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. CPL has proven to be a first step toward a career in producing.
Running from mid-September, through October and 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 you’ll connect with writers from the Film Hub North Script Lab programme and filmmakers from across the region to help build your 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 Monday 19 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 candidates will have good communication skills, a commitment to storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively.
Applicants might be working in grassroots filmmaking and look 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 Producers 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
Programme Timeline (TBC)
- Tue July 16 - Open for applications
- Mon August 5 12:00 - CPL Online info session
- Mon August 19 17:00 - Applications close
- Mon August 26 - Participants informed of selection
- Wed 25 September, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 1 online
- Wed 2 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 2 online
- Wed 9 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 3 online
- Wed 16 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 4 online
- Wed 23 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 5 online
- Wed 30 October, 18:00-20:00 - Meeting 6 online
- Thu 7 November TBC - Aesthetica Film Festival, York
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 Monday 19 August
Applicants will be notified of decisions on 26 August.
Applications closed
Questions
For any 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 developed and set up with Diploid Productions and Redbag Pictures.
