As Aardman approaches its 50^th anniversary, the joint initiative will see the studio become an official partner of the Young BAFTA programme to support the next generation of creative talent through a roster of year-round learning programmes. The partnership will provide valuable opportunities for young talent, including direct engagement with Aardman’s creative team, and provide a platform for young people to explore creative careers, ensuring that the next generation of animators are equipped with the skills, inspiration, and confidence to succeed.

The renowned British animation studio also continues to support the next generation of animation talent through the Aardman Academy and its unique workshops programme and outreach initiatives, which aligns with Young BAFTA’s commitment to nurture young people’s creativity, and mission to promote socio-economic diversity in the screen arts sector.

Aardman has always been passionate about nurturing creativity, a commitment rooted in our origins as a studio founded by two recent graduates, Peter Lord and David Sproxton. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we are very proud to partner with Young BAFTA and provide young people with exciting and meaningful opportunities to engage with our creative team and develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the animation industry.

Emma Hardie, Executive Commercial & Brand Director at Aardman and BAFTA® member

At Young BAFTA, we are committed to empowering the next generation to explore careers within the screen industries, so we are thrilled to partner with the award-winning animation studio, Aardman. This collaboration will offer incredible opportunities for aspiring animators, and with our missions so closely aligned, help us develop the creative talent of the future.

Lisa Prime, Head of Children and Young People’s Programme at BAFTA

Central to BAFTA’s mission, the initiative nurtures young people’s creativity by offering opportunities like Young Game Designers – celebrating its 15th anniversary this year – and Young Presenters, as well as national roadshows in collaboration with children’s mental health charity Place2Be, mentorship, and showcases. Through these initiatives, Young BAFTA reaches thousands of young people across the UK, helping them build confidence, develop transferable skills, and access networks and opportunities in the screen industries.

Aardman is committed to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society and publishes its progress towards this goal twice a year. The studio’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter can be found here.

For more information about the Aardman Academy, visit The Aardman Academy.

Digital Orchard and Kodak Film Lab London are setting a new benchmark in large-format filmmaking with the introduction of their most advanced scanning upgrade yet, meeting the surging demand for 65mm film. This major investment, developed in collaboration with Kodak, enhances scanning capabilities across all 65mm formats, including 5-perf, 8-perf, and 15-perf IMAX, delivering unparalleled precision and image quality that elevates the visual storytelling experience.

Since opening its Film Shop last year, Digital Orchard’s ‘Orchard Film’ department has rapidly expanded, introducing Super 8 stock, processing, and scanning services, alongside offering solutions for 16mm, 35mm, and 65mm formats. The recent 65mm IMAX scanning upgrade is a game-changer, unlocking exciting new creative possibilities for filmmakers working at the highest level of cinematic storytelling.

The scanning upgrade represents a huge leap forward for us at Digital Orchard. It’s part of our ongoing mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of film. It’s been fantastic working alongside our partner Kodak to bring this vision to life, and we can’t wait to see how filmmakers will harness this enhanced IMAX capability.

Callum Just, CEO and Founder of Digital Orchard

This decision to upgrade comes in response to the booming resurgence of analogue film, driven by the recent success of Oscar-winning productions shot on Kodak’s legendary film stock, such as The Brutalist, Anora, I’m Still Here, and I’m Not a Robot. The new scanning upgrade perfectly complements Kodak Film Lab London’s recent lab enhancements, which include the largest upgrade in over a decade with the installation of Photomec’s latest operating system. Together, these innovations ensure the highest levels of quality and process control in every project.

It’s been incredible to witness the surge in analogue film’s popularity, and we’re thrilled to continue working with Digital Orchard to amplify this growth. Their new cutting-edge scanning technology, coupled with our own state-of-the-art processing upgrade, ensures filmmakers can achieve the very best in cinematic visuals.

Antonio Rasura, Director of Motion Picture Services at Kodak

Having surpassed 10 million feet of film scanned at its facility based at Kodak in Pinewood Studios, Digital Orchard continues to be a trusted partner for filmmakers, providing expert scanning support and delivering top-tier visuals on every project. Filmmakers are invited to reach out to Digital Orchard or Kodak Film Lab London to discover more about the newly available enhanced 65mm services or to schedule a visit and see the upgraded installation in action.

