The programme aims to break down barriers for Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent mid-level professionals in the screen industries

The third Film Forward programme has been launched, from ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund and the Adobe Foundation, to support and nurture Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent (DDN) mid-level professionals in the screen industries, particularly in virtual production (VP), post-production, and visual effects (VFX).

The Film Forward programme will recruit five professionals from the DDN community who have at least three years of experience in roles within VP, post, or VFX, or relevant transferable skills. They will be matched with Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore and Molinare for a four-week paid placement starting in 2025.

Anita Overland, chair of the Film Skills Council, said: “Supporting and nurturing diverse talent across the industry is vital to its future success. The Film Skills Fund’s Film Forward programme is an inspiring step toward a more inclusive workforce.

“We are committed to enabling opportunities for those from underrepresented groups, particularly within the DDN community, to thrive and ensure the industry benefits from their valuable contributions.”

Emma Turner, head of the Film Skills Fund, added: “This iteration of Film Forward represents a crucial step in fostering inclusivity in specific, growing sectors of the industry. By targeting DDN professionals in VP, Post, and VFX, we are providing essential career development opportunities and helping these individuals advance to the next level. This is about levelling the playing field and breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited access and recognising the value, rapid changes and skills collision in digital content production.”

Research from the BFI Diversity Standards and the Creative Diversity Network’s Diamond Report continues to highlight the lack of representation of DDN professionals in the film and television industry. Film Forward, as part of ScreenSkills’ Film Skills Fund, is designed to tackle this disparity by creating meaningful pathways for DDN talent to progress and thrive in senior production roles.

“Our partnership with the Adobe Foundation and leading industry companies like Bild Studios, Final Pixel, Framestore and Molinare has allowed us to expand our diversity efforts,” commented Laura Mansfield, CEO, ScreenSkills. “By working with industry leaders, we can ensure participants gain valuable hands-on experience in key areas, breaking down barriers and helping to build a more inclusive future for the screen industries.”