This guidance is not a substitute for HR or legal advice. Useful employment-related and contracting resources can be found on Work Wise for Screen.
We welcome the inclusion of different types of work-based training and career insight opportunities on BFI-funded projects. These can include:
- industry placements as part of formal programmes of study
- internships or traineeships
- work shadowing
However, you must ensure that any roles offered on BFI-funded projects follow the guidance for the categories below and are correctly defined, advertised, managed, and remunerated.
Our funding guidelines state that all cast and crew roles on BFI-funded productions must be paid at least in line with the London Living Wage (or equivalent). Producers are responsible for ensuring satisfactory compliance with all obligations outlined in their funding agreement, including the appropriate recruitment, onboarding, contracting and offboarding of cast and crew.
We expect all industry placements, trainees, interns and work shadowing placements to be over 18 on BFI NETWORK, BFI Filmmaking Fund and UK Global Screen Fund productions. For international co-productions where the UK is a minority co-producer, this requirement and the guidance below applies to UK cast and crew only.
Industry placement as part of a formal programme of study
A work-based learning opportunity, lasting no more than 12 months to help an individual develop real skills and gain experience relevant to their formal area of study. The placement must be a mandated part of a formal and accredited programme of study that is required for the individual to successfully complete their course.
Individuals undertaking industry placements on BFI-funded projects must:
- be over 18
- be on an accredited programme of study
- be accompanied by a letter to the UK producer from the study programme provider confirming the above
- have all their expenses (including travel and subsistence) paid by the production
- not be a core crew role that the production relies on
London Living Wage (or equivalent) does not apply for industry placements.
Internship or traineeship
A paid, entry level position for anyone of working age, typically lasting between six and 12 months but can be shorter. Students can take these positions where the internship or traineeship is not a formal part of their programme of study, meaning it is being undertaken in addition to their studies.
Intern and trainee opportunities are for those seeking to take their first step into a role, including those looking to change career. This should be a defined role, with a clear job description, which requires individuals to undertake real work duties with clearly defined contractual working hours, days, and duties.
If the internship or traineeship is part of a scheme being supported by another organisation, such as a screen agency, you must have confirmation that this organisation will pay the trainee directly.
Individuals undertaking an internship or traineeship on BFI-funded projects must:
- be over 18
- have a contract that details working hours, days, duties, and start and finish dates
- be paid at least the London Living Wage (or equivalent)
Work shadowing
Shadowing is when someone accompanies a crew member solely to observe how a job is done. They may watch crew members undertake specific tasks or processes, or follow specific crew members throughout the working day to gain an insight into workflows and activity. There is no fixed duration for a shadowing opportunity, but it is recommended these are typically brief (over agreed days not weeks).
Those work shadowing should not be asked to perform tasks that contribute to the production’s output or undertake duties that the production directly relies on. However, they may be invited to mirror or simulate tasks to aid personal learning.
Individuals undertaking work shadowing opportunities on BFI-funded projects must:
- be over 18
- only observe
- not undertake any direct work or tasks that the production depends on
- not receive a wage (although they can be paid expenses at the discretion of the production)
London Living Wage (or equivalent) does not apply for work shadowing.