Netflix and NYT join DCMS campaign to 'demystify' creative jobs
New campaign to ‘demystify’ jobs in the creative industries for young people from working class and underrepresented backgrounds
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have launched a new campaign supported by National Youth Theatre (NYT), Netflix, Channel 4, Ubisoft and others to help young people forge lifelong careers in the creative industries
NYT's IGNITE Your Creativity initiative in partnership with Netflix has been described by the campaign as a great example of some of the wonderful opportunities available to aspiring creatives around the country. The partnership, which is happy to announce its return for a third year, is a free programme that spotlights the wide range of highly skilled, behind the scenes careers in film, TV and theatre. This year will be focusing on the Midlands, the West of England and Glasgow and also includes a new writing element to help hopeful local writers hone their skills.
Alongside the launch new research has launched showing half of 11-18 year olds say they do not know what qualifications are needed for creative jobs - yet nearly 1 in 3 are interested in these careers
Government-commissioned research reveals that although nearly one in three (31%) of young people aged 11-18 years old express an interest in pursuing jobs in the creative industries, nearly half (49%) do not know what skills or qualifications are needed to work in the sector.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said:
“To keep the magic of our creative industries alive, we must nurture a new generation of talent by demystifying creative jobs and breaking down the barriers currently blocking young people from diverse backgrounds. Through this campaign, and as part of our Plan For Change, we will launch more young people into exciting creative careers in their communities - building skills, countering misconceptions and raising awareness about the opportunities available.”
Anne Mensah, VP of Content, UK, Netflix said:
"As others have said before me, ‘Creativity is everywhere, opportunity is not’. That’s why we’re delighted to support the Government’s Discover! Creative Careers campaign to help open doors for young people who might not yet see themselves in this industry. Together with the National Youth Theatre, this is something we continue to address with our IGNITE Your Creativity programme. The initiative, renewed for a third year and bolstered to include an additional element for aspiring writers, underlines our shared mission to nurture new voices and broaden access to creative opportunities across the UK. We want to show that a creative career isn’t a distant dream, it’s an achievable and rewarding path for anyone with imagination, curiosity and drive."