This upgrade is more than just a technological leap – it marks the next phase in the evolution of film and reaffirms both companies’ commitment to supporting the creative vision of filmmakers with the best tools available.

BlueBolt Co-Chief Technology Officer Tom Mawby has been promoted to CTO, Ben Starkey to Head of Systems and Priam Sampaio has joined the studio as Head of Pipeline. 

Having been appointed as co-CTO in 2023 alongside CTO George Siddiqui, Tom will take the reins as sole CTO as George steps into a supporting consultancy role for BlueBolt, effective immediately. 

Tom is responsible for BlueBolt’s technology strategy and operations including systems, pipeline and R&D to support the studio’s roster of film and episodic projects. Tom has over 20 years in technical, R&D and software development leadership roles at visual effects studios; a software vendor; the UK civil service and most recently as Head of Pipeline and co-CTO at BlueBolt. Tom joined BlueBolt in 2020 from a previous role where he led an international software team building a visual effects pipeline.

Now Head of Systems, Ben Starkey joined BlueBolt in 2023 as Lead Systems Engineer from a gaming studio, bringing extensive experience leading systems infrastructure projects gained over 20 years. Priam Sampaio has joined BlueBolt as Head of Pipeline following seven years as Senior Pipeline Technical Director and previous roles at other leading studios.

What makes BlueBolt special isn’t just our creative track record – it’s the people behind it. As we grow this year, I’m focused on making sure our tech can keep pace with our artists’ imaginations, and get out of the way to let them do their incredible work. We’re already seeing real benefits from our microservice framework and our new USD pipeline, and the way that AI tools have been helping accelerate both our developers and artists has been eye-opening. Having Ben and Priam on the tech leadership team brings fresh energy and expertise at the perfect time.

Tom Mawby, Chief Technology Officer at BlueBolt

Tom has done an incredible job as co-CTO over the past two years, alongside George as part of the senior team. Under his technological leadership we look forward to continuing to expand our creative boundaries and maximise our team’s ability to deliver the highest standards of work on screen.

Tracy McCreary, Managing Director at BlueBolt

BlueBolt’s recent projects include VES-nominated work on Robert Egger’s Nosferatu; Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows; Wolf Hall: The Mirror And the Light (BBC); Emmy-nominated work on True Detective: Night Country; BAFTA-nominated work on Ridley Scott’s Napoleon; Belgravia: The Next Chapter and Bad Sisters season 2 (Apple TV+).

BlueBolt are currently in production on projects including Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and The Thursday Murder Club (Netflix).

• Report outlines steps to maintain overseas investment while safeguarding culturally distinct British productions.
• Independent Film Tax Credit a game-changer but not a silver bullet for all the problems facing independent British film.
• Committee makes recommendations on tax incentives, supporting workforce, independent cinemas and meeting challenges posed by AI.

Tax breaks and a streamer levy should be on the table as part of an urgent package of support for the UK’s crisis-hit high quality drama sector, MPs say today, in a wide-ranging report which urges the Government to step up the assistance it provides for all elements of British film and high-end television.

Today’s report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee welcomes the Government’s stated ambition to make the UK the best place to make film and high-end television, but warns that there must be no complacency over its status as a global production hub and calls for a regular assessment of tax incentives to maintain investment from overseas.

At the same time, the report recommends a series of measures to halt the decline of domestic production of culturally distinct British film and programmes, which has failed to keep pace with the headline-grabbing growth of big box office productions financed and controlled from outside the UK.

While the introduction last year of the Independent Film Tax Credit – as called for by the previous committee in the last Parliament – was a welcome first step for the film industry, the report says the Government should go further, or producers will continue to struggle to develop and raise finance for films, and those that are made will not be seen by audiences. The Committee calls for a tax credit to support the distribution of lower-budget films, among other measures to support independent film.

