Prime Video has announced Prime Video Pathway, a first-of-its-kind, multifaceted training initiative designed to open up access to jobs in the TV and film industry across the UK.
Committing to spend £10m over three years, Prime Video announced a flagship collaboration with the UK’s leading TV and film school, the National Film & Television School (NFTS) to open up access to careers in film and tTVn as part of a new academy programme. The academy will build to having places for 75 people per year who will be offered the chance to apply for a variety of craft and technical roles on Prime Video commissioned productions in the UK. Prime Video today also committed to fund and co-programme two courses designed to support the entry of new diverse voices into TV and film production, as it becomes a key partner of the NFTS.
Commenting on the development, Dan Grabiner, head of UK Originals, Amazon Studios, said: “The UK is home to an extraordinary wealth of creative talent, and as our home-grown productions grow, we need to support a sustainable and diverse talent pool with world-class training, and a new creative generation for the industry.
“We are delighted to be committing £10M towards that goal today, and thank the NFTS and colleagues across the TV and film industry for their support in helping us fulfil our ambitious goals. To those considering a career in the creative industries: we want to hear from you!”
Jon Wardle, director of the NFTS, added: “The NFTS is synonymous with developing the world’s best creative talent through our world class training. We are thrilled to work with Prime Video on this landmark collaboration, which will increase representation behind the camera and scale up the skills required by the many original productions coming down the track.
“A new generation will be offered life-changing opportunities to join the UK’s production juggernaut and we look forward to a raft of new trainees and students from across the country joining us for the exciting ride ahead!”
Minister for the Creative Industries, Julia Lopez continued: “The UK’s thriving film and TV industries offer fascinating job opportunities and it’s great to see this new initiative launch to help more young people from a variety of backgrounds get a foot in the door,” said . “I encourage all those with the passion and aptitude to unleash their creative talent and apply”.
Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart said: “I am delighted to see Prime Video widening access to training and development in the UK’s exceptional TV and film industry through the power of apprenticeships,” said . “Our new flexi-job apprenticeships are creating exciting new opportunities in a wide range of industries, including via ScreenSkills’ scheme in partnership with Prime Video, for people to secure a great career”.
The announcement follows Prime Video’s first long-term commitment to studio space in the UK through its landmark deal with Pinewood Group to take production facilities at Shepperton Studios as production ramps up across the UK with 2022 and 2023 seeing the largest number of UK Original series launching to date.