Mentoring Programme
Overview
After the amazing success of our first Mentoring Programme, run in partnership with ScreenSkills, we are excited to announce the launch of our second programme designed for members and non-members of the British Film Designers Guild to participate in. A new addition for this phase of the programme will now allow junior non-members to sign up to take part as mentees.
We hope that through this programme, members in senior Art Department positions will be able to share their knowledge, offer advice and give some general support to more junior members who may be feeling fast tracked or overwhelmed during the present post-pandemic industry boom. Or perhaps you’re just at the beginning of your journey in the Art Department, and you’d simply like to be matched with a Mentor for guidance and clarity on your path, or even offer other less senior members advice on a stage you’ve just been through yourself. This programme encourages our members to bring experience and advice to the table to share. Read on to learn more, and discover how to become a Mentor or Mentee.
Become a Mentor
We are calling for anyone that feels they have something to offer as a mentor to step forward and volunteer. You don’t have to be an HOD – though if you are – that’s great. Alternatively you might be more junior in experience, but have some really excellent insights into a particular programme, career path, social media skill or specialist expertise.
As a mentor, you share your skills, knowledge and insights with the mentee to help them develop personally and professionally in their career. You can challenge, encourage and support the mentee to achieve their goals and help them to think for themselves. As a mentor you will also benefit from training on how to get the best out of the relationship, develop your own leadership and coaching skills, and that of your potential future workforce, and glow in the knowledge that you are helping to secure the future of the Art Department in maintaining standards to the highest degree.
“There really is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone that you took under your wing turning into an experienced and successful Art Department colleague” Gary Tomkins, Art Director/Mentor
Become a Mentee
We are calling for applications from Guild members and non-members who feel they could benefit from the added guidance that a mentor can bring. Mentors can offer support in focusing on a specific goal or challenge, and career development strategies. They can be your personal cheerleader, encouraging and championing your progression. All we ask from our mentees is that you have at least one credit to your name, and have a clear understanding of your career path within the Art Department.
We are particularly interested in seeking applications from Art Department juniors who might consider themselves as under-represented groups in the Film and TV industry.
If you are a student member, please note that we do run quarterly peer mentoring surgeries which we are delighted to welcome you to. Keep an eye on our events listings for more information.
“I was successfully accepted for the mentoring scheme and found it to be a great help – my mentor was very open and easy to talk with, he listened to all of my concerns and questions about the industry and gave me very helpful suggestions for my portfolio, which subsequently helped me to secure a new job.”
Mentee 2021/22
Commitment
The minimum commitment required for both mentor and mentee is 6 hours of contact over a 6 month period. The schedule is up to mentor and mentee to agree, and whilst we hope that some of that can be in person there is an expectation that a lot of the contact will be via online platforms. Training will be provided at the start of the programme.
If you have any concerns about committing to becoming a mentor or mentee, have a look at our article on why mentoring isn’t a chore, and how it has been the most rewarding part of one Production Designer’s job!
How to apply
If you would like to become a mentor or mentee, submit your application form on the ScreenSkills website and we’ll be in touch to confirm.
Whilst we will do our best to match as many mentors and mentees as possible, we unfortunately cannot guarantee that every applicant will be matched.
Help Us Promote the Scheme
Please download our poster and pin it up on your Art Department noticeboard!
The British Film Designers Guild is part of the ScreenSkills Mentoring Network which is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funds as part of its Future Film Skills strategy.