Creative Producer Lab 2021
An online talent development programme for Producers in the North & Midlands

Creative Producer Lab returns to discover and develop the next generation of producing talent.

Applications are now open for Creative Producer Lab 2021. Taking place online from August – November 2021, the Lab is open to aspiring, early-career Producers based in the North and the Midlands. Applications close at 1pm on Friday, 23 July.

Creative Producer Lab will bring together 8 participants from each region for a series of workshops covering essential producing skills and connecting the thriving filmmaking communities in the North and the Midlands. Participants will leave the lab with a solid foundation in all practical aspects of managing a production, an expanded network of collaborators and peers, and the skills they need to make an impact in their local film industry.

Creative Producer Lab is supported by the BFI NETWORK teams at Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands, and delivered by Northern-based Producers Holly Carrington (Diploid Productions) and Barrington Paul Robinson (Redbag Pictures). As well as benefiting from insights from the Lab leaders, participants will hear from industry expert guest speakers and pick up specialist knowledge key aspects of the production process.

Read on to find out more about the Lab, who it’s for and how to apply.

Who's it for?

We're looking for people with a lively and proven interest in producing for film. The ideal Creative Producer Lab candidate will have good communication skills, a commitment to storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively.

Applicants should be Creative Producers based in the North or the Midlands who are in the early stages of creating their slate. 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 made one short film or theatre piece as a Producer or Production Manager, or have an equivalent level of experience across other roles (eg. Runner, Assistant Director, Project Manager or similar)
  • 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 all of the dates outlined in the draft Course Schedule [PDF]

Participation in the Creative Producer Lab is free.

Not sure if the Lab is for you? We're hosting Information Sessions on Wednesday, 14 July where you can talk to our team, find out more about the programme and ask any questions you may have.

How to apply

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

Apply now

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

Applications close at 1pm on Friday, 23 July.

Applicants will be notified of the initial assessment decision on Friday, 6 August. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for a 20-minute interview on Tuesday, 10 August.

If you have any questions about the Lab or the application process, please send an email with the subject line “CREATIVE PRODUCER LAB APPLICATION” to our team at: bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk.