Here to Help
There are many organisations keen to help workers in media and entertainment. Some are membership organisations, some are publically funded, some are more overtly commercial.
Use the Creative Toolkit Help Notes attached to this page
Here are just a few which we believe are worth checking out; if you'd like to recommend additions to this list let us know.
ABTT - The Association of British Theatre Technicians is a charity and membership organisation who campaign on behalf of the theatre industry to ensure legislation is appropriate to the industry’s needs.
BBC Academy - online training resources from the UK's leading broadcaster. Areas covered include tv, radio, online and podcast.
BECTU - is the UK's media and entertainment union and the organisation behind Creative Toolkit. (BECTU became a sector of Prospect, the union for professionals, on 1 January 2017). BECTU represents the interests of staff and freelancers working throughout broadcasting, film, theatre, live events and allied areas. Find out more about BECTU representation and the union's range of union services. New entrants can join the union as full members for £60 in their first year in the industry (half of the standard annual fee).
Creative and Cultural Skills (CCSkills) - the industry body wich supports skills and training for people and businesses operating in the creative and cultural sectors. CCSkills is the lead body for theatre and the arts.
Creative Skillset - the industry body which supports skills and training for people and businesses to ensure that the UK's creative industries (including tv, film, interactive media and games) maintain their world class position. Skillset conducts a range of research and also distributes training funds to film and tv freelances.
4Talent - career support for media workers backed by Channel 4 with a special focus on new entrants.
HMRC - Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is the government body which in addition to other duties is responsible for enforcing the National Minimum Wage Regulations. Employers who fail to uphold the regulations can be reported to the HMRC.
IMIS - The International Moving Image Society provide the film, TV, video game and media industries with the education and training to produce the best products.
Mama Youth - assists young people from 18-25 years of age with the skills and experience to secure employment in the TV and media industry. They are committed to getting young people into employment and to bringing diversity to the media industry.
My First Job in Film - is committed to promoting new entrant positions which work within industry guidelines.
ProductionBase - networking, job opportunities and profile services for freelancers. (ProductionBase members new to BECTU can save 25% on the introductory annual subscription; likewise members of BECTU can join ProductionBase at a discounted rate).
The Callsheet - a members-only site for professionals working in film, tv, commercials and promos.
The Talent Manager - links creative companies with creative talent. Primarily focused on TV, Talent Manager offers free entry to their database or you can consider pro membership.
The TV Collective - this online community, which also organises networking events, is focused on promoting greater diversity amongst the tv workforce: that means diversity in terms of race, gender, class and disability. Subscribe to their newsletter for information on the latest happenings and networking opportunities.
Triforce Creative Network - for networking, mentoring and opportunities to showcase your work.
The Unit List - a reliable and popular source of jobs in TV; committed to only advertising jobs which pay.
TUC -the Trades Union Congress, backed by the majority of UK trade unions, speaks on behalf of the nation's workforce. The TUC also works closely with community groups. See also the TUC's site for younger workers workSMART
Last page update 3 July 2018.