Creative Access x BFI – Thrive: development programme for freelancers working in TV and Film

Closing date for applications: Sunday 3rd August at 11.59pm

Duration: 12 months

Programme start date: Monday 8th September 2025

Are you a freelancer working in Film or TV looking to access professional development and thrive in your career? Unlock your potential through mentoring, training and networking opportunities with this exciting programme.

Creative Access is partnering with the British Film Institute to provide 5 fully funded places on our Thrive: development programme for freelance professionals working within the Film and TV industry who are at mid-level in their careers. The BFI champions a diverse and inclusive UK screen industry that truly reflects the world we live in. Through funding, education and advocacy, the BFI works to support a more equitable and representative film and moving image sector. This partnership with Creative Access is part of the BFI’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future leadership of the industry.

About the programme 

The Thrive: development programme is an outstanding programme of leadership training, networking and support for individuals at mid-level career stage (c.3-8 years of experience) working in the creative industries.

The year-long programme will commence in September 2025 and includes:  

• Training in areas including developing your leadership presence, navigating a successful freelance career, confidence & presence, managing yourself and others, and understanding organisational and freelance finances.  
• Mentoring from a senior professional in your desired career field for 6 months. 
• Networking events specifically targeted at mid-level career stage and an exclusive film screening and Q&A event with the BFI.
• Free / discounted tickets from partner companies and addition to the BFI inclusion mailing list for events & opportunities, including international events, discounted / free passes to festivals and sector support opportunities.

Participants can expect to increase influence, develop new skills for career progression and have increased confidence to advocate for equal access to training, pay rises and promotions. You’ll also be able to build contacts and working relationships across sectors and take strides to achieve career objectives.

The programme is open to freelancers working across the UK, with opportunities to attend training either online or in person.

This opportunity is designed for those who: 

• Are currently freelancing, and have been for at least 6 months 
• Work within the film and TV sector and identify as being at mid-level in their career (c.3-8 years of experience) 
• Have some experience of coordinating or managing projects  
• Are interested in developing new skills to help progress their career 
• Want to connect with a group of like-minded individuals with similar goals 
• Identify as being from an under-represented group in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: deaf, disabled or neurodivergent talent, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers

To apply

• You must be a freelance professional working in any role within the film and television sector
• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• After clicking the 'Apply' button, you will be directed to the application form 
• Please answer the questions and upload an up-to-date CV

If you require any access support while completing the application form or would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format (e.g. video or audio recording), please email programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk to discuss further.

Questions?

For any queries or for further information, please contact programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk