Last chance to apply for Screen Yorkshire's Beyond Brontes film and TV training

Screen Yorkshire' pioneering skills programme Beyond Brontës helps people aged between 18 and 24 get into the industry if they are from the Leeds City Region - Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York.

The scheme is designed mainly for people from ethnic minorities, who have a disability, identify as LGBTQ+ or are from a disadvantaged social and economic background.

However it is the last chance to apply, as the deadline for submissions is noon tomorrow (Friday).

The free, part-time, training scheme started last year to support young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to overcome obstacles preventing their start in the industry.

The programme offers successful applicants are offered a bespoke training package to prepare them for a wide range of industry job roles such as make-up, set design, accountancy, editing or research.

Beyond Brontës will be run for the second year by Screen Yorkshire’s programme manager Sam Fray.

When applications openened, she said: "It is not the only tool that we need, but it's a programme that will start the conversation and encourage equity into the entry-level roles within the region.''

''COVID -19 and Black Lives Matter have highlighted the need to have an industry that represents at all levels, so that diverse stories can be represented both on and off-screen. Striving to do better and be the change is at the heart of this programme.''

has won the praise of industry figures such as Nacressa Swan, co-founder of Meridian Line Films.

Beyond Brontës has won the support of figures including Leeds-based Meridian Line Films co-founder Necressa Swan.

She previously said: “My first job in telly came from an initiative like Beyond Brontes - and 15 years on, I’m still so glad I went for it.

"To me, this is the best job imaginable. TV needs people from all walks of life, with different skills, voices and perspectives to make brilliant programmes and connect directly with all our audiences.’’

The six-month programme, which is free to attend, is tailored to the needs of the individual.

Modules include industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorship and tailored one-to-one support.

Participants in year one of Beyond Brontës successfully completed the scheme in June 2020, with the support, input and encouragement of a wide range of broadcasters, streaming platforms, regional production companies, industry professionals and experts.