Screen Ashford, opportunities to learn the industry
Published: 03/07/2024
Press release courtesy of Screen South.
With the British Film Institute forecasting a need for nearly 21,000 new crew members by 2025 and the highly anticipated Ashford International Studios on the horizon, now is a great time to prepare for future opportunities in the film and television industry. Screen Ashford needs fresh talent and experienced industry professionals to make it happen!
Screen South, in partnership with Ashford Borough Council and Ashford-based film company Borderpoint Films, is proud to announce the launch of Screen Ashford, an innovative initiative designed to nurture and develop the next generation of industry professionals and provide a network for the region’s industry professionals. This programme offers a range of exciting events and labs for all ages over the next year along with training activities specifically for residents, workers, and students in the Ashford borough.
Screen Ashford’s plans to nurture a new generation of industry professionals include a range of exciting opportunities for people living, working, or studying in the Ashford borough and neighbouring areas. Whether you’d like to get behind the camera, work in the editing suite, or manage production schedules, Screen Ashford wants to help you turn passion into profession.
"Screen South is very excited to support Screen Ashford in screen activities in the Ashford area. There has been a lot of talk about future opportunities in the area – so it’s great to be working with local industry partner Borderpoint Films and the Council to lay out opportunities that will give pathway opportunities and a chance for the local industry to come together" said Jo Nolan, Managing Director of Screen South.
Kicking off the programme is Screen Ashford’s inaugural Summer Screen, an exciting initial programme of events and workshops (detailed below), with further events & workshops to be announced later on for the Autumn season.
3-Day Film School (18+, 12 places): A practical script-to-screen introductory programme.
Friday 12, 19, and 27 July 2024, 10am – 5pm, Borderpoint Studios, Ashford.
Short Film Screenings: A 1-hour screening of short films make in and around Kent.
Wednesday 17 July 2024, 7pm – 8pm, Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place.
Screen Ashford Network Launch: Featuring a Q&A with an industry professional.
Wednesday 24 July 2024, 7pm – 9pm, Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place.
Screen Ashford Film Competition Launch: Screen Ashford will commission 4 short films (3 mins) to be made in and around Ashford, each with a £3000 contribution from Screen Ashford.
Thursday 25 July 2024.
Introduction to Creating VR Projects (18+)
Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 August 2024, 10am – 5pm, Virtual Recreation, Elwick Place.
Film Culture Camps (14-17 years, 20 places)
Wednesday 7 August & Thursday 8 August 2024, Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place.
Chris Dixon, Arts & Cultural Industries Manager at Ashford Borough Council said: “This is a great opportunity to develop more creative skills at all levels in Ashford. We hope that these initiatives will equip local talent with the skills, connections and confidence necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry”.
For more information about Screen Ashford and how to get involved, please visit the Screen Ashford website or email.
For information:
Screen South is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by public funding from Arts Council England. As a project-led cultural development organisation, their strategic activity underpins access, promotion, and skills with support at the highest possible levels.
Working with partners across a range of digital and creative projects across arts, heritage, and screen, they drive hidden stories, talent, and ideas to the public gaze and nurture productive relationships with people and partners from local to international bases, pushing a diverse range of new talent with training and progression as well as productions, showcases, and exhibitions.
Screen South’s activity centres around Arts Council England’s four Investment Pillars: Ambition & Quality, Dynamism, Environmental Responsibility, and Inclusivity & Relevance.
Borderpoint Films is a Kent-based independent production company founded by experienced creatives who have created more than 100 hours of factual television across a range of formats. Their work has reached audiences across the UK and internationally, including via BBC, Channel 4, National Geographic Channel, Vancouver Film Festival, and more.
