Hamburg countering skills shortage in film industry

The trainee scheme is a great tool for attracting new, talented people to work on set, said Dr Carsten Brosda, Senator for Media and Culture. He added: "Now in its third year, the scheme creates low-threshold access for people who want to turn their passion for film into a career. It strengthens Hamburg as a media centre at the same time." The 10-month scheme can be completed in co-operation with various production companies including Fast Forward and Junafilm. The scheme also backs people who would like a change of career in the changing world of work, according to Melanie Schlotzhauer, Senator for Social Affairs. Career changers will receive practical training in jobs such as production manager, sound and camera assistant.

The lack of talented young professionals is also noticeable in Hamburg, with 1,580 vacancies on the Chamber of Commerce's online apprenticeship exchange and in the creative industries generally. "The shortage of skilled labour is still noticeable in the north German film and series landscape," said Helge Albers, Managing Director of MOIN Filmförderung. Some vacancies have been already been filled thanks to previous editions of the scheme. Around 85 per cent of graduates have gained a foothold in the film industry, according to the Ministry of Culture. Many now have permanent jobs or work as freelancers. The latest scheme should build on these success cases.

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