The Committee further warns that without urgent intervention, the problems seen in independent film will extend to the domestic high-end TV sector, where competition from high-budget overseas production is driving up costs, revenue models are changing due to the terms offered by streamers and commissioning budgets of public service broadcasters are being squeezed by a fall in the licence fee and drop in advertising revenue.

The report outlines evidence that this has put distinctly British content, which is vital to the UK’s identity, national conversations and talent pipeline, under threat.

Evidence to the inquiry from ‘Wolf Hall’ director Peter Kosminsky warned that recent hit ‘The Mirror and the Light’ would not have been made today due to funding challenges, while ‘Black Doves’ and ‘Kaos’ producer Jane Featherstone told the Committee that the business models of streamers dictate that shows need to have global appeal to be made.

The Committee’s report therefore calls for enhanced tax incentives for domestic high-end TV, and for streamers, such as Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+ and Disney+, which benefit from the creativity of British producers, to put their money where their mouth is by committing to pay 5% of their UK subscriber revenue into a cultural fund to help finance drama with a specific interest to British audiences.

The report also makes a range of recommendations on how to bolster skills and worker rights in the industry, citing the many hardworking and talented people who work in the sector as a key reason for its success. It reinforces the recommendation of the last committee for the Government to appoint a Freelancers’ Commissioner.

On support for cinemas, the Committee says the Government should introduce a core funding model for culturally significant independent cinemas to mitigate the cost pressures, changing audience behaviours and under-investment in people and infrastructure that have threatened many communities’ cinemas.

The report also says that the Government should require licensing of creative works in all cases where they are used to train AI models.

Big box-office blockbusters made in Britain have showcased the UK’s world-class film and high-end television industry like never before. But the boom in inward investment of recent years now risks crowding out our many talented independent British producers. While streamers like Netflix and Amazon have proved a valuable addition for the industry and economy, unless the Government urgently intervenes to rebalance the playing field, for every ‘Adolescence’ adding to the national conversation, there will be countless distinctly British stories that never make it to our screens.

From independent production through to cinemas, all parts of our film and high-end TV sector, and the talented people that make it such a success, are going through a turbulent time. To neglect just one part puts the entire ecosystem at risk, so it’s therefore vital that the Government goes further and faster across the board to support an industry that is so important to both our economy and our soft power overseas.

Today’s report sets out a way forward for the Government to put the name of the UK film and television industry up in lights around the world as the very best place to do business and to work, by offering the right tax incentives, tackling skills shortages, improving worker rights and making sure the rise of AI is a positive force, not a disincentive to investment.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee

The report’s key findings and recommendations

The future of British film – page 7

• The Independent Film Tax Credit is a gamechanger for domestic production and a welcome sign of continued Government commitment to the sector. But it is not a silver bullet for all the problems facing independent British film. Without further intervention, producers will still struggle to develop and raise finance for films, and the films that are made will not be seen by audiences.

• On tax changes, the report makes recommendations on amending the definition of R&D for tax relief purposes for the creative industries and introducing tax relief for the print and advertising costs of films to support distribution and exhibition.
• On funding, there should also be a review of the impact of changes to the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and an increase in the budget for the UK Global Screen Fund, with the UK looking to rejoin Creative Europe as an associate member.

The crisis in domestic high-end television – page 17

• Domestic HETV needs to be supported through enhanced tax incentives just as independent film has been. The BFI should urgently conduct analysis on the potential design and return on investment of a targeted uplift to HETV AVEC for domestic productions with budgets of £1 million to £3 million per hour. The Government should commit to introducing the measure at the next fiscal event if the projected return on investment and impact on domestic production is found to be positive.

• The dynamic between independent producers and streamers is not sustainable, and successful production companies are being gutted by deals that deny them the ability to fully monetise their intellectual property. The Government should consider ways that British producers can retain a greater share of IP rights when working with streaming platforms.

