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Originally launched in 2021, after an obvious lack of skillful employees in Film and TV, BBC Studios continues to run a successful Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme for a third year in a row. A dozen more candidates have been offered one-year contracts to aid in launching their careers to the fast track lanes. BBC Studios continues to be the only United Kingdom based company to make such large strides in supporting and helping those with newer careers and those who show promising skills to develop.
Over the three years of the fruitful programme 41 candidates were offered one-year contracts immediately following their training, 12 of which were from this year’s programme. Part of the programme is to hone and develop skills such as scripting, pitching, leadership, team management, and even mental health awareness. Three of the Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme (APAP for short) have been chosen as Broadcast Magazine’s “Hot Shots” this year, and another two have been tagged to be apart of the 2023 Edinburgh TV Festival’s “One to Watch”. Clearly when training and dedication to supporting those within the workforce is given, people become great, even fantastic, at their jobs. But this support and training isn’t given out to just anyone…
The Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme receives hundreds of applications each year, over 700 applications were sent just this past year. The chosen few who are picked from this massive influx of applications are treated to intensive classes every month with industry experts weeding out the candidates further to the dozen or so who will be offered contracts for employment at the end of the thorough teachings. The investment that BBC Studios has put into this education is obviously paying off as it continues to be one of the most sought after opportunities in the UK after only three years into this endeavour.
BBC Studios is well aware that they benefit from this coaching. The Senior Head of Talent at BBS Studios, Melissa Clay-Peters said:
“We benefit from the skills and talents of the programme’s graduates who continue to work here- but so do other UK production companies who have already employed some of our alumni. [This is] a highly impressive group who are already making their mark in creating outstanding content and we are confident this latest intake will follow…”
Considering that more and more Film and TV professionals are considering leaving the industry for good, it is partially miraculous that the programme has taken off so well. Even though passion is what gets people started in the industry, passion certainly is not what keeps the lights on. Even once you have a foot in the door, it’s not as simple as climbing the ladder and making your way up in the world. It really is more about who you know, and what you know comes second more often than not. With the BBC Studios Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme, you get almost the best of both worlds. If selected from the hundreds of applications you get thrust into thorough training where you will make contacts, and if offered a contract at the end, you will receive even more contacts and will have gained maximum knowledge of this industry.
Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive in her work. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020, and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending some time on tour. Drew's favorite by far though, has been the chance to work on Broadways and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry.
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