Liverpool film and TV skills workshops to be offered for free

Training workshops and masterclasses will be held, the Liverpool Film Office says

A free scheme to help people develop skills for a TV and film industry career has been launched in a city.

Liverpool City Council's Film Office said it wanted to help 1,000 people become part of a "thriving and skilled workforce" over the next three years.

The programme, named Action, offers training, workshops and masterclasses with established crew members.

The authority said it hoped the scheme would bring diversity and inclusivity to the industry.

Councillor Harry Doyle said it was a "fantastic opportunity" for people who dreamt of a film and TV career.

'Transformative journey'

"The Film Office is working hard to open doors to anyone, no matter what their background, to have the opportunity to work in such an exciting industry," the cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture said.

"This training will not only assist in tackling the skills gaps within the film and TV industry in the north {of England] but provide potentially life-changing opportunities for those who need it most."

Councillor Lila Bennett, cabinet member for employment, educational attainment and skills, said Action, would help make the TV and film industry "as diverse and inclusive as possible".

"Developing skills can make dreams a reality and Action has the potential to be a transformative journey for those lucky enough to be part of the programme," she said.

"As a city council we are committed to doing everything we can to give residents the skills they need to be employment-ready."

The former Littlewoods building is to be transformed into a film studio and production hub

The scheme is funded by £2.3m BFI National Lottery money which was awarded to Screen Alliance North, a new skills partnership delivered by Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire.

Work to transform Liverpool's former Littlewoods building into a film studio and production hub began in December.

The plans will see sound stages, studios, office space and a training facility open on the site on Edge Lane.

Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders said the Action scheme would help "bridge the gap when it comes to training and securing a first job in the industry".

"These opportunities will be tailored to a specific skillset to ensure we are providing a real taste of what it's like to work on a production," she said.