• Streamers laud the UK’s mixed production ecology, with public service broadcasters and independent producers at its heart, but their business practices are putting that at risk. They need to step up their support for the making of culturally British content, and not just reap the cultural and training benefits it provides. All streaming platforms that operate in the UK should pay a 5% levy on their UK subscriber revenue into a cultural fund administered by the BFI to support domestic production. If the industry does not voluntarily establish the fund within a year, the Government should introduce a statutory levy.

Incentivising inward investment – page 28

• Twice a year, the Government should compare the UK’s film and HETV tax incentives with those of other countries. Where the UK’s offer is found to be less competitive, the Government should bring forward any changes to maintain overall competitiveness.

Supporting the workforce – page 39

• From our world-class actors, writers, composers and directors to our highly skilled VFX artists and dedicated, hair and make-up professionals, costume designers and technical crew members, the people that make, distribute and exhibit British films and HETV programmes are a key reason the industry is a global success story.

• The Committee is not convinced ScreenSkills is up to the challenge of delivering meaningful action on skills and training and the Government should link any future public funding to specific, measurable outcomes based on it publishing and meeting ambitious and robust performance indicators.

• The Committee is surprised that major streamers and studios could not give a straight answer on how much they spend on training. There should be a statutory requirement for the entire film and HETV production industry to report their spending on skills and training as a percentage of their production budgets every financial year.
• The range of roles required to make film and HETV means entire cohorts of sixth- form students could find jobs in the industry that fit their skills and interests. The Government and BFI should launch a national awareness campaign highlighting the employment opportunities offered by film and HETV, and the range of skills the industry requires.

• The British film and HETV industry benefits hugely from the flexibility afforded by a predominantly freelance workforce, but in return both it and the Government need to do more to support freelancers when they are out of work. The Government should set out specific measures to address pay precarity and the Committee repeats the call of the predecessor committee for the appointment of a Freelancers’ Commissioner.

• It is in the film and HETV industry’s interests to tackle bullying and harassment through effective self-regulation. All parts of the creative industries under the remit of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) should commit to unconditional, long-term funding within six months. In the meantime, the Government should explore all options for funding CIISA in case the industry does not deliver a voluntary solution.

Cinema exhibition – page 63

• The Government should review the impact of a permanent cut to VAT on entry to cultural events, including cinema tickets, to identify whether it would support the growth of the creative industries.
• The Government should fund the BFI’s proposals to deliver core funding, similar to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation model, for independent cinemas. This should include a capital funding pot to upgrade cinemas’ infrastructure and improve their energy efficiency.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence – page 73

• Industry guidelines based around protecting human creativity in the use of generative AI are welcome, but the film and TV sectors are calling out for help to embrace the growth potential of generative AI in a way that is fair, responsible and legally compliant. At the Spending Review, the Government should fund the BFI’s development of an AI observatory and tech demonstrator hub.

• Getting the balance between AI development and copyright wrong will undermine the growth of our film and HETV sectors, and wider creative industries. Proceeding with an ‘opt-out’ regime stands to damage the UK’s reputation among inward investors for our previously gold-standard copyright and IP framework.

The work of the BFI – page 83

• Too often the BFI’s responsibilities have been expanded by the Government without a commensurate, long-term increase in the grant-in-aid support available to it. That has put the UK’s reputation with inward investors at risk and could undermine the growth of the vital sectors under its remit.

• The Government should review how National Lottery returns for good causes are allocated between distributing bodies by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.
• To safeguard our national collection of film and TV, and increase public access to it, the Government should introduce and resource a statutory deposit scheme for the moving image, as a first step conducting and publishing research into how it would operate.

Read the full British film and high-end television report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee here.

As the report rightly highlights, rising costs, market failure in public service commissioning, and an over-reliance on inward investment are threatening the creation of culturally British content. These same pressures are already having a chilling effect on the UK animation sector, which punches far above its weight economically, but remains vulnerable due to underinvestment and a lack of targeted support.

In our recently published Blueprint for Growth, Animation UK sets out a clear and cost-effective roadmap for addressing these challenges. Our five-point plan mirrors many of the Committee’s recommendations and shows how, with modest and strategic intervention, animation could double in size and contribution to UK GVA, growing from £1.7bn to over £2bn, and increasing employment to over 20,000 highly skilled jobs.

