Production on the second series of HBO’s House of the Dragon provided training and placement opportunities for those at various stages of their screen careers, as part of programmes developed by the High-End TV (HETV) Skills Fund.

The behemoth show is a good example of the HETV Fund in action, providing an opening for a candidate from the industry accounts transfer programme; a scheme developed to meet industry demand as part of the Make a Move Plus platform of grade-specific training programmes in response to direct shortages in certain sectors.

A series of new-entrant initiatives in partnership with HBO was also on offer for those in North Wales looking to join the industry.

Sitting under the HETV Fund’s First Break banner, they provided paid production placements across a range of roles, including costume, VFX, props, locations and production office, and enabled candidates to pair practical training with hands-in experience of working production life.

Hannah Roose, local project manager, said: “It’s been a privilege to represent, encourage and introduce people from under-represented backgrounds in North Wales to HETV, on one of the biggest shows in the world. It provided inspiration, optimism and tangible experiences – not only for those on the First Break programme but also the whole community.”

In addition the HETV Trainee Finder programme sourced two costume trainees onto set from the Fund’s flagship new entrant programme, HETV Trainee Finder, offering paid production placements alongside tailored training, masterclasses and networking opportunities.

The HETV Fund applies to TV production costing £1 million or more per broadcast hour to produce.