IFT launches free membership to help underrepresented creatives boost their careers

IFT Catalyst is a membership for emerging to mid-level film, TV, and immersive media creatives who are looking for ongoing support for their careers in the UK screen sector. The FREE membership has been sponsored by Picture Shop, enabling creatives from all backgrounds to access the support offered by IFT Catalyst.

‘In 2018 to 2019, women, transgender, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and disabled people continue to be less well represented in senior roles (Creative Diversity Network, Diamond The Fourth Cut Report, 2021, p. 5),’ across the UK screen sector. Unlike any other space in the industry, IFT Catalyst puts minoritised voices at the forefront ensuring that underrepresented groups have the continued support to sustain themselves in the film, TV, and immersive media industry, and build long-lasting careers, so that they become the key decision makers one day.

“The IFT Catalyst membership format holds high importance on personal development and sustainability alongside professional growth. We take a 360 approach to creative careers and diligently cater to all marginalised groups for a thoroughly inclusive membership that caters to a diverse talent pool’s changing and bespoke needs. I am so proud we have the opportunity to use our experience of working in film and TV and nurturing talent to build a robust mechanism that allows people to have their career prospects changed for life!” said Tolu Stedford, Independent Film Trust.

“The impact our professional development schemes have achieved is huge: over the years, we have helped hundreds of filmmakers take their careers and projects to the next level. The only issues with professional development schemes is that they are short-lived. IFT Catalyst breaks the cycle of jumping from one scheme to another by pooling all of the professional development support we are renowned for into one streamlined system that will offer consistent support all year round.” said Charlotte Knowles, CEO, Independent Film Trust

‘’We always champion and support underrepresented talent. In addition to focusing on nurturing talent internally, we also work with various organisations and reach out to the community to find future talent. After meeting Tolu for the first-time last year, I was hooked and a massive fan of her passion and drive, so wanted us support the course instantly. We intend to continue working closely with Tolu and Charlotte at the IFT.’’ said Mark Wynter, Picture Shop

IFT Catalyst is open to all underrepresented groups across gender, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, and ethnicity. The IFT understands, more than most, the barriers faced when entering the creative media industry for marginalised groups; therefore, IFT Catalyst aims to make this industry more accessible to all. That’s why IFT Catalyst will have a FREE and PRO version, so all creatives can access the membership in a way that is viable for them.

IFT Catalyst PRO will include ‘Ask an Expert’ sessions from commissioning executives (including Film 4, BBC Films and Amazon) across film, TV, and immersive media; masterclasses from industry professionals to help creatives hone their industry skills; ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions for personal development; ‘Agency Clinics’ from the top UK agents looking to build their talent roster (Curtis Brown, CAA and more confirmed); one-to-one mentoring, and discounts on professional resources including Final Draft 12, Script Compass, Picturehouse, NFTS Short Courses and Verve Kit Hire (saving creatives up to £2700).

IFT Catalyst FREE will include a curated selection of the PRO events each month and access to some of the discounts. This version has been made possible by the support of The Picture Shop.

IFT Catalyst PRO is accessed through the Mighty Networks platform and is available for £120 per year (the equivalent of £10 per month). Members can also refer a friend, saving themselves and their friends 20% off the annual PRO membership price.

IFT Catalyst, the FREE and PRO package, officially launches in June 2022. You can sign-up for the FREE version by submitting your email address, and apply for the PRO version by sending your CV, an example of your work, and statement of intent, on their website.

IFT Catalyst is a gamechanger membership that enables underrepresented creatives to grow and sustain a power changing career in the UK film, TV, and immersive media industry.