What I learned at the Creative Cities Convention 2025
By MetFilm School
29 May 2025
Written by MA Screenwriting student Yara Gharios
If you’re passionate about film and TV but don’t know where to start, this might just be the sign you’ve been looking for. Let me tell you about the Creative Cities Convention 2025 in Bradford.
Held over two packed days, the convention brought together screen industry professionals from across the UK to share advice, opportunities, and inspiration with emerging talent. As a MetFilm School student, I was lucky enough to attend with a handful of fellow students.
From the opening session on the wide range of roles in the industry, to bite-sized workshops on networking and writing CVs and cover letters, the day was full of practical insights. But for me, the standout moments came from hearing directly from people who’ve taken part in some of the most exciting training schemes and apprenticeships around.
Insider advice
One of the first sessions I attended was hosted by 4Skills, featuring past trainees and apprentices sharing their journeys into production. Having already applied for a few Production Coordinator Trainee positions myself, it was a huge relief to hear their honest takes on the experience — and get a few tips for the application process.
Next up was ITV Academy, who showcased a range of entry-level opportunities and mentorships they offer. It was refreshing to see how actively ITV is investing in up-and-coming filmmakers.
But the session that really got me interested was The Opportunities with Warner Bros., Prime Video, and Screen Academy Bradford. Each speaker came from a major player in the industry and described a wide range of exciting opportunities.
Paid traineeships with an impact
The Prime Video team introduced their Prime Video Pathways, offering two paid routes:
- A 12-month Craft Academy Traineeship focused on scripted and unscripted TV production
- A 15-month Apprenticeship geared more toward production management in unscripted projects
Both open this summer, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out.
Then came Warner Bros. and their Crew HQ initiative. I was especially drawn to the SevenUp Programme, designed for entry-level crew and those with a bit of experience. Their general Trainee Programme is also worth checking out — open for applications between June and August.
Screen Academy Bradford rounded things off with initiatives like First Break and Stepping Up, which aim to diversify talent pipelines in the North. As someone who’s been based in Leeds during university, this really appealed to me — and I’ll be keeping watch for their next round of applications.
Networking at the convention
One of the most valuable parts of the day was getting to meet current and former trainees face-to-face. After the presentations, we had a chance to ask questions and connect informally. I even ended up scheduling a virtual coffee chat with a Warner Bros. trainee I met (shout out to LinkedIn!)
In every session, there was loads of practical advice, but one takeaway that really stuck with me was the importance of transferable skills. Even if you don’t have direct experience, jobs in hospitality or customer service can show you’ve got what it takes — from teamwork and communication to handling pressure.
But the ongoing message throughout the day was that passion and authenticity matter. More than your CV, more than your reel: your excitement and realness are what set you apart.
Final thoughts
Breaking into film and TV can feel overwhelming, especially as a student navigating it for the first time. But this event left me with something I hadn’t felt in a while: real optimism.
I walked away with a clearer sense of direction, industry opportunities to apply for, and the reminder that it’s important to love what you do.
Ready to write the next great screenplay? ✍️
At MetFilm School, our MA Screenwriting course gives aspiring writers the tools to craft compelling stories for film, television, and digital platforms.
You’ll develop your voice as a screenwriter while learning the art of structure, character, dialogue, and visual storytelling. Through workshops, script labs, and one-to-one mentoring, you’ll write original scripts and adapt existing stories — all while gaining the professional insight and feedback to elevate your work.
Apply now to study MA Screenwriting — and turn your ideas into stories that audiences remember.
