News Story
L-R (Top) - Lauren Allaway, Denise Jobome (Bottom) Kianne Sadeq, Foladele Falana-Ngadi, Alex Teng
With the much-anticipated release of Universal Pictures’ Wicked this past month, we spoke to a few of Film London's Equal Access Network Trainees who worked on the landmark production. Part of the ground-breaking Universal Below-the-Line Talent Traineeship talent programme, a partnership between NBC Universal, Film London and the Mayor of London, young Londoners were recruited to work on one of this year's most exciting cinema releases!
After production wrapped at Sky Studios Elstree, Film London's Equal Access Network have kept in close contact with all trainees, supporting them through further mentoring and pastoral schemes, aiding their progression through the UK film and TV industry.
Foladele Falana-Ngadi was selected by the programme to work on Wicked as a Production Trainee.
The Universal Below-the-Line Talent Traineeship Programme was amazing! It was everything I needed to ease me into the UK Film/TV industry. I can't describe the joy I felt when I discovered that I had been shortlisted; this was just the start of many more joyful moments. It was my first time on such a big budget production as well, so getting that experience was really surreal. I couldn't have been prepared for the placement without the EAN's support.Foladele Falana-Ngadi, Production Trainee on Wicked
Wicked, 2024. Courtesy of Universal Pictures.
"It of course didn't end there - the support continued after the placement through the constant check-ins and a mentorship programme" - Foldadele added. Since the traineeship, she has been working as a Production Coordinator with Revelation Films. "It happened immediately after the traineeship, actually! I also have a credit as the Production Coordinator on Amazon Prime's The Real Line of Duty, released earlier this year", she added. We've been delighted to see Foladele's career go from strength to strength since her placement on Wicked!
DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) Trainee Lauren Allaway also told us about her experience on the production: “I found the Universal Below-the-Line Talent Traineeship incredibly useful to my career. It offered me opportunities where I was able to go on set, learn and create amazing connections to help me start my career in film. The support you receive pre-hire and post-hire has been wonderful too. I’ve been kept up to date, offered a mentor and supported throughout". Just like Foladele, the Universal Below-the-Line Talent Traineeship was just the start for Lauren as she immediately started work on a Marvel production after Wicked:
Since the Universal Below-the-Line Talent Traineeship ended, I have used all the skills I learnt, and the amazing relationships I’ve formed to progress my film career. I’ve been working in the DIT & Video department as a trainee/assistant for the last two years now and have recently stepped up to Data Manager on my latest job. Without the Traineeship I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to start progressing my film career in the way that it has.Lauren Allaway, DIT Trainee on Wicked
Director John M. Chu behind the scenes of Wicked, 2024. Courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Kianne Sadeq was placed on the production as an Accounts Trainee, creating an unforgettable trajectory back to NBCUniversal having worked with the organisation earlier in her career!
“Working at Universal Pictures on an incredible project was an absolute dream come true for me. The knowledge and experience I gained during this time were truly priceless. Having the opportunity to learn and grow within an environment that encapsulates both my passion for film and my strong connection to the company, given my past as a news producer for NBCUniversal, was a remarkable journey."
Kianne went on to take an active role in education and mentoring for other women looking to return to the industry as she wants to share her experiences from Wicked with women in similar positions in the sector.
This experience not only fortified my career path in the film industry but also empowered me to navigate the delicate balance between being a devoted mother and a dedicated professional. The strength I've gained from this endeavour has been instrumental in propelling me forward, shaping my trajectory, and affirming my commitment to both my family and my career. Through my time on Wicked, I've discovered a passion for film production that I am excited to continue nurturing.Kianne Sadeq, Production Accounts Trainee on Wicked
Wicked, 2024. Courtesy of Universal Pictures.
After working on Wicked, Costume Trainee Alex Teng worked on several other feature films, dressed for the West End, and is now working on an Apple TV show! This is what he told us about the programme:
“I found the programme really rewarding, it was great to have my first experience on a major film, this helped me build a lot of confidence going into jobs afterwards which I would have not had otherwise!"
Finally, Production Trainee Denise Jobome recounted her time on set:
Working on 'Wicked' was a truly unforgettable experience that I will forever cherish. I had long dreamed of a career in film, but my concerns about lacking experience and connections were alleviated through this opportunity. The programme offered valuable insights, encouragement, and a boost in my confidence to pursue a future in the industry.Denise Jobome, Production Trainee on Wicked
Denise has continued to excel in the industry, working as Production Assistant on a short film for Moonage Pictures and the BBC, as well as a new Amazon Prime series.
Universal Pictures have also shared some behind-the-scene snippets with the fantastic cohort of trainees. Check this out below:
Congratulations to all the trainees who took part in the ground-breaking Universal Below-the-Line Talent Traineeship!
Universal Pictures' Wicked is now in theatres. Head to your local cinema now to catch one of this year's most exciting releases!