Prime Video Commits £10 Million to U.K. TV & Film Training Initiative

Prime Video is planning to spend £10 million ($13 million) across three years for a new multifaceted training initiative designed to open up access to jobs in the TV and film industry across the U.K.

Prime Video Pathway launches with a suite of initiatives to open up access to the creative industries, including apprenticeship programs and stepping-up schemes built into all new U.K. original productions.

Prime Video has entered into a flagship collaboration with the U.K.’s National Film & Television School (NFTS) to open up access to careers in film and television as part of the new academy program. The academy will build to having places for 75 people per year who will be offered the chance to apply for a variety of craft and technical roles on Prime Video commissioned productions in the U.K.

Prime Video has also committed to fund and co-program two courses designed to support the entry of new diverse voices into TV and film production.

The academy program will offer up roles across physical production, including production, art department, locations, camera, sound and accounting. Upon completion of the program, Prime Video, the NFTS and production heads of the department will work with the participants to plan and support their next steps into the industry, with the aim that trainees will be put forward to work on other productions. The school is committed to investing in training across the U.K., with at least 50 percent of participants coming from outside of London.

“The U.K. is home to an extraordinary wealth of creative talent, and as our homegrown productions grow, we need to support a sustainable and diverse talent pool with world-class training and a new creative generation for the industry,” said Dan Grabiner, head of U.K. originals at Amazon Studios. “We are delighted to be committing £10 million toward that goal today and thank the NFTS and colleagues across the TV and film industry for their support in helping us fulfill our ambitious goals. To those considering a career in the creative industries: We want to hear from you!”

“The NFTS is synonymous with developing the world’s best creative talent through our world-class training,” added Jon Wardle, director of the National Film and Television School. “We are thrilled to work with Prime Video on this landmark collaboration, which will increase representation behind the camera and scale up the skills required by the many original productions coming down the track. A new generation will be offered life-changing opportunities to join the U.K.’s production juggernaut, and we look forward to a raft of new trainees and students from across the country joining us for the exciting ride ahead!”

“The U.K.’s thriving film and TV industries offer fascinating job opportunities, and it’s great to see this new initiative launch to help more young people from a variety of backgrounds get a foot in the door,” said Minister for the Creative Industries Julia Lopez. “I encourage all those with the passion and aptitude to unleash their creative talent and apply.”

“I am delighted to see Prime Video widening access to training and development in the U.K.’s exceptional TV and film industry through the power of apprenticeships,” said Minister for Skills Alex Burghart. “Our new flexi-job apprenticeships are creating exciting new opportunities in a wide range of industries, including via ScreenSkills’ scheme in partnership with Prime Video, for people to secure a great career.”