While many creatives working in television, films and digital areas of the screen industry could be happier to focus on the set of purely artistic skills perfected throughout their careers, it would be well advised to diversify as much as possible.
“The idea that business and creativity are two distinct things is a kind of old idea,” said Wendy Gray, industry program manager, AFTRS.
“All those who work in our industry must understand the commercial side of the industry and how it will work for them so that they can have a successful career, stay employed and have a long and fruitful professional life.”
Short Sharp and immediately useful (SSIU) is a new series of 10 seminars during the operating course once a month for 3.5 hours per session, and was born from an AFTRS industry survey asking individuals and businesses where skills gaps were in the sector.
Composed of a conference, discussions and case studies relating to a particular subject, short seminars are designed for directors, scriptwriters, agents, production designers and other creatives poor in time to better understand the key factors relating to their sector.
“The seminars are designed to provide participants with bit -size information pieces in a very short time,” said Gray.
The series includes a wide range of subjects, including the creation of healthy workplaces, social media in your commercial strategy and improving production workflows. Other workshops examine agreements, rights and negotiations in the screens sector as well as more technical subjects such as Internet Protocols and Blockchain.
Gray said that some of the most technical subjects will be presented in an accessible manner that is relevant and interesting for creative minds.
“Understanding technology is quite key in terms of where we are going to our society,” she said. “Everyone in our industry must understand the commercial and management side of the creative industries.”
Seminars including a short point and immediately useful have been adapted to a range of industry practitioners, including managers, executive producers and entrepreneurs working on screen and creative industries. Gray said that subjects are particularly useful for those who have been catapulted into management positions but who may not have followed formal training.
“Some participants may have worked in creative or technical roles, then they suddenly find themselves in management positions without much support or management,” she said.
“There are many freelancers who work together on movies or television shows and sometimes problems can follow when you have a large collective that is united for a finished period. The seminars are intended for people who work with large teams, ”she said.
The short clear and immediately useful series started on February 27 with the blockchain for creative companies. Taught by Ellie Rennie and Jason Potts of Rhit, the pair will explain how creative industries experience blockchain in the fields of music and visual arts to help solve problems related to fees of fees and tickets.
“One of the things that is important for creatives in our industry is to be a versatile,” said Gray. It is not enough to say: “I will not focus on this one thing anymore”.
Visit AFTR to find out more about Short, clear and immediately usefulwhich takes place from February 27 to November 26.
