Netflix is running free workshops for young people in Glasgow dreaming of a career in film and TV.
The IGNITE Your Creativity programme, in partnership with the National Youth Theatre, is set to return to the city for a fourth year.
Spotlighting careers in the creative industries, the initiative equips young people with the knowledge, skills and connections to build their networks and confidence.
Former graduates of the programme have gone on to work professionally in TV, film, theatre and content creation productions, win short film festivals and film with world leading talent including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Kate Winslet.
Also running in Sheffield, Belfast, and North Wales, IGNITE has reached 4,500 young people across the UK, offering free, practical workshops that explore the wide range of creative roles behind the screen, connect young people facing barriers to access with industry experts, and give them the chance to visit sets and get hands-on experience.
Participants go behind the scenes at major film studios and theatres, meet industry professionals, get free mentoring, and try their hand at everything from writing and set design to lighting, sound, cinematography and post-production.
Anne Mensah, VP of UK Content, Netflix said: “What joy that in year four of IGNITE we are going to all four nations. Continuing to work with the National Youth Theatre, we want young people across the whole of the UK to see that a creative career is within their reach.”
This year’s programme follows National Youth Theatre’s 70th anniversary celebrations, including Letters to My Younger Future Self at the Royal Festival Hall in September, which was supported by Netflix.
The show, which was in part produced by IGNITE participants, brought together alumni, some of the UK’s foremost actors and writers, and National Youth Theatre members for a night of hilarious stories, dark secrets and sage advice.
Participants from this year’s programme will follow in the footsteps of alumni from the target regions this year include The Fall star Valene Kane from Northern Ireland, Toxic Town and Karen Pirie star Lauren Lyle from Glasgow, Black Mirror star Gweneth Keyworth from Wales, and Agents of Shield star Elizabeth Henstridge from Sheffield.
Paul Roseby OBE, CEO & Artistic Director, National Youth Theatre, added: “We’re proud to be marking 70 years of storytelling with young people by extending this career sparking opportunity to all four nations. The challenge youth unemployment presents is great, but so is the creative potential of young people around the UK. We’re very grateful to Netflix for helping us meet this challenge. Collaborating with a global industry leader gives aspiration and hope to those who need these opportunities more than ever.”
The scheme is open to those aged 16 to 25, or up to 30 for individuals who are neurodivergent, d/Deaf or disabled.
For more information about the IGNITE programme, visit the National Youth Theatre website.
Photo credit: Tom Arber