Digital Orchard and sister company Orchard Crew have officially launched their Access: 2026-27 trainee programme, and welcomed the new cohorts with their first technical workshop at Digital Orchard’s headquarters in Chalfont St Giles.
The programme welcomes Digital Orchard’s DIT & video trainees, Maddy Taibo-Smith, James Raine, Jake Ward Monsen, Lorna Le-Brun and Sami Taylor-Ward, alongside Orchard Crew’s camera trainees, Susannah Ireland, Hassan Gray, Sam Becker, Zeze Ibarra, Campbell Murdoch and April List.
The trainee scheme, first established in 2024 by Olivia Fitzsimons, supports emerging talent as they take their first steps into the film and television industry.
Rooted in Digital Orchard’s “core values”, the programme was designed to aid those who have faced barriers to entering the industry, with a focus on representation in the camera department.
Following attendance at training sessions and practical workshops, the goal is for trainees to become fully equipped with the practical skills they need to become ‘set ready’ to work on a range of productions, alongside a highly skilled roster of technicians across the UK.
Both schemes also provide ongoing mentorship, alongside practical guidance on key areas such as rates and negotiation.
The 2026-27 cohorts’ opening workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to Digital Orchard’s facilities and countryside location, including a full site tour and behind-the-scenes insight into its technical operations.
This was followed by an in-depth session exploring the roles and responsibilities of trainees on set, covering on-set etiquette and industry best practices.
The group also enjoyed a traditional Fish Finger Friday lunch, “a staple at Digital Orchard HQ”, giving the cohort an opportunity to connect.
Digital Orchard’s trainee Maddy Taibo-Smith shared: “With Digital Orchard’s vast array of projects, as well as 15 years in the film industry, it felt like they would be the ultimate step into helping further my career and knowledge within the video and DIT departments.”
Orchard Crew trainee Susannah Ireland added: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of this fantastic and unique opportunity to be a part of Orchard Crew’s Access scheme.
“I believe that combination of in-person workshops, mentorship and practical experience on set is invaluable and will set me up with a solid career foundation to progress through the camera department.”
With the DIT and Video scheme (Digital Orchard) now in its third consecutive year, and the Camera Trainee scheme (Orchard Crew) now in year two, the success of the trainee scheme is “already evident in the career progression of its alumni and we’re excited to see what’s next”, Orchard said.
Orchard Crew camera trainee Michael Scanlon reflected on their experience with the scheme, saying, “Joining Orchard Crews access 2025 scheme has been one of the best developments in my trainee career.
“Let alone the opportunities that they offer, the support and social network have been invaluable in navigating the industry and accessing parts that once seemed very far away.
“I’ve been lucky enough to trainee on some incredible HETV and features and cannot wait for more.”
“We are also delighted to share a huge congratulations to our former Access trainees Tommy Shackles and Monika Sak, who have successfully moved up to DIT assistant roles, with Mickey Wilk now looking to take on roles as video assistant moving forward,” Orchard concluded.
“Digital Orchard and Orchard Crew look forward to delivering further workshops throughout the year, and supporting their trainees as they take the next steps in their careers.”