Key proposals include:

• A targeted uplift in tax relief for animation TV content, not just features, to match international competitiveness and stimulate growth.
• A revitalised focus on children’s content funding, reversing the decline in PSB investment, exploring contributions and quotas from streamers and ensuring young audiences can access high-quality UK content.
• Unlocking private investment and access to finance for animated IP, which has proven global value and export potential, by reviewing EIS and SEIS programmes and introducing new fiscal incentives. As well as support from the British Business Bank.
• Increased international co-production support via an increased UK Global Screen Fund and reaffiliation with Creative Europe.
• Investment in skills and education, recognising the sector’s digital potential and safeguarding the UK’s leadership in animation innovation, as well as craft and technical skills at all levels.

This is a pivotal moment. The Committee’s report makes clear what we’ve been saying: our world-class content industries face a systemic crisis. For animation, the warning lights have been flashing for some time. We fully endorse the Committee’s calls for stronger support but urge them to build on their recommendations by ensuring the distinctive needs of the UK animation sector are embedded into future evidence, analysis and policy.

Animation is one of the most geographically diverse and export-ready parts of the screen sector. With the right conditions, not handouts, but smart, targeted policies, it can thrive, drive growth, and tell British stories to the world. But without action, we risk losing that voice, that talent, and that future.

Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK

Animation UK stands ready to work with Parliament, Government, and industry partners to ensure these opportunities are not missed. We urge the CMS Committee to include evidence from animation as it takes this agenda forward.

Read the full British film and high-end television report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee here.

Notorious DIT, part of Molinare Creative Group and the UK’s leading DIT and Digital LAB provider, has announced that it has appointed Ram Tripathi to Production Technology and DI Consultant. Alongside Tripathi’s appointment, the company have launched a roster of new services in answer to the growing demand from productions. The investment in both technology and people come at a time of growth for Notorious DIT and demonstrate the company’s commitment to delivering a client first, gold standard service.

Prior to joining Notorious, Tripathi provided technical guidance, optimised workflows, resolved technical challenges, and contributed to innovative tool development—from on-set colour and data management to post-production workflows. Tripathi racked up a plethora of credits across high-end drama and feature projects as a freelance senior DIT and regular collaborator of Notorious DIT. Now joining the team in a permanent position, Tripathi brings a wealth of expertise in production workflows, digital imaging, and technology solutions. He will be working closely with Notorious DIT’s teams to optimise production processes, implement cutting-edge DI solutions, and ensure seamless technology integration across projects Credits include The Gentlemen, Cleaner, The Third Day and Crazy Rich Asians.

In addition to Tripathi’s appointment, post production veteran, Andy Sumner, joins the team as The Notorious Man in the North, to further support the company’s efforts in the North West following the company’s expansion to Liverpool last year. Sumner will work alongside the Liverpool and Manchester based DITs and LAB operators to support productions.

Further to the team expansion, Notorious DIT have built a new turnkey solution for productions shooting in overseas territories. The new system, called R.O.V.E.R (Remote Offload Verify Export Render), ensures rushes are safely backed up and delivered to the edit while on location, negating the need of a physical person on set. With production budgets tightening, R.O.V.E.R enables productions to implement the required high-end workflows, but remotely. Already having been used on multiple productions, the system marks a new frontier on how productions manage complex overseas shoots.

Alongside R.O.V.E.R, Notorious DIT have added Video Playback to its suite of services, which includes, DIT, data management, LAB and on-set and near-set. Adding video playback to Notorious DIT’s toolbox provides clients with a complete 360 service enabling on-set efficiencies and streamlined communications.

The new services and senior appointments are a result of a positive 2024, despite the challenges faced by the industry. The strengthening of both the team and offerings demonstrate Molinare Creative Group’s commitment to its frontend services, aligning with Notorious DIT’s growth strategy for 2025.

