We’re going behind the scenes at ScreenSkills HQ to meet some of the team who help bring the training support to life. This month, to kick-off our Scotland focus, we caught up with Kate Efomi, ScreenSkills Training Liaison Manger for Scotland.
What does the production landscape look like in Scotland at the moment?
Things aren’t as busy as they were a few years ago – Unscripted TV is still recovering from a really tough downturn while HETV Scripted dramas are steadily coming in and keeping the HETV Skills Fund and our team busy with supplying trainees and funding for people at mid to senior career level. Meanwhile, it’s been really gratifying to see the success of Scottish films that have engaged with the Film Skills Fund (supporting trainees and crew members stepping up) and seeing some of them proudly opening and/or closing the Glasgow Film Festival or the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year – films like Everybody to Kenmure Street, California Schemin’ and The Incomer.
What can you tell us about some of the recent key activities across the Nation?
The Unscripted TV Skills Fund and the High-end TV Skills Fund supported the brilliant Freelancer Fest in Glasgow (and in London) back in June. The Film Skills Fund sponsored a panel and a drop-in sessions at the Glasgow Film Festival and we sponsored a networking brunch at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. In my mind, on top of all the training and opportunities we facilitate, these events are really important to make sure freelancers and productions know how they can benefit from the five skills funds that ScreenSkills looks after and how we can help individuals progress in their career, even when times are tough. During our workshop at the Freelancer Fest, I asked for a show of hands to see how many people had already done some of our training, been on a paid placement or benefitted from a bursary and most hands shot up. Happily, this happens wherever we go but I always want to make sure that everyone knows they can keep checking in with us throughout their career. We’re not just there to help people get into the industry but we’re there cheering them on and supporting them throughout their career. I’ve been really encouraged by our recent report that has seen an increase in beneficiaries in Scotland in comparison to last year. The number has been increasing year-on-year and long may that continue. And I’m now bumping into people who were once a ScreenSkills Trainee Finder trainee and they’re now senior creatives or heads of department. That’s always really rewarding to see.
Are there any training programmes or partnerships you're particularly excited for?
There are some partnerships that we’re about to announce that are really exciting and will truly benefit talent in Scotland but all I can say is watch this space! I also love that the High-End TV Skills Fund has been able to fund NFTS Scotland’s Early Entrant Pathways for 5 years in a row now, and with another iteration coming next year – not only that but this year the funding has also been able to support art department and costume department early entrants to progress to the Screen Craft Pathways programme which is also supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, Screen Scotland and The Sean Connery Talent Lab.
What are the areas of focus that are being addressed at the moment - any departments, skills or career levels receiving particular attention?
The Scotland HETV Working Group has prioritised the development of upcoming Steadicam operators in Scotland of which there has been a real shortage. It was wonderful to work with the Guild of British Camera Technicians, Tiffen and a brilliant camera hire place in Glasgow, No Drama, to bring the Silver Steadicam course to Glasgow last year. And the same cohort who underwent this training then had the opportunity to apply for a bursary specifically for further Steadicam training or Steadicam-related equipment. And for a third year of support, we are hoping to work with Tiffen to bring the Gold Steadicam course to Scotland so these beneficiaries can continue to progress and eventually work as a fully-fledged Steadicam operator here.
We have also responded to the demand for continued training in post-production for those working in production roles and the working group has recommissioned NFTS Scotland to run this popular course again. Technologies, workflows and deliverables in HETV post-production are ever-changing and our producers and production professionals are keen to keep up to date. We’re pleased that we can offer this course for a third time soon.
Is there any particular training or developments you'd like to see in the upcoming year that you think would benefit the workforce?
I think we’re currently in a place where we want to bolster the existing workforce, help them develop and give them the confidence to step up and lead. The Unscripted Skills Fund career coaching packages have been a brilliant and popular resource as people navigate industry changes and challenges. And being ahead of the curve on AI with our AI workshops and courses has proven really popular with industry too. That relevancy and forward-thinking is so important. It’s been really exciting to share the introduction of Make a Move and Make the Cut step-up funding for unscripted productions too. Now all of the skills funds offer crucial funding to productions that are supporting an individual to step up to the next level in their department.
What have been your favourite Scottish film and TV productions, old or new?
We do murder really well in Scotland but I do like a good giggle and light-hearted or historical shows too. Dinosaur holds a special place in my heart and I have also loved The Buccaneers, Only Child, Vigil and Shetland (OK so a bit of murder). I think the nation’s mind was collectively blown when the return of Balamory was announced! It was on all the front pages of the newspapers and my grown kids messaged me with the news… so yes I have watched one or two episodes of that and it is brilliant! The Children’s TV Skills Fund is also supporting a number of crew on the next two series which are shooting now. I’m looking forward to a wee set visit and have promised not to get too excited if I meet Miss Hoolie.
I am also looking forward to seeing gorgeous Scotland in The Odyssey on the big screen at the IMAX in Glasgow and I will be swinging in to watch the streets of Glasgow once again turned into the streets of New York in Spiderman 4. And I highly recommend Everyone to Kenmure Street which tells you so much about the beauty of community and inclusivity to be found in Glasgow.