A Skillset and UK Film Council funded initiative to help graduates from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds to fast track their film careers is inviting applications for placements with leading film businesses.

Starting in June 2008, the Skillset Graduate Fellowship Programme pays fellows a full time training allowance of up to £17,000 per annum. In addition to fantastic work experience fellows also enjoy the benefit of a series of master classes and workshops led by senior industry personnel designed to increase their awareness of the film business.

Placements up for grabs this year feature roles in areas such as sales & marketing, public relations, accountancy, distribution, script development and producing. Host companies include Film Four, Cameo Productions, Material Entertainment, Eon Productions, Warp X, Focus Features and Ruby Films.

Whilst the programme does not guarantee jobs at the end, over half of the Fellows on board the programme last year secured permanent jobs in the industry within a month of completing their placement.

One of last year’s graduates was Prakash Patel who embarked on a Producer Fellowship with Warp X, he said: “During the fellowship, I have gained great experience as a producer. My achievements included working as a production assistant on an Arctic Monkeys video, and helping to create the website for This is England. Also important was the fact that I had access to a range of experienced producers, some great mentoring advice and made some very useful contacts.”

Applications are open from 10 March and close on 25 March, with placements beginning in May 2008.

See: www.divafilms.co.uk