Talking Point was founded in 2011 to help people start and progress in their film and HETV drama career. Our aim is to provide industry focused information to enable clear routes to employment on the productions our participants want to work on.
We run short courses, masterclasses, one to one sessions, networking opportunities and mentoring for people wanting to break into the industry and those who are already established in their department looking to up-skill and move up a grade. Our is training cost effective, inclusive and industry focussed.
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Our work also enables us to talent spot and work alongside productions to identify appropriate crew for roles in physical production, notably the Art Department teams.
Above all, we have a high convergence rate of training to employment on mid-large scale features and dramas. 85% of our mentees are now fully established in the industry enjoying successful careers.
​Our training works. We have a huge amount of support from Heads of Department, studios and streaming platforms and are able to deliver training that makes a real difference. The community of freelancers that we have created is a supportive and nurturing one, where individuals can continually access information, further their careers and learn from others in an encouraging environment.
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​We also consult between the film and television industries, its stakeholders and the government on new skills initiatives and developments. We are involved with developing qualifications and apprenticeship schemes, provide research to in-depth industry reports and evaluate programmes for a wide range of clients.
Led by Helen Johnson, our project managers all have over 20 years of production experience and a wide range of industry relationships. Prior to working freelance and starting Talking Point, Helen delivered the UK Film Skills Strategy for Creative Skillset and was Head of Physical Production at the Glasgow Film Office.