As we grow, so does our commitment to creating opportunities for new and emerging talent. We believe that the best way to learn this industry is by being in it, on set, working alongside experienced professionals, and given space to step up. Our goal is to open the door to people at the very start of their careers, whether that’s through production runner roles, shadowing heads of department, or, in some cases, taking on HOD responsibilities themselves.
Our recent short film Time to Go was the first time we trialled this approach, working closely with institutions like Edge Hill University and LMA in Liverpool. It proved the value of embedding early-career creatives into a professional working environment, and confirmed that this is something we want to build on.
This won’t be a fixed or formal scheme, it will grow naturally as we do, shaped by the people we meet and the projects we undertake. But the aim is simple: to make our productions a place where talent is nurtured, skills are passed on, and the next generation has a real shot at finding their place in the industry.
Opportunities & Training
Read about the experiences of emerging filmmakers, crew members, and creatives who have collaborated with Old Swan Films on our recent productions.
I’m a third year student at Edge Hill University and worked as a production assistant on Old Swan Films Time To Go short film. It was great work experience as I had never been on a set with that many crew members before. I got introduced to crew roles that I had never known about including Prop Master and Intimacy Coordinator. I got to work with different departments, gaining knowledge of areas which I didn’t know much about. It was fun to explore these different areas and learn knew skills, which can help me in any role I wish to pursue in the future. Overall, the crew were kind and supportive, always making sure I was happy with my role. Thank you Old Swan Films.
Erin - Edge Hill University
Being on the set of Mr. A Genesis offered me an incredible learning experience in the world of film production, offering me insight into the camera, gaffer and grip departments. More than anything, though, it was just such a lovely set to be on. It felt like one big film club, where everyone genuinely loved cinema and was excited to talk about it. I would jump at the chance to be on another Old Swan set with the same people that made Mr. A so special, creatively inclusive and exciting.
Aaron boylin - LMA
I had such an amazing time on set. I started off shadowing production design, and I really appreciated you letting me jump over and shadow directing too, it was so cool seeing how everything comes together from both sides. Everyone was genuinely lovely, made me feel really welcome and gave time out of their day to answer any questions I had. Thank you so much for having me.
ALxia newman - metfilm school
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