A chance of a lifetime has turned up in London’s deprived East End for those from disadvantaged communities who are out of work to try their hand at getting into film and TV. Applications are now being invited for training from “unrepresented groups” in the creative media industries—such as women, the disabled and those from ethnic backgrounds.

East London Advertiser: Budding film-makers in training at Four Corners studiosBudding film-makers in training at Four Corners studios (Image: Four Corners)

A free course starts in the New Year at Bethnal Green’s Four Corners studios in the Roman Road to learn the art of film-making, open to those aged 18 to 30.

The media charity, which also celebrates its 40th anniversary, is offering training for unemployed residents, paid for by funding from Tower Hamlets Council which also covers cost of travel and even childcare.

“We normally do training in photo and film for freelancers with previous experience,” Four Corners marketing assistant Becky Smith explained.

“But this is for beginners with no experience in creative media, who have an interest in it.

“The course can open doors, like work-experience and even placements, as our staff have contacts through networking in the industry.”

But the first step is getting the application into Four Corners by November 30 for those who would “not normally stand a chance” of making it into creative media.

“This gives them that chance,” Becky urges. “With training fees going up, people aren’t inclined to consider media as a career, especially those out of work.”

The part-time course starting in January runs for three months, on two or three days a week, followed by one-to-one mentoring from professionals and support for further training, work-experience and the chance of placements where possible.

Four Corners development director Carla Mitchell said: “Support from Tower Hamlets council means we can provide free training for disadvantaged people, providing real opportunities to develop a career in film and TV.”

The course is open to those with different levels of skill, including complete beginners, aimed at “more balanced” creative media representation.