National Careers Week sees Bottle Yard Studios open their doors

This National Careers Week (4th–9th March 2024), the BBC and Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios are joining forces to showcase the vast range of careers available across the film, TV and theatre industries, as part of the nationwide Bring the Drama Festival.

Laura Aviles, Head of Film (Bristol City Council):

“Whether you’re interested in a career behind the camera or in front of it, whether your passion lies in TV, film or theatre, this event is for you. Come along and make the most of this chance to gain a better understanding of the industry and its career options, plus some useful contacts for the future. It’s our pleasure to host the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival at The Bottle Yard Studios and we thank all the companies and individuals who are giving their time and expertise to help widen access to our industry.”

Taking place at The Bottle Yard Studios on Tuesday 5th March 2024, Bring the Drama is a special free event open to members of the public, designed to inspire the next generation of creative professionals. A variety of exhibitors including broadcasters, creative companies, colleges and universities will be on hand to advise on pathways into the industry and share tips and insights. There will be practical displays and a chance to speak to staff from The Bottle Yard Studios and Bristol Film Office about the film and TV industry across Bristol and the South West.

Exhibitors will include Aardman, Access Creative College, Babbasa, BBC Studios, BFI Academy, boomsatsuma, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Bristol School of Acting, Catch 22, Fire Storm Pyro FX, Into Film, JonesMillbank / Nine Tree Studios, Latent Pictures, Location One, Mangostone Ltd, MyWorld & Watershed, Paradigm Post-Production Ltd, PYTCH agency ltd, Quantum Manpower Services Ltd, Screenology, SWMUA (Make Up) and  University of the West of England.

The BBC’s Bring The Drama Festival is a six-week programme of nationwide events showcasing behind-the-scenes jobs in the stage and screen, featuring everything from stage-managing to wig-making, lighting to line producing, set design to make-up design. It accompanies the new six-part series Bring the Drama hosted by actor and comedian Bill Bailey, which launched on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 14th February. Produced by BBC Arts and Wall to Wall Media, the series follows eight aspiring actors who have always dreamt of becoming professional actors but have never had the opportunity, as they are mentored by a renowned casting director.

Suzy Klein, Head of Arts TV at the BBC:

“To accompany the series, we have created the Bring the Drama Festival so that anyone who wants to get into the many offscreen roles in theatre, film and TV can find an event near them, to introduce them to the magical world of working in the creative industries. There is so much talent across Britain and making world-class movies, TV shows and theatre is one of our greatest global exports – working with more than 100 partner organisations, the Festival promises to lure in the next generation of brilliant creatives.”

The Bring the Drama website will also host a brand-new series of short films that will spotlight people in creative roles on productions including Matilda the Musical, Hamilton, Waterloo Road, Shrek the Musical and the Harry Potter films.

Bring the Drama takes place at The Bottle Yard Studios on Tuesday 5th March 2024. Free tickets are available to book for 45min slots between 10am – 4.30pm and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note, although this event is free, pre-booking is essential. Under 18’s are welcome to attend as part of a school or college group, or with an accompanying parent or guardian. To book, visit www.thebottleyard.com/bringthedrama.