Production Assistant Skills Bootcamp

Level up your Production Assistant skills with an Eight-Weeks Skills Bootcamp?

Free practical training with guaranteed interview.

Multi award winning film producer Simon Poon and Creative Director Ellis Gilbert, led our amazing second film production skills bootcamp.

As well as learning about the production assistant role, participants worked with experts to make a professional pop video for R&B singer Abbie Piper, a chart star in the making!

Courtesy of funding from the Department for Education and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and with generous sponsorship from SEGRO, in early 2024 we partnered with VMI to run a six-Week Skills Bootcamp.

The Bootcamp aimed to empower and guide individuals interested in pursuing a career as production assistants in the Film and TV entertainment industry.

Less than two months after the boot completed, more than half of the participants have progressed into production jobs, coordinators, production team the people that make it all happen behind the camera?

During the intensive workshop with industry specialists, you will learn the Ins and Outs of being a production assistant:

• Coordinating schedules & Call Sheet Training
• Managing equipment and safety along with understanding set etiquettes.
• Researching
• How the industry works & Surviving as a Freelancer
• Industry Guest Speaker
• Production Planning
• Assisting with set design along with handling logistics and much more

Whether you’re a film enthusiast looking to break into the industry or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance your skill set, this bootcamp is for you.

Network with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and build a foundation of relationships and a community for a successful career as a production assistant.

Production specialist producers and mentors will guide you with hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, giving you a taste of the fast-paced and dynamic world of production.

This opportunity to kickstart or further develop your journey within a tough nut-to-crack industry, with Guaranteed interviews upon completing your training.

Participants worked together in group activities to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. From set design to costume design, script writing to hair and makeup, everyone had the opportunity to get stuck in and develop their skills.

The Bootcampers collaborated with the band to conceptualise and execute a production brief for the pop music video. They then shot two music video productions for Abbie, aided by professional crews and top-notch equipment from VMI.The resulting footage was professionally edited and produced, shown a week later in a formal screening at the Ealing Broadway PictureHouse, where each student was credited for their contributions to the project. This was a highlight for many, and it was amazing to see everyone’s contributions on the big screen.

Following the bootcamp all participants were interviewed for real production jobs within the industry. The professionals loved working with them and gave them advice on launching their film/entertainment careers.

VMI is proud to be offering this course with training provider JGA, who is a well-established and fast growing apprenticeship, training and career management organisation, rated Ofsted “Good” and with ESFA approval.

JGA was awarded the 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Promoting Opportunity,  West London Business Best Education & Training Provider 2023 and AAC Creative and Design Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023.

Course being delivered by

• Executive Producer, Simon Poon Tip
  • Award-winning producer of 30+ years, specialising in music videos and commercials, having covered such illustrious artists such as Bjork, Oasis, Craig David and others.  Simon has won several industry awards for his work including Design and Art Direction, Brit Award, MOBO Award and Music Video Award (MVA).
• Creative Director, Ellis Gilbert
  • Ellis creative direction for Soho Yacht Club, Cortiez, AJ Tracey and several others.  Ellis’s fresh style, easy going nature and creative thinking have made him a powerhouse of ideas.

Limited places, applications deadline Sunday 21st January with Screening & Registration on Monday 22nd January 2024.

Eligibility criteria for the course. 

• Aged 19+​
• Have a right to Work and Live in the UK.
• Not currently in employment, which can include a freelancer who has not worked in the seven days. ​
• Not in education, funded training or already enrolled in another Skills Bootcamp​
• Interest in a career in the Film and TV sector.
• Valid British Passport, UK birth Certificate, Settlement Status login details or Biometric Resident permit (with permission to work & valid for more than 6mths). 
• Proof of address in their name .
• Universal Credit Statement (If applicable). 

As places are limited, applicants who can provide all evidence will be prioritised. 

Thank you to our sponsors, without whom the course would not be possible