Contribute to the Film Skills Fund

The Film Skills Fund directly supports skills and training for the UK film industry. The fund is managed by ScreenSkills and paid for by the industry. More than £15 million has been invested in skills and training for UK film production, distribution and exhibition since the fund was established in 1999.

The fund is dedicated to supporting new entrants as well as experienced professionals. Contributions from productions have enabled the wider UK film industry to mobilise and provide vital access, education and skills training, responding quickly and effectively to the professional requirements of the UK film production sector. 

By contributing to the fund, each UK film production is investing in the long-term sustainability of the industry and helping to create a more skilled, diverse and better-equipped workforce. Paying into the fund is one of many ways in which industry helps widen the talent pool and create a workforce fit for the challenges of the 21st century.

Informed by research from the ScreenSkills Skills Forecasting Service, contributions are invested in training to develop skills in shortage areas and for in demand roles needed by the sector. 

How are contributions to the fund calculated?

Studios and production companies producing films in the UK are encouraged to contribute 0.5% of their core UK expenditure up to a cap of £66,300 per production, into the Film Skills Fund which is managed by ScreenSkills.

Projects receiving public funding are required to pay into the fund as a condition of access to their investment. If you are interested into contributing to the fund for the first time, please email Film Production Coordinator Matt Brothers at Matt.brothers@screenskills.com

What is the fund used for?

The year 2021-22 saw record contributions of £1.4 million from 66 productions which will be invested in coming months.

In 2022/23 we have 136 trainees in departments including accounts, art department, assistant director, camera, costume, editorial, hair and make-up, locations, production office, sound and video assist/DIT. Of these, 59% are women, 53% from outside London and 24% from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background.

For more information about the Film Skills Fund or development and training opportunities it supports please email: film@screenskills.com , download the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund booklet (PDF) or find the right person to contact on the film team page.

What Films Skills Council members say about this work

Anita Overland, producer and chair Film Skills Council, says: “I’m really pleased to be part of an industry-led body that supports the film workforce. With the industry so busy, ScreenSkills plays a vital role in helping address skills shortages and improving inclusion."

Isabel Davis, executive director Screen Scotland, says: “The ScreenSkills Film Skills Council is a forum to connect with industry, and to learn how ScreenSkills is delivering opportunities across the UK.”

Nigel Bennett, managing director, Molinare, says: "The industry is always evolving and innovating which means ScreenSkills has to consider future as well as current skills needs. It is fantastic to support the Film Skills Council as it addresses these challenges.”

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