Communicating Across Languages
Course Date: Wednesday 20 August | 1000 – 1230
Application Deadline: Friday 30 July 2025, 9am
As Scotland’s screen industry becomes increasingly international, language and communication barriers are becoming more common on set. Our ‘New Scot’ freelancers (professionals whose first language isn’t English) are a huge asset to our productions.
This training is designed to empower cast and crew with practical tips to better support these colleagues by adjusting our language, tone, and the quirks of Scottish English that can sometimes cause confusion.
From explaining tasks clearly on set to managing on-boarding processes, even small miscommunications can lead to delays, frustration, and stress for everyone involved.
This fully funded, interactive session delivered by ESOL Scotland is a fun and practical opportunity for crew members at all levels to develop communication skills that help non-native English speakers integrate more easily into freelance roles.
Led by experienced ESOL educators, the session will explore:
> Common communication pitfalls—and how to avoid them
> Techniques for giving clearer instructions on set
> Greater awareness of the cultural and language challenges international colleagues may face
> Simple strategies for building a more inclusive and efficient team culture
Who is this for?
This training is ideal for anyone working in the Scottish screen sector who collaborates with crew members for whom English is a second language. You might be a:
> Department head or supervisor
> Line producer or production coordinator
> Assistant director or floor runner
> Crew member in a fast-paced, multilingual environment
> Team member who values clear communication and inclusion
No prior ESOL experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and to make your set a more welcoming, collaborative place to work.
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
If you have any queries please email vision@bectu.org.uk
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