Creative Producer Lab

2024 applications open - training the next generation of Northern Producers

Can you make things happen? Do you know your way around a film production? Can you spot talent and develop stories? You just might be a Producer.

Creative Producer Lab is back for 2024 to help develop a new wave of emerging producers in the North and Midlands. Going into its 6th year the programme has seen alumni produce features, Associate Produce on major productions, be funded by BFI, Film 4 and BBC, and receive funding from business development schemes. Creative Producer Lab has proven to be a first step toward a career in producing.

Running from mid-September through October, culminating at Aesthetica in November, the Lab takes 8 early-career filmmakers from the North and 8 from the Midlands through a 6-week training programme. Sessions take place online once per week and cover topics such as producing fundamentals, building a slate, budgeting and scheduling, pre-production, shooting, post-production, casting and distribution, delivered by the Film Hubs and industry professionals.

The programme ends at Aesthetica where participants will connect with writers from the Film Hub North Script Lab programme and filmmakers from across the region to help build their pool of collaborators and slate. 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.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 August. Read on for more information about the programme and how to apply.

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 below

Draft Programme Timeline

• Tuesday 16 July - Open for applications
• Monday 5 August, 12:00 - CPL Online info session
• Friday 16 August, 17:00 - Applications close
• Monday 26 August - Participants informed of selection
• Wednesday 25 September, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 1 online
• Wednesday 2 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 2 online
• Wednesday 9 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 3 online
• Wednesday 16 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 4 online
• Wednesday 23 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 5 online
• Wednesday 30 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 6 online
• Thursday 8 November - Aesthetica Short Film Festival

Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands will cover the cost of travel to in-person events, and a two day pass for Aesthetica Film Festival in York. Please note, we cannot cover travel costs outside of the North of England or 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.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 August.

Applicants will be notified of decisions on Friday 25 August.

Apply Now

Questions

If you have any questions about the Lab or the application process, we’re hosting an Online Filmmaker Roundtable at 12:00 on Monday 5 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.

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