This is the next chapter in Notorious’ story, and I’m extremely excited. Ram’s unparalleled expertise and exceptional talent not only position Notorious with a distinct competitive edge but also elevate the experience we offer our clients, ensuring unmatched results. This, teamed with the expanded services means we are primed for 2025, and further geographical expansions in the coming months.

Michael Pentney, Managing Director of Notorious DIT

Vittorio and Fi work alongside Freefolk’s Founder and Creative Director Jason Watts and COO Paul Wright, with this new leadership line-up signalling significant growth and development within the business across the advertising, film and episodic divisions.

As a fully independent VFX studio who craft high-end VFX across multiple platforms, I’m hugely proud to say that we have been doing this for 22 years this year. What better way to celebrate this achievement than to have Vittorio back where he belongs and with Fi steering the ship as CEO.

Jason Watts, Founder and Creative Director of Freefolk

Vittorio brings his wealth of experience and industry knowledge back to the Freefolk team.

I had a great time at Omnicom but there was always that part of me that missed the multi disciplined expertise at Freefolk, so when Fi mentioned the focus of this new role, it just made complete sense. Freefolk is all about the perfect balance of culture, experience and great work and, as a truly independent studio, we have the ability to keep that front and centre. I couldn’t be any happier to be back at Freefolk working with Fi, Jason, Paul and the whole gang again. We have exciting plans ahead and some additional key creative hires on the horizon to really position Freefolk onto the next stage of its journey.

Vittorio Giannini, Director of Business Development and Strategy at Freefolk

It’s an absolute privilege to now be CEO at Freefolk, made even better having the strength of this team alongside me. With Vittorio fitting straight back in, it seems like he’s never left!

Fi Kilroe, CEO of Freefolk

Freefolk have just finished work on new projects for FCB/ProdCo and a Wes Anderson feature and are currently in production with Merman, Sky and Paramount+.

Orchard Crew has announced their cohort of 2025 Camera Trainees: Michael Scanlon, Beth Lamyman, Phoebe David, Alex Sole-Leris, Nic Sian, Thomas Foster and Kim Holmes.

Building on the success of its sister company Digital Orchard Group’s Access 2024: Trainee Scheme, launched last year, Orchard Crew recognised a unique opportunity to champion emerging camera talent. The Camera Trainee Scheme will provide aspiring professionals with the skills, experience, and industry connections needed to excel.

We are thrilled to launch our very own Access: 2025 – Camera Trainee Scheme, providing a dedicated pathway for aspiring professionals looking to advance their careers in the camera department. We saw a fantastic opportunity to expand this support to those passionate about camera work. Nurturing emerging talent is at the heart of what we do, and we are incredibly proud to welcome our talented trainees.

Hannah Drew, Orchard Crew – Diary Service Manager

The Camera Trainee program offers hands-on training in essential camera department skills, including prep, and behind-the-scenes logistics. Offering mentoring and hands-on experience shadowing crew members onset, with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience together with Digital Orchard, MCX and One Stop Films.

Over the next year I aim to continue developing my technical skills within the camera department and prove myself a valuable and reliable asset to any production!

Michael Scanlon, Access 2025 trainee

Trainees will receive ongoing representation throughout the scheme, actively marketed across the brand, while being provided with the necessary resources to connect with creatives. Participants will be considered for available work opportunities, spanning a wide spectrum of production scales.

Orchard Crew’s team are excited to pass on their knowledge through mentorship, and help form the new wave of Camera Department trainees. One of the team’s mentors, Second AC Falco Caldeira is thoroughly looking forward to mentoring.

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the people that mentored me, so I am really excited to give back and help future trainees find their feet.

Falco Caldeira

Ahead of the official launch of the scheme, Nic Sian (Orchard Crew – Access 2025 Cohort) gained hands-on experience as a camera trainee on a recent production, ahead of the start of the scheme.

I had the best time working with DOP Chaimaa Ormazebal and Orchard Crew’s 1st AC, Luke De Borde on a recent commercial. Both of them took me under their wing, it was a fantastic experience and I hope to work alongside them again soon.

