Fast Track
Are you over 18, live in the North East of England and at the beginning your career in TV and Film?
North East Screen is looking for committed and passionate individuals with less than 2 years experience to be part of our exciting FAST TRACK trailblazer programme. We have opportunities in the following departments:
The first group will concentrate on:
The programme consists of set-ready training taking place online and in-person across various dates in October and November.
This training will be delivered by North East Screen and industry experts, enabling you to gain valuable experience in a professional environment and all the knowledge you need to feel ready before stepping onto set.
Additionally, the programme will offer participants the opportunity to work closely with regional Heads of Departments and undertake formal qualifications to enhance employability.
Following completion of the training period, participants will join our 2027 Fast Track group and the North East Screen Skills team will be on hand to support you in obtaining real work placements on production.
This first part of the programme will look to deliver a variety of courses:
- Radio Work Etiquette
- Introduction to essential paperwork
- One to one CV and cover letter appointments
- Freelance advice session (How to sell yourself, how to interview well, being a freelancer)
- Safety training through the Mark Milsome Foundation
- Anti Bullying and Harassment training
- Emergency First Aid at Work training
- Departmental training day with Heads of Departments/Senior/Mid-level crew
- 4 Dedicated mentoring sessions with HoD/Senior Crew or North East Screen skills department post training programme (up to 12 months)
Upon completion of the programme, North East Screen will continue to work with participants and aim to secure placements on regional productions from January 2027.
Who are we looking for?
To be eligible for the Fast Track Programme, you must:
- Be aged 18+ upon application
- Be a new entrant to the industry or within the first 2 years of your career
- Currently be living in an area served by NEMSA (North East Mayoral Strategic Authority) or TVCA (Tees Valley Combined Authority)
- Not be in full-time training or education
- Be available for placements offered within the duration of the programme
- Be available to complete the various training course days which will be delivered between October and November 2026
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Be registered on our NEScreen crew database
If you do not meet all the above criteria, unfortunately we cannot accept your application.
Prior experience or qualifications are not a requirement, though a demonstrable passion for the department that you are applying for is a must.
What skills do you need for this opportunity?
- Good team player with a positive attitude
- Strong timekeeping and organisation skills
- Ability to interact well with others
- Basic knowledge about the department for which you are applying
- Confident to speak, ask questions and present ideas
- Desire to work in TV and Film
As a Costume Trainee, you’ll support the costume department throughout all stages of a film or television production, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities may include preparing costumes for cast, assisting with fittings, recording costume continuity, researching, organising workrooms, ordering supplies, and helping with alterations, garment care, and costume maintenance. On larger productions, you may also assist with crowd fittings and coordinating costumes across multiple locations or units.
This is an excellent entry-level role for someone who is organised, adaptable, eager to learn, and passionate about costume, fashion, and film or television production.
As a hair and make-up trainee, you’ll support the department with a range of practical tasks that vary from production to production. Your day might begin by checking the call sheet and preparing kit bags with everything needed for filming.
You’ll learn from experienced hair and make-up artists while assisting with hair and make-up for supporting artists, minor roles and stunt doubles under supervision. You’ll also help keep the department running smoothly by cleaning equipment, organising supplies and maintaining high standards of health, safety and hygiene.
An important part of the role is maintaining continuity by taking reference photographs and updating notes to ensure each character’s appearance stays consistent throughout the production.
The role of an art department trainee varies depending on the production. On larger productions, trainees mainly provide administrative support, assisting the art department coordinator and carrying out running duties between the art department, construction teams, and production office.
On smaller productions, trainees often have more creative responsibilities, such as recording location measurements, supporting the drawing team, ordering materials, and assisting with scale model construction. During filming, they also help the standby art director and art department coordinator with last-minute set changes and requests.
FAQs
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 13th September.
Can I apply if I don’t live in the North East Area?
In order to be eligible, you must live in an area served by NEMSA (North East Mayoral Strategic Authority or TVCA (Tees Valley Combined Authority) and be registered on our North East Screen crew database.
If you do not live in the area with a north east postcode you are not eligible.
Please see the map below for a visual guide to our catchment area:
Can I apply for more than one department?
No – we would encourage you to apply for the department you are most passionate about and interested in.
Can I apply if I already have credits?
Yes, the application is open to those in the first 2 years of their TV and Film career.
On what dates will the training sessions take place?
Following interviews, those who are successful will be invited to an induction session on the 7th October.
Thereafter, training will take place on various dates across October and November (details TBC).
If you have limited flexibility to attend training over October and November then you may not be able to take part in the programme.
Where does the training take place?
All training will take place within the North East or online. Details will be provided on invite.
I have a question / I need help with my application
If you would like to ask us for reasonable adjustments, or have a question not covered here, please email us at: skills@northeastscreen.org