Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund

Creative Skillset
Film Skills Fund
Craft and Technical Bursaries
Funding for training of up to £800 available for film professionals
Total fund: £50,000
Rolling deadline until 31 March 2016
Craft and Technical Bursaries are funding for training grants of up to £800 for film professionals
working in eligible craft and technical departments to spend on training which meets key skills
priorities.
To apply you must be a professional working in the UK film industry in an eligible craft and technical
department for feature films and documentaries.
This year we will invest up to £50,000 in Craft and Technical Bursaries for approximately 70 film
professionals. The release of funds is staggered so that the programme can respond to emerging
skills priorities.
About the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund
Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund is funded by the British Film Institute (BFI) with National Lottery
funds and through the Skills Investment Funds, which comprise industry and Government coinvestment.
The Film Skills Fund is part of the Film Skills Strategy, which addresses the vital skills and training
needs of the film industry to deliver maximum economic and cultural return: to create jobs, strengthen
skills, build skills for the future, and ensure world-class film education. Find out more about the Film
Skills Strategy.
Getting advice
Read this guide fully to understand what training can be funded and how to apply.
For further information or advice, please contact:
Francesca Howell
Fund Administrator
T: 020 7713 9829
E: bursaries@creativeskillset.org
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1. Key skills priorities for Craft and Technical Funding for Training
Creative Skillset funding for training supports training that develops skills within identified priority
areas. These priorities are a result of research and consultation with the industry on short and longterm skills gaps.
Training should enable you to enhance your employment opportunities by increasing or updating
skills which address these priorities. Unless otherwise stated, you must have at least two feature
film credits to apply.
Department/Area
Key skills priorities
Art department
 Software training
 Drafting skills
 Small prosthetics
 Hair dressing skills
 Laying on of facial hair
We will support those working in production and post production
sound (i.e. Supervising Sound Editors, Sound Designers, Mixers,
Recordists, Boom Ops) to gain an improved understanding around
new technologies, equipment and post production.
We will support training as part of the Joint Industry Grading Scheme
(JIGS) and nationally recognised competence-based qualifications.
This could include production safety passports, operation of
equipment, first aid, risk assessment training and screen combat
courses. Applicants must choose from the list of approved Health
and Safety courses on our website.
Hair and make-up
Sound
Health and Safety
Eligibility: you must have at least two feature film credits to apply.
Training for all levels of the department
In the following areas, we will support training for all levels of the department in the skills priorities
listed. In these areas, applicants may have fewer than two feature film credits,
Those with fewer than two feature credits should provide a testimonial from a DOP, Post Supervisor
or other HOD in support of this training and confirm that it will contribute towards a career in feature
film.
Department/Area
Camera
3DS/ Post production
Archive
Key skills priorities
 Steadicam
 DIT
 3DS software
 2DS conversion
 3DS DIT
Training may take the form of a bespoke package.
We will support both new entrants and industry professionals to gain
or improve skills in archiving.
Eligibility: those with fewer than two feature film credits may also apply.
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Training not eligible under this programme includes:
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Training to move from one department to another;
Basic/introductory schemes (except for archiving);
Health and safety training courses not included on the approved list.
2. What can I apply for?
A Craft and Technical Bursary can be used to attend a course which meets a key skills priority. This
could be a structured course with a training provider and can include bespoke training where short
courses are not available.
You may apply to attend more than one course within one application. You will need to demonstrate
that the courses cover sufficiently different areas to make it necessary to attend more than one.
You may apply to attend training outside the UK, but you must demonstrate why this is more
appropriate than training in the UK.
You can apply to more than one Creative Skillset fund providing that you and the course still meet
the eligibility criteria. Note that you cannot apply to different funds for the same training course.
All training must take place within 12 months from the date of your offer letter. If this is not possible
due to the course schedule, contact the Fund Administrator for further advice.
