BECTU Vision recently delivered its flagship Hit the Ground Running training course, designed to equip aspiring professionals with the skills needed for entry-level roles in scripted film and television production. This intensive two-day course took place in Inverness and Dumfries, focusing on developing a skilled workforce beyond Scotland’s central belt.
With film and television productions taking place across Scotland, the Hit the Ground Running programme aims to build a broader talent pool by providing accessible training for those based in the North and South of the country. The course follows on from free Behind the Scenes in Film and Television information evenings, held in Dumfries, Hawick, and online in November. These sessions introduced attendees to Scotland’s screen industry and the diverse range of roles involved in film and TV production.
The hands-on training took place at Wasps Creative Academy in Inverness and The Stove Network and Café in Dumfries, welcoming participants from across Scotland. Designed to prepare individuals for roles in Production, Assistant Directing, and Locations Departments, the course covered key aspects of working as a Runner. Participants engaged in practical exercises, learned how to interpret production paperwork, gained insights into industry terminology, and received guidance on freelance work, CV development, and networking. Additional Get Set Go training took place in at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow and via an online session ensuring that all Hit the Ground Running applicants were offered either training or 1:1 support and signposts.
Industry experts delivered workshops and provided invaluable insights, including Clare Piggot (Screen Highland), Ashley Lawrie (Screen Scotland), Production Manager Ashley Black, 1st Assistant Director Rory Stewart, Location Manager Stewart Forrest, Mark Geddes (South of Scotland Enterprise), Belle Doyle (South West Media Factory), 3rd Assistant Directors Mark O’Connor and Mark Gordon, Line Producers Jill Pryde and Lindsay Goodall and Hit the Ground Running alumni Location Manager Susan MacBride and Sarah Mindel.
The organisers extend their gratitude to all industry professionals who generously shared their expertise, helping to prepare the next generation of screen professionals for successful careers in film and television.
This training was made possible with support from Screen Scotland via BFI Skills Cluster Activity, South of Scotland Enterprise, BBC, and Scottish Union Learning, in partnership with BECTU.
