15 Jan Film and screen is booming – and needs more young people

West London is home to many of our nation’s most important screen companies, including Sky, Disney, Discovery and the BBC, and so employs almost 20% of all UK film and screen industry workers, part of an industry which generates over £3 billion annually to the British economy. A new report has highlighted the economic contribution that the film and TV production industry makes to West London and to the national economy, and how it has rebounded after the pandemic – see here.

Previously, a separate audit looking specifically at the training and skills provision for West London’s film and screen industry has forecast there will be 1800 vacancies annually to 2025. In short, more young people need to be made aware of the opportunities, upskill, and enter this growing industry.

The audit report was carried out by West London Business, Creative Enterprise West, Middlesex University and JGA Futures via the West London TV & Film Skills Hub, with support from the Mayor of London’s office. Their review found that the screen industries are growing faster than the overall economy across the UK, yet the growing industry has severe shortages for some roles, such as production and crew roles. Crew roles typically require on-the-job training, and many West London colleges, training providers and universities are offering courses that are solutions to this skills gap. For example, West London institutions, including 7 universities, 7 colleges and 8 training and education providers that include LAMDA, Global Academy, MAMA Youth, and MetFilm School, offer a local solution to crew shortages and skills gaps. Find out more and read the report at https://westlondon.com/tv-film-skills-review/.