Nic Sian

From the start [Nic] was on top of everything, always ready to help, super switched on, and just really easy to work with. But more than that, they brought such good energy to set. They were funny, relaxed, and just had this way of making everyone feel comfortable […] I’d definitely work with them again any day.

Chaimaa Ormazebal

Digital Orchard has announced their brand-new 2025 DIT & Video Trainees: Cleopatra Southcombe, Lorna McCoid, Monika Sak, Jack Lightfoot, Adella Demou, and James Lau.

For the second consecutive year, Digital Orchard have successfully launched another Access: Trainee Scheme, which has seen a surge in demand, with applications being six times higher than in the previous year. Founded in 2024 by Head of Bookings, Olivia Fitzsimons, the scheme supports new talent entering the Film and TV industry. It aligns with Digital Orchard’s Foundation, a key advocacy and networking initiative focused on promoting and supporting under-represented groups in the industry.

Managing Digital Orchard’s On-set talent agency revealed a gap in support for new DIT and Video technicians. The Access Trainee Scheme was created to address this, offering hands-on training in a supportive environment. Trainees develop essential skills at their own pace, receive close supervision and feedback, then shadow on set before stepping into paid roles. This initiative is personal to me, as it opens doors for those facing industry barriers, giving them the foundation for successful careers.

Olivia Fitzsimons, Head of Bookings at Digital Orchard

The DIT & Video scheme provides expert guidance on key topics like on-set etiquette, rates, and negotiation, with mentors offering ongoing support. Digital Orchard’s 2024-25 trainees: Tommy Shackles, Madison Marshall, Daniel DiFranco, Christian Chun Kit Wong, and Michalina Wilk, have completed their first year of the scheme. It’s just the start, with many staying on as trainees, and others moving into DIT or Video Assistant roles. Over the past year, the trainees have worked on productions including The Diplomat S3, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Pressure, Mechanical S3, Vauxhall S4, and Preschool.

In 2025, Tommy transitioned to DIT Assistant roles, already building an impressive CV in just a year and aiming to work on high-end dramas and features.

My first year with the trainee scheme was extremely valuable, it allowed me the time and resources to truly understand the fundamentals of DIT and Video. I had space to practice key skills like coiling cables and setting up transmitters, quickly becoming a valuable asset to Technicians and Operators. I highly recommend the scheme and thank Digital Orchard for the opportunity.

Tommy Shackles

I wanted to express how pleased we all were with Tommy on this production. He’s so lovely to work with and very forward thinking and diligent, so it was a real pleasure having him on the crew. I’d be happy to recommend him on/ have him come aboard whatever I may do in the future.

Jessica O’Shaughnessy, Production Manager

Digital Orchard is thrilled to get their 2025 trainee cohort stuck into another informative programme. Aspiring trainees like Adella Demou are eager to gain hands-on experience in DIT & Video.

I’m excited and extremely grateful to be joining the Access: 2025 Trainee Scheme with Digital Orchard! I look forward to diving into the details of DIT & Video and getting hands-on in training!

Adella Demou

The 52-episode action-packed animated series will debut on CBeebies later this year. Created byOutfit7, the IP owner of the global entertainment brand Talking Tom & Friends, and in partnership with veteran producers Epic Story Media and ReDefine Originals (part of the DNEG Group), Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super brings the Talking Tom & Friends characters into an exciting new world in a superpowered twist on the global brand.

The series follows TalkingTom and his friends Angela, Ben and Hank as they discover a strange device that grants them amazing powers and makes them “Suddenly Super.” As they take on heroic challenges in the colourful streets of Peak City, they must learn what it truly means to be a hero and to save the day. With core themes of self-discovery, humour and friendship, Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super is full of action and comedy.

We are thrilled to add Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super to our lineup this year. We are confident that the show’s blend of humour, heart, adventure and much-loved characters will resonate and entertain our young audiences.

Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 at BBC Children’s

CBeebies is a beloved part of family life in the UK, and we’re thrilled that Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super will be joining its fantastic lineup. We can’t wait for kids (and their parents!) to enjoy the fun, friendship, and super-powered surprises that make this show so special.

Dominic Gardiner, Managing Director, Distribution at CAKE