Following the huge success of four previous Production Development Trainee Schemes, Wall to Wall Media and Rope Ladder Fiction in association with Screen Manchester are on the search for applications from anyone keen to join the next 6 month paid programme, which will commence in October 2024.
The aim of the initiative is to provide on the job training in junior roles for the next generation of talent for the scripted broadcast drama sector and achieves this through hands-on experience designed to build skills by directly working on this Made in Manchester TV HIT!
It works! Here’s what some of the scheme’s current crop of graduates have to say…
“While being on waterloo road I have been able to gain so many new skills that I will take on with me when it comes to my next role. The team has been so supportive in helping me when stuck and giving me advice. I enjoy coming to work knowing I get to work with such a great team!” – Art Department Trainee, Tandy Tshuma
Post-Production trainee Ana Sanchez adds:
“My experience at Waterloo Road is exactly what I needed to gain confidence working in a TV environment. The interaction with different departments, seeing the action on set every day and learning a bunch of technical skills has enabled me to approach the next step in my career in Post-Production with open arms.”
Rope Ladder Fiction’s founder Cameron Roach says: ‘We’re thrilled to work with our partners at Screen Manchester and invest in a further cohort of trainees at Waterloo Road. It’s been incredibly energising to see the trainees go on and secure work elsewhere in the sector, and we really feel the benefit of a long-term investment in content and talent in the region.”
Dina Slater, People Partner at Warner Brothers Discovery adds: “We’re excited to welcome a new cohort of trainees to Waterloo Road. The programme has been a huge success and it’s wonderful to see the hard work and huge impact our trainees have on the show. As a production we want to provide an entry point for new and emerging talent with diverse experiences and backgrounds into the television landscape, knowing how this brings continued relevance, creativity and vibrancy to all we do.”
Elli Metcalfe, Screen Manchester’s Crew and Facilities Manager says: “It has been wonderful to meet and then watch the progress of all our trainees who are thriving and already finding their way into the industry across a range of departments. Our aim is to supply the talent pipeline in the North and keep it flowing in a positive direction. Waterloo Road is helping us to achieve precisely that and we are so grateful to the team there for their unbridled access and support.”
So, if you think you might like to apply to be one of the scheme’s next cohort, applications are now open to find 6 individuals who currently live in Greater Manchester.
The trainee roles are available in these departments:
- Costume
- Post Production
- Assistant Directors
- Hair and Makeup
- Art
- Camera
The Waterloo Road Production Development Scheme is made possible with the support and assistance of Screen Manchester, who have recently formed part of the BFI and National Lottery funded Screen Alliance North.
The Application process for this placement will be conducted in several stages:
Stage one: Application Form
Please fill out the online Application Form found here.
Stage Two: Skills Training Day
Applicants will be selected to attend a Skills Training Day held-in-person on Monday 16th September 2024. Here you will be introduced to how the production industry works with specifically designed workshops held by Industry Professionals. The Waterloo Road Production Crew will also be in attendance, and you will have the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with Crew members from the relevant placement departments.
After the event participants will then be selected to go onto the interview stage.
Stage Three: Interviews
Interviews will take place between 23rd September – 4th October with the relevant departmental crew. Contracts start date will be the week commencing 7th October
To apply for this opportunity candidates will need to be:
- 18 years of age and over
- Available for a full time 6-month engagement from October 2024
- Available for a full Skills Day on 16th September 2024, at Space Studios Manchester: A purpose-built facility consisting of 6 stages covering 85,000 sq ft. Home to award winning TV, film and commercial productions.
- Available to work an 11-hour day, this is a full-time placement.
- Production will be based in Manchester. To apply you must live in Greater Manchester.
- This opportunity will be a PAID placement should you gain a position.
Deadline for application is 5.00pm on Monday 2nd September 2024
We welcome and positively encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries.
For any assistance with your application please do contact [email protected].
