Screen Australia has announced three new programs for boosting below-the-line (BTL) capacity across the country: BTL Next Step to help mid-career practitioners gain a credit in four key roles; the Production Crew Skills Training Fund supporting productions to provide work-based learning; and the Transferable Skills & Returning Crew Training Fund to support training opportunities for practitioners returning after a career break, or people in other industries with transferable skills moving into the screen industry.
Minster for the Arts, Tony Burke said, “The screen industry is booming right now in Australia and we need more talented, skilled workers to help steer it along. One of the principles of Revive, our cultural policy, is that creative talent is nurtured through fair renumeration, industry standards and safe and inclusive work cultures. Programs such as BTL Next Step demonstrate the viability of work within the creative industries and help more people move into them.”
Screen Australia’s Head of Industry Development, Ken Crouch said, “It’s fantastic to have such significant production taking place across the country, and we are committed to supporting the screen industry’s capacity to meet this demand. We have designed these programs to support the skills development of as many below-the-line crew roles as possible, especially in positions that we know are currently experiencing shortages around the country. The response to these shortages needs to be led by the industry, and we want to hear from the sector about what their priorities are so we can support them to address these areas.”
“We have a wealth of talent and these programs will help springboard the careers of capable practitioners as they advance into leadership roles, increase their confidence and ability, return to the industry from a career break or transfer their skills from other areas into the screen industry. By delivering these programs with the industry, we can work together to make sure we are in the best position to keep up the pace.”
The news follows Screen Australia’s announcement last month of $1 million for the state screen agencies to support their own training and skills development programs, including placements for below-the-line roles.
