NEW opportunities are being offered to Keighley people seeking to work within the region's burgeoning film and TV industry.

A range of part-time courses will provide training in a variety of roles, identified as being most in demand locally.

It is the third year of the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire initiative.

Roles covered include lighting technician, hair and make-up, costume, production assistant (scripted), art direction and props, and 'my first factual TV job'.

The courses will be delivered between next month and August by Screen Yorkshire, in partnership with Keighley College and University Centre Leeds.

A spokesperson said: "We aim to build a large, talented and versatile local workforce, which reflects the diversity of the region.

"The courses have been specifically designed to provide trainees with a clear pathway to entry-level jobs in the film and TV industry. To achieve this, trainees will work hand-in-hand with numerous high-profile employers in the region."

Also involved in the venture is ScreenSkills, whose head of film and animation Gareth Ellis-Unwin said: "Alumni from the first two years are already forging great careers and providing local industry with the skilled people it needs.

"We hope that this encourages other potential recruits from all backgrounds to apply for the courses."

Glyn Middleton, of Screen Yorkshire, says demand for skilled recruits is high.

He said Screen Yorkshire's film office had experienced its busiest year to date for enquiries and that more productions than ever were scheduled for 2022.

Major productions supported by the film office include The Railway Children Return, shot around Haworth and on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. It is due for cinema release this spring.

Mr Middleton said: "The courses have proved hugely successful in getting trainees their first jobs in the industry. But there’s more work to do – this is the busiest time any of us can remember and a large number of films, TV dramas and factual shows are on the horizon. We have designed these courses specifically to tackle skills gaps."

The courses will be held through a combination of practical training, one-to-one tutorials, masterclasses and mentoring support.

There will also be a work experience module, pandemic restrictions allowing, and trainees will take part in two week-long 'boot camps'.

Prospective trainees should go to screenyorkshire.co.uk/craftcourses for full details.

Applications for the production assistant (scripted) course close on February 28, and for all other courses on March 14.