Film London's Equal Access Network (EAN) held a day of panels and presentations for members of its Job Centre Plus Programme, funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) last month in London. The event, held at St Annes Church, Soho, was designed for job customers who are looking to work in the screen industries, with a view to contributors sharing experiences of breaking into the industry, and sharing knowledge and advice for attendees.

Following an introductory talk about the EAN and the Job Centre Plus Programme, the morning panel entitled 'Getting Into The Film And TV Industry' featured four EAN members who are now working in the industry. Hetty Quirke - Researcher, Munaiba Mahmood - VFX Trainee, Tayo Odesanya – Writer/Director and Shakeelah Archibald - Art Department Trainee, all shared how they got their break into the industry as well as reflecting on learnings from their current role.

The afternoon sessions opened with a 'How To Make An Impact on Set' panel. Shakeelah Archibald rejoined the panel alongside Andre Sapori – Camera Trainee, Christian Antoine - Production Assistant, and Nileema Yesmin - AD, PA, Location Marshall, Writer’s Assistant and 2021 Lodestar, to discuss how to behave on set.

Key pieces of advice included not talking badly of colleagues (as you never know who might be listening), showing initiative and importantly, taking opportunities to practice self-care, whether that was getting refreshment or taking a designated break to help stay alert and make the most of on-set time.

The panel was followed by an interactive workshop - 'Networking: Best Practices' led by Samina Kiyani, Media Trainer and Communications Coach, who shared tips on how to network, especially for those at entry level who are building up their experience, and how to approach those potential networking moments.

The day finished with a presentation from Disney, focusing on Traineeships and Industry Insights. Sophie Carr, Manager - Talent Acquisition and Crew Development, Karl Collins, Senior Recruiter, and Danae Islas de Leon, Disney Trainee, spoke to the audience about the things recruiters look for when hiring crew.

Danae (pictured on the left) shared her experience as an Assistant Director Trainee on Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, ending the day on an inspiring and encouraging note.

You can find out more about the Equal Access Network here.