ALMOST ADULT TRAINING PROGRAMME

As with many of Parallax’s films, on Almost Adult we wanted to offer a training scheme where young people could gain experience in their chosen area within filmmaking. In particular we wanted to give an opportunity to those who otherwise might not have the chance to work in film. For example people of different backgrounds, different ethnic minorities, and different classes.

Together with Hi8us we devised a structured scheme providing eight places. Each trainee assistant would be assigned to a specific department for the duration of the shoot. As well as being hands-on and practical, the scheme would include a week-long induction course where trainees would gain theory and one-to-one mentoring. The trainees would also have the opportunity to make their own DVD to capture their experiences and to chart their progress on video diaries.

Too often a trainee becomes a runner and doesn’t get as much out of the job as they ought to. To avoid this on Almost Adult, we had the training mentor talking to the trainees about what they wanted from the position, who then discussed with the Head of Departments about how to get them that. As a result Paul Morris, who was our trainee Assistant Director said “I’ve been really lucky because the 1st AD is a very experienced guy, and the 3rd AD is also very experienced and they‘ve been quite happy to allow me a lot more responsibility than other trainees might have in this situation.

To have eight trainees on a small crew is very unusual because it’s relying on the trainees to be very much part of the crew. People get to know what the jobs are about and they get really intensely involved and that for most people it’s been quite a strong learning curve for them. As one trainee put it, “It exposes what you’re capable of and also shows you where your weaknesses are. Now I am more aware of my weaknesses and now I can go out there and try and correct them.”

Overall the scheme proved popular with the trainees and they particularly valued working among experienced filmmakers. Susi, who trained in the production office said “the amount of experienced people on this crew is just great. And they’re really supportive as well.”

As well as having happy trainees, the scheme also got the crew’s approval! Director Yousaf Ali Khan said “I think that all the trainees on this film have been excellent. I think it’s really important to train the next generation of filmmakers. I think more films should do that.”

Training scheme funded by Hi8us/Equal and SWM.

Trainee Interviews