My name is Seb and I'm from Rhyl. It’s a lovely place to be and I’m part of the community here.
I'm currently doing the CRIW apprenticeship as part of Sgil Cymru*, which is supported by Creative Wales, getting hands-on experience within the film and television industry in North Wales. It's a year-long course and offers the chance for me to get my foot in the door. I want to make new contacts and get as much experience as possible throughout this year. Hopefully, by the end of it, I'll be able to dive into the industry and take that experience forward.
I’ve got a degree in film from Bangor University and graduated in 2017. Since then, I’ve worked in retail and I did an admin job as well. When the apprenticeship came up, I saw it offered people in North Wales industry experience. It was perfect for someone like me. I jumped at the chance and, thankfully, I managed to get it. It’s reinvigorated my passion for wanting to get into film and TV.
I’ve discovered there are plenty of opportunities in North Wales. It’s not all down south; it's taught me quite a lot about the industry in North Wales and how it’s an exciting time for Wales in general. There are so many different productions you can work on. Wales is a great country, and it's amazing seeing it get showcased in such exciting and diverse ways.
The work I'm the proudest of was a production called Chuck Chuck Baby. Initially, I was put on as a COVID assistant. I got talking to the camera team and the following day I was working as a trainee camera assistant. I did that for the rest of the shoot and got good hands-on experience. I set up camera equipment and helped members of the camera team set up rigging, and things like that. I learned a lot in the space of a month. As time went on, I got more and more confident with the work. It was a real learning experience.
The next production I'll be working on is Snowdonia SOS, which is quite exciting. The satisfaction of doing it motivates me. Obviously, days are long but when the programme is released you can see what you've done and what you've worked so hard on over the past few months. Seeing it completed is a really satisfying feeling.
If you’re thinking of trying to get into the industry, I’d say try and get lots of experience. A degree is brilliant, but you need experience as well. That’s the one thing university doesn't teach you – the nitty-gritty of the film and TV industry. Training courses and apprenticeships like this CRIW one at Sgil are really useful.
There’s a lot of support and resources out there too, like Screen Alliance Wales and Screen Skills. Screen Alliance is how I discovered the apprenticeship. They have a lot of opportunities you might not have even thought about. If you want to get into a certain career path in film and TV, they can put you in the right direction.
*The Sgil Cymru CRIW apprenticeship programme is delivered in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
Want to gain experience in the film and TV industry in Wales? Find out more about the Sgil Cymru CRIW apprenticeship programme, supported by Creative Wales.