New bootcamp offers chance to capture life behind the lens

People looking to break into the world of filming live performances of everything from ballet concerts to rock shows are being offered the chance to join an exciting new skills bootcamp.

Championed by The Space, the bootcamps offer students a compelling opportunity to be trained by some of the best in the industry on how to become a producer, vision mixer, or multi-camera director.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has teamed up with digital agency The Space and Solihull College & University Centre, so people can learn skills directly from professionals working at high profile performing arts organisations like Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Hippodrome and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Dr Julie Nugent, Director of Productivity and Skills at WMCA, said: “The live performance bootcamp is a fantastic opportunity to not only get hands on experience for those aspiring to develop a career within the arts but also get the chance to meet some of the best performing arts organisations which are based here in Birmingham.

“We know that the pandemic has impacted the performing arts industry dramatically and this bootcamp is a fantastic way for individuals to learn the skills of the future to bounce back into employment quickly.”

The 16-week bootcamp includes:

• Intense workshop weeks to provide a solid skill base in filming, mixing and editing
• Rotations at partner organisations working on live capture projects
• Masterclasses with industry experts
• Matching students with an industry expert who will act as a mentor throughout the course
• Employability skills and support in developing effective CV‘s and showreels

The Space’s chief executive and creative director, Fiona Morris, added: “I’m delighted therefore, to be working with our partners in providing such brilliant opportunities for trainees to gain hands-on experience and benefit from working alongside such internationally renowned arts organisations.”

To apply, applicants must be 19 years old or above and have a postcode within one of the seven metropolitan authorities of the WMCA (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull Walsall and Wolverhampton). Applications will be accepted from Friday 25 March 2022 to Sunday 10 April 2022 (inclusive).

A CV and covering letter should be submitted to [email protected] or alternatively submit an online application by clicking the link below 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d5Eus-FcRkW-h13QCd3xBevGVr0fcd5Aqgh7rdIuvsdUMjdGWTQ4RkdWRVRMWkRQM1hQRTNUTkRESC4u