What funding for training will not support
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Training or qualifications that do not meet the priority areas listed in these guidelines;
Full-time graduate, postgraduate, degree or diploma courses;
Training that is already supported by either the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund or the
Creative Skillset TV Skills Fund. Creative Skillset subsidises the cost of training in two ways:
funding to a training organisation to run a specific programme or course and direct
funding to individuals. If Creative Skillset has already supported a course by giving finance
to a training provider, it is not able to give funding for training to individuals to attend these
courses as this would amount to double-funding;
Training that is due to start earlier than one day after the date your application is received by
Creative Skillset;
Training not arranged through a recognised industry training provider or assessment centre;
Attendance at networking, festivals or social events, without relevant training or educational
content;
Film or video production or exhibition projects;
The purchase of equipment;
Travel, accommodation and childcare costs only.
3. Who can apply?
You can apply for funding for training if:
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You can demonstrate proven professional experience of working regularly in the film and
documentary industry as a freelancer or an employee.
Apart from the exceptions identified above, applicants should have at least two credits on
feature films or documentaries which have been distributed. Work undertaken at film school,
on training courses or in education will not be considered professional experience;
You have been accepted on the training course you want to attend;
You are able to demonstrate how the training you are applying for will benefit your career;
You intend to use these new skills within the UK film industry.
And the course you want to attend:
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Meets a priority area identified above;
Starts no earlier than one working day after the date your application is received by Creative
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Is delivered by a recognised training provider or high calibre industry professional working in
their specialist field.
Who cannot apply?
You cannot apply for funding for training if you:
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Are in full-time education;
Do not have a permanent UK address;
Cannot demonstrate clear professional experience working in the film industry that shows
you are regularly working;
Are applying on behalf of an organisation;
Are receiving another form of Creative Skillset funding to attend this training.
Diversity
Encouraging diversity is a priority across all of Creative Skillset’s funds. We will monitor uptake of
grants and aim for our funds to be inclusive, in order to best reflect the UK population and attract a
wide a range of talent as possible.
We welcome applications from individuals in under-represented groups including women (with a
specific focus on older women), BAME and disabled people. We recognise the importance of
assisting individuals in under-represented groups in reaching the next step in their careers, helping
them progress to influential decision-making positions and increasing diversity across the film
industry.
There may be other Creative Skillset funding you are eligible for, including our Diversity Fund. Read
about all Creative Skillset’s funding for training.
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Please note that it can take up to four weeks for us to reach a decision on your application. If you decide to go on your
course before you receive a decision, Creative Skillset does not accept responsibility for funding your attendance.
Wherever possible please try to allow four weeks between making your application to Creative Skillset and your course
starting.
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4. How much can I apply for?
Freelancers
If you are a freelancer you may apply for up to 80% of the combined fees, travel and accommodation
costs of your training, up to a maximum of £800 inclusive of VAT.
You are a freelancer if you are currently:
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Employed in the film industry on a fixed term contract of no more than 364 days;
In employment in the film industry but can prove that you have been given a date for
termination of employment and will become a freelancer;
Unemployed but have previous professional experience working in the film industry within
the past two years.
Example
Course cost: £750.00
Travel costs: £200.00
Total:
£950.00
80% x £950.00 = £760.00
Employees
If you are employed you may apply for up to 50% of the combined fees, travel and accommodation
costs of your training, up to a maximum of £500, though we would usually expect your employer to
contribute additionally to your training.
You are an employee if you are currently:
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Employed in the film industry on a permanent contract with one or more employers;
On one or a series of renewable contracts with one employer in the film industry lasting
more than 364 days.
Example
Course cost: £750.00
Travel costs: £200.00
Total:
£950.00
50% x £950.00 = £475.00
Travel and accommodation costs
Creative Skillset only pay travel and accommodation costs in addition to course fees. We cannot pay
them in isolation.
Travel and accommodation costs will only be supported if your training is held more than 50 miles
from your home. Your home is the address you live at and must be the address you give on the
application form – we may require proof of address if your application is successful.
