Into Film, the UK’s leading charity for film in education, brought careers advisors and teachers behind the scenes at Firststage Studios to build understanding of screen industry roles and opportunities for young people in Scotland with their ‘Careers in Scotland’s Screen Industries: Behind the Scenes’ event.
Why the event mattered
Screen Scotland’s Strategy to 2030/31 highlights that while 53% of school-leavers are interested in pursuing a career in the film and TV industry, only 18% believe it is realistic for them, and 71% perceive the sector as too difficult to enter without personal connections. By equipping careers leads and advisors with deeper knowledge of the sector’s inner workings, the event directly addressed these barriers, promoted inclusivity and opened up new possibilities for Scotland’s young people.
Into Film were delighted to collaborate with Firststage Studios in June 2025 to bring careers advisors and teachers to visit the studio, see behind the scenes and speak to film professionals about their work. This event was supported by Screen Scotland.
Having a full-time professional film studio in Edinburgh helps young people in Scottish schools see that a career in the industry could be a reality for them. It also helps careers advisors, and the young people they support, understand that production involves a wide range of lesser-known roles, from set building and catering to location management and electrics.
Industry voices and learning
It was a rare opportunity for Into Film to bring educators into the studios where productions like The Outrun, Dept Q and The Rig and other Amazon series have been filmed. Into Film’s event, Careers in Scotland’s Screen Industries: Behind the Scenes, offered attendees an exclusive window into the often-hidden craft and technical roles that bring film and television productions to life. Guest speakers included Robbie Jones (Cinematographer & Drone Operator), Cristin MacKenzie (Script Supervisor), Fergus Costello (Special Effects Artist), Vivienne Low (Costume Designer & Stylist) and Jackie McCraith-Smith (Assistant Location Manager). Into Film’s Career Hub provides a suite of resources which backed up this event.
Impact for careers education
Participants left with a better understanding of the breadth of roles available in Scotland’s screen industries and greater confidence to advise young people considering careers in the creative sectors.
Often as career educators it can be difficult to keep up to date with all the sectors, but this event means that we can have a meaningful input from the sector to help us to be able to share up to date information with young people, parent’s and carers and colleagues. – Clare Gibson, DYW
Wider impact for Scotland’s screen industries
By taking advisors directly to the heart of a working film studio and connecting them with real-world practitioners, the day demonstrated what’s possible when industry and education come together with purpose. More than just a learning opportunity, the event was a strategic step toward building a sustainable talent pipeline into Scotland’s screen industries and supporting ongoing efforts to make screen industry education in Scotland more inclusive and accessible.
