Creative England have anounced the launch of its Elevator skills programme for film producers, directors and writer/directors from across the UK.

Elevator will give up to 15 award-winning makers of live action, documentary or animated shorts support to make the leap to feature films. Supported by Creative Skillset, the scheme will provide selected applicants with bespoke skills training and mentoring, alongside on-going career development, advice and guidance to help accelerate their careers to the next level. 

The programme is the latest strand of support offered by Creative England’s talent development team, following the launch of iFeatures2 earlier this year.

It will see producers, directors and writer/directors who have won recognition from one or more top international film festivals* learn how to maximise the attendant industry interest and progress from short to long-form films.
By taking part in the Elevator programme, they will be able to access high level training courses and talent labs, mentoring, professional shadowing, industry networking support as well as assistance to attend industry markets and festivals. Each package of help will run for up to six months, with an additional six to seven months added on to review progress and offer further advice.

The programme has been developed in association with Creative Skillset as part of A Bigger Future 2 to meet, nurture and promote the brightest talent from across the English regions. It illustrates the importance of maintaining the momentum created by recognition at international festivals and award ceremonies, and aims to provide participants with the skills, experience and industry networks that will enable them to maximise these opportunities and move forwards in their career.

Creative England’s Head of Talent, Chris Moll, said: “The industry offers a considerable amount of support for writers at this stage of their careers, but the same structure just doesn’t exist for producers or directors looking to make the crucial leap from shorts to features. The Elevator programme contains the right blend of training, mentoring and networking support to make a real difference to the emerging generation of filmmaking talent.”

Dan Simmons, Head of Film at Creative Skillset, said: “A Bigger Future 2 aims to support creative talent at critical moments throughout their career in film. Elevator will provide a tailor-made opportunity for filmmakers on the scheme to help maintain the momentum of their early career success and confidently pursue bigger ambitions within the UK film industry and beyond.”

Caroline Parkinson, Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said: “Scottish film makers have enjoyed success at major short film festivals, winning international awards and plaudits and now Elevator can help take their careers to the next level. This UK-wide partnership, led by Creative England, will see four directors, producers or writer/directors gain valuable experience in feature filmmaking, a vital step for careers in the industry.”