9. Dreaming BIG: building careers in children’s TV and animation
In the ninth episode of The ScreenSkills Podcast, launched in partnership with The Adobe Foundation, we turn the spotlight on all things animation and children's TV. With the Children's Media Conference taking place in Sheffield, we joined the conversation by speaking to those working in animation and live-action children's TV. ScreenSkills' Animation Production Liaison Executive, Kieran Argo, sat down with BAFTA winning producer and Director of both Animation UK and the British Animation Awards, Helen Brunsdon, to explore trends, challenges and opportunities across animation.We then hear from Eline van der Velden, producer and founder of Particle6, a production company at the forefront of using technological advances within production. She discusses her work as part of the Children's TV Skills Council, her career and how she's adopting a scientific approach to help boost creativity.Member of the ScreenSkills team, Matt Brothers, tells us all about the work of the Animation Skills Fund and we hear more about the landmark training programme offering vital entry points to animation and live-action children's TV, DreamBIG.
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8. Working well: prioritising welfare and wellbeing in screen
In our eighth episode, we hear from those using their experiences of working in production spaces to improve the wellbeing of those working behind the camera in the screen industries.Laetitia Nneke and Annika Hagemann - both producers and previous candidates of ScreenSkills training programmes - tell us about the training and workshops they've delivered to members of the workforce. They discuss how their knowledge has informed their teachings, the need to anticipate areas of tension as early as possible and the importance of establishing communication lines across all levels.Andy Glynn from the Film & TV Charity then joins us to discuss the charity's Whole Picture Toolkit. The free online resource was designed to support people at all levels of production, guide managers to look after the mental health of crew members and how to embed practices that have real lasting impact.Sarah McCaffrey was an aspiring actress before she moved into production. In response to industry demand she then combined her experience of working in film and TV as a psychotherapist (MBACP) to create Solas Mind. She tells us more about her journey and how her company tailor bespoke services to companies, studios, crew and freelancers to support the wellbeing of those working in screen.
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7. In focus: disability, data, and the DNA of the UK screen workforce
In episode 7, we explore new research from ScreenSkills and 4Skills, conducted by Ampere Analysis, on the size and profile of the UK screen workforce. We hear from those involved in the study about how the findings will guide future policy, investment and decision-making.We also speak to Sophie Morgan and Sarah Lazenby, the team behind Channel 4’s Fight to Fly, about the importance of accessibility and representation in television — both on and off screen.Plus, we introduce Who Am I, a new segment spotlighting the people behind ScreenSkills. First up: bursaries programme manager Fergal McBride on how ScreenSkills bursaries help remove financial barriers to career progression.Episode creditsThis has been a ScreenSkills podcast in partnership with the Adobe Foundation hosted by Matthew Walsh and Carley Bowman. It was produced and edited by Gabby Sharrock with guest-booking by Faith Falayi and marketing by Natalie Tandoh. The design and imagery was created by Gabby Sharrock.
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6. Behind the scenes: navigating boundaries with intimacy coordinator Yarit Dor (Rivals)
In episode 6, we speak to intimacy coordinator Yarit Dor about her journey in the industry. From being the West End’s first Intimacy Director to working on the likes of Wicked, Rivals and Peaky Blinders, she tells us what it takes to succeed in the role, how she collaborates with different departments and what misconceptions there are about the position. We then learn all about the Animation and Children’s TV Skills Fund’s DreamBIG! programme, a new entrant initiative designed to provide the required training and production experience to those looking to take their first steps in their screen careers. Listen to the episode now via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Episode credits This has been a ScreenSkills podcast in partnership with the Adobe Foundation hosted by Matthew Walsh and Carley Bowman. It was produced and edited by Gabby Sharrock with guest-booking by Faith Falayi and marketing by Natalie Tandoh. The design and imagery was created by Gabby Sharrock.Â
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5. Supporting the workforce: mental health, leadership and inclusion in UK film and TV
In this episode we're putting the workforce at the centre of the conversation. We’re joined by CEO of the Film and TV Charity, Marcus Ryder, to discuss the findings of their Looking Glass survey and what measures can be introduced to improve the health of our industry’s workforce. We then learn all about the High-end TV Skills Fund Leaders of Tomorrow programme, an inclusion initiative designed to improve the diversity of those in leadership roles across the sector. Programme manager Hannah Green provides a programme overview while members of the new and previous cohorts tell us how the programme is helping develop their careers. Episode credits This has been a ScreenSkills podcast in partnership with the Adobe Foundation hosted by Matthew Walsh and Carley Bowman. It was produced and edited by Gabby Sharrock with guest-booking by Faith Falayi and marketing by Natalie Tandoh. The design and imagery was created by Gabby Sharrock.Â
How accessible are film and TV productions? How inclusive is the screen industry? Is it sustainable?
The ScreenSkills Podcast asks these questions and more to get the behind-the-scenes breakdown on all things production. We go behind the camera and hear from those making the content you love. We explore the UK screen industry with the help of those within it and unpick the stories that matter to them.
In each monthly episode, we touch on different themes and hear how they impact the workforce.
Learn more about The ScreenSkills Podcast: https://www.screenskills.com/podcast
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