on The Interpreter, Death Defying Acts, Shoebox Zoo, AC/DC: Fly on the Wall and Tabloid amongst others.
Kay Verdon is a careers manager at Creative Skillset, the UK’s sector skills council for the creative industries. She also runs Open Doors, company-hosted meet-ups designed to encourage 16-30 year olds to network with those in the creative industry and develop skills with live briefs.
Michael Berliner is an independent producer working for his own company, Pico Pictures, and this year won the BAFTA Breakthrough Brit award. He’s produced 14 award-winning and festival-touring shorts including the BAFTA nominated Emotional Fusebox. His debut feature film, comedy Adult Life Skills starring Jodie Whittaker (Broadchurch, Attack the Block), hit UK cinemas back in June.
Paul Duddridge runs a global entertainment career mentoring business and recently created and directed the independent movie film, Mothers and Daughters. Before relocating to Hollywood in 2007 he represented and guided the careers of Rob Brydon, Phill Jupitus and Michael Mcintyre among others.
Niyi Akeju is PR and learning campaigns manager at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image. In addition to its awards ceremonies, BAFTA offers a year-round programme of workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes that support career starters and industry professionals.
Carlos Ciudad is VFX production supervisor/senior production manager at Moving Picture Company. He has worked as a visual effects manager on films including The Jungle Book to The Guardians of the Galaxy, The Martian, Fantastic Four and X-Men: Apocalypse. Ciudad graduated from the National Film and Television School with a diploma in Production Management in 2013.
Nicola Lees runs the Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme for a TV/film crew agency based at Shepperton Studios, where new entrants learn the business and communication skills required to build a successful freelance career in the industry. She also runs a mid-career mentoring scheme for Women in Film & TV. Lees spent 10 years working at the BBC, where she specialised in developing and pitching TV programme ideas.
Georgie McGahey is content and community manager at My First Job in Film, a membership platform offering advice and support on how to break into the industry. She has more than 10 years’ experience working in the camera department on a variety of productions.
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