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Travel and accommodation will only be supported at a standard rate:
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Overnight accommodation within the UK but outside London – £60/ night
Overnight accommodation in London – £90/ night
Overnight accommodation outside the UK – £90/ night
Flights – economy rates only
Rail travel – standard class fares only
Car travel – 45p per mile
Please provide a breakdown of your travel and accommodation costs on your application form. If
your application is successful we may contact you to ask how your costs were calculated and we
may require proof of travel and accommodation costs.
Childcare costs
We will only pay a contribution to childcare costs in addition to the course fees. We cannot pay this
in isolation. Rates are as follows:
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Up to a maximum of £40 per day within London
Up to a maximum of £30 per day outside London but within the UK
We will require proof of childcare costs/arrangements if your application is successful.
Other sources of funding
You will need to find the remainder of the money you need for your training from sources other than
Creative Skillset. As an example, sources may include:
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Your national or regional screen agency (excepting Creative Skillset TV Skills Fund
supported projects)
Grants from trusts and foundations
A contribution from your employer
Grants from Scottish Local Enterprise Councils
A contribution from you
Please note there is a high demand for our grants and funding is limited. Your application will be
assessed against the criteria set out in section 7 of this document on a first come, first served basis.
5. Information to help you apply
When can I apply?
This is a year-long funding programme with a rolling deadline. This means you can apply at any time
before applications close on 31 March 2016. However, there is a high demand for our grants and
funding is limited; once the total fund has been awarded, the programme will close for this financial
year, which may be before this date.
How many times can I apply?
You may only make one application at a time. However, you can apply for more than one course in
a single application.
When can I apply again?
If your application is successful you may not reapply for funds to spend on training until 12 months
after the date of your offer letter and once your training is complete and all terms and conditions
have been met.
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If your application is unsuccessful you may reapply for funding for training. Before doing so, we
strongly recommend you get advice and more detailed feedback on why your application was
unsuccessful.
6. Using the online application form
Applications are made using our online application form. Before you begin your application, make
sure you have the following information available:
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The name of your chosen training course/s;
The name and address of the training provider;
The cost of the training and any additional travel, accommodation and childcare costs if you
are eligible to claim them;
The dates of your training;
Your CV;
Confirmation of your acceptance on the course and the course costs (either a company
headed letter or email from the training provider);
Online copy of the course outline.
Step 1
Click here to go to the online application form to start a new application.
Step 2
Complete the Eligibility Quiz before moving on.
The first page of the application is an eligibility test. If you do not pass this test you will be directed
to a Creative Skillset webpage which will give you information on alternative sources of funding. If
you do not pass the test but think you are eligible please call the Fund Administrator.
The form then guides you through the application step by step and should not take more than 20
minutes to complete.
Step 3
Once you have reached the last page of the form and are ready to submit your application, please
attach the following supporting documents:
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CV;
Confirmation of your acceptance on the course and the course costs (either a company
headed letter or email from the training provider);
Online copy of the course outline.
If you do not attach these documents, we will not be able to assess your application. For any
problems attaching your documents, please call the Fund Administrator.
When you have completed the application form and attached your supporting documents you must
press the submit icon on your screen. Until you do this, your application has not been submitted to
Creative Skillset to be assessed.
How do I know that I have successfully completed the online application process?
You will automatically be sent a receipt of application email with a tracking number. If you do not
receive this, please check your junk mailbox and if it is not there contact the Fund Administrator.
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Creating your account
When you log in for the first time you will be asked to set up your own Creative Skillset Application
Account. To do this we simply ask for your name and email address.
Your account also enables you to see your previous applications if you apply for funding again in the
future. Creative Skillset staff will not have access to your account.
Return to an incomplete or previous application
If you do not want to complete your application in one session, your account login allows you to save
and come back to it when you are ready. Click this link to return to an incomplete application.
7. How will my application be assessed?
Assessment criteria
All applications are assessed using the information in the application form, CV and training details
against the following criteria, in the context of the key skills priorities identified in section 1.
