HBO Avenue 5 Trainee Scheme
In the spring of 2019, the EAN and HBO teamed up to find trainees from underrepresented backgrounds that could work on set in different departments on two-week placements. Although the scheme was initially created for three trainees, in the end six trainees were chosen to join the set of the latest Armando Iannucci TV Show commissioned by HBO, Avenue 5.
The roles were in the Costume dept., the Sounds dept., the production dept., the Camera dept., the AD dept., and in Post Production. Placements were staggered and trainees had different start and end dates as the production team were keen to ensure that the trainee joined the respective teams at the optimum time to get the most out of the experience. Three out of the six trainees were asked to continue working on the show following their placement. This opportunity worked as a catapult for the trainees who went on to work on shows created by Disney and Netflix.
After the sudden termination of my contract as a junior video editor I was at a point where I had to decide if I was going to continue working in post production or go about making my way into production. The issue was all of my connections and understanding of film related mostly to the editing world and I had no idea where to start. But slowly, by attending networking events and masterclasses I began to build up my knowledge of the UK Film Industry. Eventually I was selected to go for an interview at Leavesden Studios to work on Armando Iannucci’s new HBO show Avenue 5. Not only did I get the placement but they asked me to come back as a camera trainee full time for the second block on the production. The EAN has really set me on my way to getting a solid foot into the film industry and I am eternally grateful for the support and guidance of the EAN team!Timi Akindele-Ajani, HBO Avenue 5 camera trainee
I really appreciate being part of the EAN, having these opportunities being offered and explained in a clear and concise manner is such a breath of fresh air. I've attended events from the network before and most recently completed a work experience placement on an HBO show at Leavesden, where I learned invaluable information and got to connect with the experienced crew. Those types of placements are very difficult to come by without already knowing someone, and so I deeply appreciated this opportunity being arranged by the EAN. Even when the jobs listed are for those above my current skill level and department, it's still really useful that every role is thoroughly explained and broken down, so at the very least, you learn more about other roles. They are doing such vital work for the industry and I am very grateful.Mishaal Memon,HBO Avenue 5 post production trainee
Mishaal joined the EAN in June 2018 and since then attended a masterclass and started engaging more with the EAN team in 2019. He applied and was successful in gaining a place as a trainee of Avenue 5.