New partnership with Universal Studios will offer diverse traineeships in roles such as props, costumes, and assistant directing.
Sadiq Khan has revealed a new initiative offering young Londoners the chance to work behind the scenes on Hollywood films shot in the capital. This opportunity comes as part of a partnership between Universal Studios and the Greater London Authority, which will provide hundreds of trainees with the chance to work on major productions like Wicked and Fast X, starring Ariana Grande and Vin Diesel.
The scheme aims to offer young Londoners from diverse and under-represented communities roles in the film industry, particularly in areas such as digital imaging, props, costumes, and assistant directing. This effort is part of NBC Universal’s broader $100 million commitment to tackling inequality and racism through its “below the line” apprenticeship and mentoring programme.
Khan’s announcement came after a five-day US tour, which included a behind-the-scenes visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. He explored historic sets, including those used in iconic films like Jaws and To Kill A Mockingbird, both of which inspired his own career path. Khan also enjoyed a playful moment on a Western set, joking, “There’s a new sheriff in town,” as he pretended to fire a pistol.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the skills shortage in the UK’s growing film industry, which is projected to be worth over £6 billion by 2024/25. The UK film sector is particularly concentrated in London, which houses around three-quarters of the industry’s activity. Projections indicate a need for 50,000 additional jobs in the industry in the coming years.
Universal Studios is already investing in the Sky Studios Elstree site in North London, further cementing the capital’s role as a hub for film production. Khan expressed his pride in this collaboration, saying, “Our capital’s thriving film industry is a key driver of our economic recovery, and it’s vital that Londoners from all backgrounds are able to benefit.”
Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of Universal, called the scheme a “natural next step” to foster diversity, building on the company’s efforts in the US. Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London, also praised the initiative, highlighting how the global demand for content is creating significant economic and career opportunities for Londoners.