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Your experience in the film industry;
Your career aims;
Your commitment to your chosen career and potential to succeed in the industry;
Evidence of your skills need;
Demonstration that the training will have a positive effect on your career;
Previous training you may have undertaken;
The quality of the training you apply to attend including relevance to current working
practices;
Whether this training would meet the skills need you have identified in your application.
There is a high demand for our grants. We will assess your application against all of these criteria
equally, on a first come, first served basis.
8. What happens next?
You will know if your application has been successful within four weeks of the date your full
application and all supporting documents are received by Creative Skillset.
If your application is unsuccessful, we will send you a letter outlining the reasons why.
If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter outlining the offer and our terms
and conditions (see below).
Accepting the offer letter
You must accept the offer within two weeks of the date of the letter.This means signing the offer
letter and returning it to us with your bank details. We may also require proof of your address – this
will be indicated in your offer letter.
Any offers not accepted within two weeks will be withdrawn. Creative Skillset cannot release
any funding until we receive your signed offer letter. If we offer you funding for training but you no
longer wish to accept it, please let us know in writing by email, fax or post.
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9. How will my grant be paid?
Your grant will be paid directly into your personal bank account in two stages:
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Stage 1: 50% of your grant will be paid on receipt of your signed offer letter;
Stage 2: 50% of your grant will be paid on receipt of your online survey (see conditions of
Creative Skillset funding for training) and confirmation from the training provider that you
have completed the training.
Please note that you are responsible for paying the training provider. Creative Skillset does not
accept responsibility for transferring money to training providers.
Conditions of funding for training
All Creative Skillset funding for training grants are subject to the following terms and conditions:
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The grant may only be used for the training purposes outlined in your application;
You will attend the training in its entirety unless there are mitigating circumstances;
You will complete all documentation required both before and after you have completed the
course(s);
You will complete the Creative Skillset online survey within four weeks of the end of your
training – your offer letter will detail what to include in your report;
You agree to be contacted by Creative Skillset in the future to determine the success of your
training in achieving your career aims;
You agree to contributing to online activity during the training should this be requested (e.g.
tweeting or blogging);
You agree to take part in Creative Skillset’s evaluation process if requested.
If you do not meet any of the conditions outlined above, Creative Skillset reserves the right to
withdraw your grant and may request repayment of funding already released.
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10. Application timetable
You may find it helpful to use this timetable when planning your application for Creative Skillset
funding.
Date online application and all supporting documents are received by Creative Skillset
The date we will use will be the date the last piece of supporting documentation is submitted to us.
Once we have all the requested documents your application is passed to the assessors.
Remember that for your application to be successful, we must receive it at least one day before the
training course is due to start. If you decide to attend training in the meantime Creative Skillset
does not accept responsibility for funding your attendance. Please bear in mind that to ensure
equality of opportunity we cannot speed up the assessment process.
1 day after your application is received
 Automated email confirmation that your application has been received – if you have not
attached all the supporting documentation, please contact us within two weeks;
 Your training can start one working day after your application is received.
4 weeks after your application is received
 Creative Skillset tells you whether or not your application has been successful
 If successful, you will receive an offer letter – please sign and return this letter to Creative
Skillset;
 If unsuccessful, we will tell you why.
6 weeks after your application is received
 You must accept an offer within two weeks of the date of the offer letter;
 When you return the offer letter, you must also send your bank details and your proof of
address if we ask for this;
 Creative Skillset will release the first 50% of your grant when we receive this.
4 weeks after the end of your training
 You must fill in our online survey and send us proof that you attended the course. Please
contact bursaries@creativeskillset.org for a link to the online survey when you are ready to
complete it. Creative Skillset will release the final 50% of your grant once we receive the
completed survey and proof of attendance.
Key dates
Applications will close on the 31 March 2016. However, there is a high demand for our grants and
funding is limited; once the total fund has been awarded, the programme will close for this financial
year, which may be before this date.
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