Creative Producer Lab

2023 applications closed - training the next generation of Northern Producers

Creative Producer Lab returns for its 5th year of developing the next generation of Producers from the North and Midlands.

** Update, August 2023: applications for Creative Producer Lab 2023 are now closed. Visit our Filmmaker Training page for more opportunities to improve your skills and grow your creative network. **

Producers are always in demand and good ones are invaluable to the industry. They’re the people who identify talent, raise finance and, most importantly, get things made. One of the questions we get asked most often at Film Hub North is: “where can I find a good producer?” Creative Producer Lab aims to answer that question by developing the next generation of producing talent in the region.

Running from late-September and throughout October, the Lab takes 8 early-career filmmakers from the North, and 8 from the Midlands, through a 6-week training programme. Sessions take place twice per week and cover topics such as producing fundamentals, building a slate, budgeting and scheduling, pre-production, shooting, post-production, casting and distribution.

Creative Producer Lab is delivered through a combination of in-person mixer events, online sessions and visits to facilities houses, and culminates in an industry day at Leeds International Film Festival. The course is led by producers Roxy McKenna and Radha Bhandari (Public Dreams Ltd), and features sessions delivered by professionals working across the film industry.

Participants will leave the programme with a foundation in all aspects of managing a production, an expanded network of peers, and the skills they need to make an impact in the industry.

Who's it for?

We're looking for anyone with an interest in film producing.

The ideal Creative Producer Lab candidate will have good communication skills, a commitment to storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively.

Applicants might be working in grassroots filmmaking and looking to take the next step in their career. You may be transitioning from working in the commercial or corporate sector. Or you may have relevant experience in another artform, or be working as a production coordinator or assistant in production.

This isn't exhaustive, though - if you’re interested in producing, we’d welcome an application.

Creative Producer Lab is not a programme for people who are primarily interested in writing and/or directing. Although we’re open to people moving over from those roles, we’re looking for people who have a genuine desire to be a Producer.

To be eligible for the Creative Producer Lab you must:

• Have an interest in producing the work of others
• Be over 18 and not in full time education
• Have a passion for cinema and an idea about what stories you want to tell
• Be based in the North of England or the Midlands
• Be able to attend the majority of sessions outlined in the programme timeline at the bottom of this page

Participation in Creative Producer Lab is free. Travel costs to in-person events in Sheffield and Leeds will be covered by Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands.

How to apply

To apply, simply complete the online application form linked below.

The form asks you to share some information about yourself, your creative background, why you want to be a Producer and what kind of films you want to make.

If you'd like to prepare offline before completing the online form, we've put together a downloadable list of the questions asked for reference. For some questions, there is the option to answer via a written response, or an audio or video recording. If you'd prefer to answer via audio/video, just upload the relevant file when prompted.

**2023 applications closed**

Applicants will be notified of decisions on Friday 25 August.

Questions

If you have any questions about the Lab or the application process, we’re hosting an Online Filmmaker Roundtable at 12:00 on Wednesday 2 August. Book your spot now.

For other queries, send an email with the subject line “CREATIVE PRODUCER LAB APPLICATION” to our team at: bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk.

Programme Timeline

Some of these dates may be subject to change.

• Wednesday 19 July - Applications open
• Monday 14 August - Applications close
• Friday 25 August - Participants informed of selection
• Thursday 28 September - Mixer and in-person session in Sheffield
• Tuesday 3 October - Tuesday 31 October - Talks programme takes place Tuesday and Thursday evenings weekly via Zoom
• Wednesday 8 November - Industry Day at Leeds International Film Festival

Creative Producer Lab is hosted by Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands, and was originally set up with Diploid Productions and Redbag Pictures.