British Sign Language for Film & TV

Course dates: Saturday 26 October; Saturday 2 November; & Saturday 9 November 2024

Application deadline: Tuesday 8 October 2024, 0900

British Sign Language (BSL) is the preferred language of over 87,000 Deaf people in the UK. This 3-session in person course has been designed to equip you with BSL basics that will enable you to communicate with Deaf cast and crew members, and members of the public whilst on productions.

This course will use new film and television specific BSL resources which we’ve created in partnership with STV and with the support of Screen Scotland.

Each session will be 2-hours, followed by a 2-hour practice session. Each practice session will give a chance for the practitioners in the group, and previous BSL practitioners, to meet up and practice using their BSL in an informal conversational way. The group will have our trainer and interpreter on hand for support and guidance, and to fill in any gaps, and refresh their knowledge of BSL.

Session 1: Deaf Awareness

This training course will help participants to increase their awareness the history and culture of the Deaf community. Participants will develop their understanding of different levels of deafness and the challenges deaf people experience when trying to communicate with hearing people.

By the end of the session participants will be able to:
> Understand the complexities and challenges of deafness and hearing loss.
> We’ll identify the barriers faced by deaf people and the importance of equal access.
> Use strategies for good communication and how to modify communication to an individual’s needs.
> Be deaf-aware, with the knowledge and confidence to communicate more effectively with deaf people

Session 2: Basic Everyday BSL

In this session we’ll share the basics of the BSL alphabet and equip participants with the skills to use BSL to introduce themselves and learn commonly used greetings and phrases.

By the end of the session participants will:
> Have an overview of the BSL alphabet.
> Be able to introduce themselves using BSL.
> Understand and use some common everyday vocabulary.

Session 3: Basic BSL for Film & TV

This session has been designed to enable participants to develop skills to communicate with deaf people using basic British Sign Language (BSL) in some common film and television production situations.

By the end of the course participants will understand and use some common film and television production related vocabulary and phrases.

Who is this course for?

This in person training course is aimed at all film and television practitioners. No prior knowledge of BSL is required.

Tutor:

This course will be delivered by Lorna McIntyre, a profoundly deaf BSL Lecturer with an experience of over 30 years.

Eligibility:

This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here: England, Wales.

> Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.

> Students are not eligible for this training.

Selection:

> As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

> Priority for spaces will be given to eligible BECTU members.

> If more BECTU members apply than spaces available, places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training.

> Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.

> We have a travel fund to support anyone who may need help with travel costs.