Business success for Salford training hub fuelled by thriving northern media industry

Going against the grain in a London-centric market has proven a smart move for the five industry experts running the venture. The company has demonstrated their media muscle by winning big business from large organisations including respected industry body ScreenSkills and the DfE (Department for Education) on a digital production programme collaborating with skills and technology innovators HOST Salford. 

With a range of courses targeted across all professional levels, many specifically for underrepresented groups, the aspiration is to contribute to diversification of the Screen Industries, encouraging equal opportunities across the UK Nations and Regions for all.  

“The majority of training for sectors across the Screen Industries takes place in London,” said The Pipeline’s Creative Director Christine Pyke. “We really wanted to turn that on its head. With the continued evolution of Media City and streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+ and Amazon Studios looking to work with more companies outside the capital, the timing felt right to build a northwest training hub that would satisfy the needs of industry.”

Late last year the Pipeline trained 20 graduate animators from across the UK at a bespoke ScreenSkills-funded bootcamp, in partnership with animation powerhouse Manchester Animation Festival and independent multi-genre animation studio Factory Create.

The jam-packed agenda included sessions with 2D illustration and animator Tanya Scott, animator for legendary children’s tv show The Clangers Jo Chalkley and experienced line producer at Factory Create Hannah Ferguson.

“All of the speakers were amazing and insightful - I can't have asked for a better experience learning from some great members of the industry,” commented one delegate.

Their High-end TV Step-up to Production Management programme was equally as successful, with 15 aspiring production managers trained across 10 days in association with RED Productions, the indie production company with shows like Stay Close and It’s a Sin under their belt.

Participants have since landed production roles, using the skills they learned on the training course including Huddersfield-based Ololande Omotoso who has been offered a 6-month contract for a prominent UK-broadcaster. She said: “Right now, I feel very excited to be learning on a TV drama. It is what I have always wanted to do, and this just puts me where I want to be and sets me up for future success. I really can't wait to start.”

Their roster of successful programmes has led to £220k business for the training hub in just six months.

“We are delighted with the response we have had,” added Christine. “We are proud to have built rewarding relationships with broadcasters, TV & film production companies and postproduction facilities across the nations and regions.”

The Pipeline was founded by experts at the University of Salford and is made up of a strong team of industry specialists and accredited trainers. Delegates can benefit from their multi-million pound facilities which are equipped with industry standard hardware and software.

2022 looks set to be another busy year for the training hub, with programmes open now for VFX courses in Mastering the Artistry of Matte Painting & Mastering the Technique of Compositing and Unscripted TV Edit Assistant and Technical Operators for over 40 participants across the UK and Becoming an Animation Production Manager.

To find out more visit https://pipelinemedia.salford.ac.uk

To contact The Pipeline email: C.pyke@salford.ac.uk

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