VMI runs Bootcamp to help youngsters join TV industry

Courtesy of funding from the DfE and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and with generous sponsorship from SEGRO, training provider The JGA Group and VMI partnered in early 2024 to run a six-Week Skills Bootcamp to further develop and support aspiring individuals keen to understand what it takes to be a production assistant and thrive in the Film and TV entertainment industry.

The course was designed and delivered by multi award winning producer Simon Poon Tip in conjunction with Creative Director Ellis Gilbert..

24 students were trained by an award-winning producer in all aspects of production including:

• Teamwork
• Elements of production
• Visiting a rental company
• How to act on set.
• Budgeting
• Production planning
• Surviving in the freelance world
• Building budgets
• Production planning
• Production Design
• Health & safety

The students worked together in groups to complete exercises in order to apply what they had learned in every area.

The focus of the course was for them to meet a band and work together to form a production brief and design a pop video. In the final weeks, they shot two separate productions, assisted by a professional crew and equipment. This was professionally edited and the students were invited to a formal screening of the finished films, for which all students received a formal production credit.

At completion, all students attended a formal interview for a real position and received positive feedback about their development advice to assist them in progressing in their career within the industry.