YOUNG people from the district have been selected for a new training scheme addressing diversity in the film and TV industries.

Beyond Brontes, delivered by Screen Yorkshire in partnership with Bradford Council, is a training programme tackling under-representation in the industry. The first 50 successful applicants are from the Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale and Kirklees districts.

The scheme is designed to break down barriers that can prevent young people, aged 18 to 24, from diverse backgrounds entering the screen industries.

The programme offers support across a range of disciplines, including make-up, set design, accountancy, editing and research. Modules include internships, careers information, one-to-one support, training and mentoring.

“The screen industries are growing in the region but the talent behind the cameras doesn’t currently reflect the diverse communities within the UK,” said Sam Fray, Beyond Brontes programme manager at Screen Yorkshire.

“We want young audiences to find out about the opportunities available now and understand that a career in the film and TV industries could be for them. "Anybody from any background can have a career in the screen industries; there are so many opportunities and there’s a place for everyone.’’

Now that the first trainees have been recruited, Screen Yorkshire is working to identify individual training needs and career aspirations. The team is organising a programme of paid internships, work experience and shadowing opportunities at regional production companies, including Duck Soup Films, True Vision Yorkshire, Rockerdale Studios, Wise Owl Films and Prime Studios.

Screen Yorkshire – which champions film, TV, games and digital industries in the region – is also recruiting industry mentors to offer one-to-one support to Beyond Brontes participants, to prepare them for an industry workplace.

Lizzie Warham, of independent film and TV production company Duck Soup Films, said: “We think Beyond Brontes is a great programme that will help to create a level playing field for young people who wish to pursue a career in film and TV.’’

The training programme is part of a package of regional initiatives designed to secure continued growth in film and TV production. It follows the news that Channel 4 is relocating to Leeds, and the launch of Screen Yorkshire’s region-wide Film Office.