Mark Milsome Foundation announces 2024 ‘Foot in the Door’ trainees

The Mark Milsome Foundation has confirmed the two new trainees in its annual Foot in the Door camera department training and mentorship initiative will be Henry PIiekarczyk and Codie Rees.

Selected from a shortlist of seven, Henry is a graduate of University of Hertfordshire and Codie from University of Falmouth.  A particular focus of FITD is to provide opportunity for students who may come from challenging or disadvantaged backgrounds who might find it difficult to access the film and television industry under normal circumstances.   Tutors from CILECT Film and Television courses in the UK are invited to nominate two graduating students who they deem to have the necessary drive, talent and attitude to succeed in the camera department.   FITD is a one-year mentorship programme that helps bridge the gap between full-time education and employment in the film and television industry.

Interviews took place at Panavision on 7th August and the selection panel included MMF Chair Samantha Wainstein, its founder and Mark’s widow Andra Milsome, board trustees Phil Sindall and Julia Jones, and members of the MMF FITD advisory panel, Sarah Prince who was Mark’s agent and is co-founder of Prince Stone, camera operator Harry Bowers and 1st AC Sarah Rollason.   1st AC Paul Forest and 2nd AC Laurence Good contributed to the overall selection process.

In September 2024, Henry and Codie will receive a full first-aid training day as part of MMF’s mission to create safer sets for all, as well as taking the MMF Production Safety Passport.  They will each be assigned mentors and receive advice and support from established crew, at all levels of the camera department.  Site visits and workshops will also be arranged with top camera and technical houses, and support and advice will be provided by the Foundation throughout the year, including advice from agent Sarah Prince on CVs. All MMF trainees are listed on the Foundation’s Availability for Work section of the website.

MMF extends its gratitude to Mission Digital, Panavision, Panalux, Cinelab, First Aid Matters, Garden Studios and CallTime for their help and support with the Foot in the Door initiative.

Commenting on the two new trainees and the importance of the FITD initiative, MMF Chair, Samantha Wainstein said: “For so long, film and TV has been a place where ‘who you know’ has been more important than ‘what you know’. Whilst in recent times, that has begun to change it is still incredibly hard for even the most talented students to get a foot in the door. Our scheme aims to provide support and mentorship for a small number of exceptional individuals who for a variety of reasons, might struggle to get that important first job. I am very excited that Harry and Codie were selected as this year’s Foot in the Door trainees.”

Commenting on his selection as an MMF, Foot in the Door trainee, Henry Piekarczyk said: “Having studied filmmaking at the University of Hertfordshire, I deeply admire the Milsome family’s impact on the industry. Mark Milsome’s passion and talent inspire me both personally and professionally. My commitment to film drives me to push boundaries and embrace challenges. Inspired by his legacy, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact while advancing diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity in the industry as an autistic individual. My goal is to foster a more empathetic and perceptive filmmaking culture.”

Commenting on her selection, Codie Rees said: “The Foot in The Door mentorship will provide invaluable opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have access to, including a mentor who can offer support, guidance, and personalised feedback as I transition from education to industry. I believe the foundation’s training will equip me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed as a camera trainee, while any work experience will help me apply what I’ve learned.”