UK launches plan to boost film crew base

The UK is one of the world’s top production locations and a BFI report has found that an estimated 10,000 new production crew will be needed in the creative industries over the next five years to help sustain this position.

The government and the BFI have reached out to the national creative sector to support the new action plan.

“We are on the cusp of a huge opportunity to bring thousands more into this dynamic industry where there is a genuine need for more skilled workers - from hairdressers to accountants, software developers to model makers,” said Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI.

“They also need to learn and develop their skills from the best, so we call upon everyone in the industry to help us make this a reality. This is not a ‘nice to have’ but an ‘urgent must’ if we are to achieve the growth potential for UK film that is in front of us.”

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli was among those on hand to support the Future Film Skills initiative launch, as was Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who has made three Star Wars movies in London in recent years and is currently working on the officially untitled standalone Han Solo film.

Pinewood Studios, one of the UK’s top production facilities and home to the rebooted Star Wars franchise, also announced its support of the new recruitment plan.

“Pinewood Studios is a leading destination for filmmakers with many of the world’s best-loved, most famous films having been produced here,” said Paul Golding, chair of Pinewood.

“Every year we welcome thousands of highly-skilled craftsmen and technicians to Pinewood and Shepperton, and it’s the combination of this talent and our facilities that makes the UK the number one choice for film production. We welcome the 10 Point Action Plan as a great means to further develop the UK’s workforce.”