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Screen Australia has announced the 12 recipients of the Production Crew Skills Training Fund, three recipients of the Transferable Skills & Returning Crew Training Fund and 12 host companies providing 14 placement opportunities for mid-career practitioners through BTL Next Step. These initiatives will share in over $1.7 million of Industry Development funding, providing training and skills development for more than 350 people.

, these three new programs were introduced in response to shortages in below-the-line roles due to the recent screen industry boom in Australia across the following key areas:

• the Production Crew Skills Training Fund supporting productions to provide work-based learning;
• the Transferable Skills & Returning Crew Training Fund to support training opportunities for practitioners returning after a career break, or people in other industries with transferable skills moving into the screen industry; and
• BTL Next Step to help mid-career practitioners gain a credit in the four key roles of Line Producer, Production Manager, Location Manager and Post Production Supervisor.

Across the companies selected for BTL Next Step are 12 placements through BTL Next Step Stage Two (two placements have been filled early to meet production needs).

Screen Australia’s Head of Industry Development Ken Crouch said, “With over $1.7 million in funding for industry development, Screen Australia is committed to the sustainability of the sector and its continued growth. Our focus is on empowering practitioners at all career stages, providing them with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in our booming screen industry. I am thrilled that this funding includes a range of professional development opportunities for both emerging and experienced screen workers and is going to set them up for success.”

“Dynamic and responsive screen businesses are crucial to the success of these programs, and we have selected 12 host companies for BTL Next Step, each recognised for their skills and talent in the field. These companies will play a pivotal role in training applicants, offering valuable work-based learning experiences to nurture the next generation of highly skilled crew members.”

“As the production boom continues in Australia, so too does the ongoing need for skilled practitioners in these below-the-line roles to keep up with the demand. By providing essential training we ensure that Australia continues to build its reputation for developing great crew. This commitment is integral to sustaining the growth of our vibrant screen industry,” said Crouch.

The recipient companies of the Production Crew Skills Training Fund are:

• Australian Screen Editors (ASE): The First Cut skills development project addresses the chronic shortage of broadcast-and-streaming-ready editors. The program will target well credentialed emerging editors from every background to participate in a paid mentorship program across scripted and factual / documentary, resulting in those editors achieving their first television credit.
• Bunya Entertainment and BBC Studios – The Office Production: The Office Production will be supporting mid-level crew members by providing them opportunities to develop new skills and training to progress their careers. A selection of four BTL crew will work alongside The Office Heads of Departments (HODS) for a period of 8 weeks in total through Bunya Entertainment and BBC Studios. The attachments will aim to include the following Departments; 1. Script Supervisor, 2. Production Designer, 3. Grip and 4. Marketing / EPK. This initiative will be delivered in partnership with Prime Video.