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What ' s the ambition ? We are creating a state-of-the-art digital production studio and facilities , designed for the development of modern digital skills and training for young people aspiring to work in the digital creative industry ..
We know that people succeeding in this field have contacts with live production companies , and we will be working in partnership with Higher Education and Further Education providers to give that extra competitive edge to local students . There will be formal and informal training opportunities through our Create Talent strand .
We also know that to grow a diverse creative industries sector , people need to have a first point of contact and inspiration , which is where our Create Inclusion strand comes in ; making chances for young people and whole communities to tell their stories with professional mentors and support to make content that inspires them and their audiences . That ’ s often the first step towards making a career choice and progression into formal skills development .
At Create Studios we teach every aspect of film and animation production , but the plan is to focus on areas where there are skills gaps in the industry around Production Management , Post Production and Special Effects . We are open to hearing from local companies who may want us to support them to take on apprentices or feed their skills gaps as they seek to grow .
How long have you been working on this project ? The team at Create have known for some time that we needed to have a fit for purpose studio and teaching spaces and given we are celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2024 it ’ s about time ! We were always committed to a Swindon centre location and wanted to be part of the regeneration story of the town . It ’ s been a journey as we have been looking at alternative locations since 2018 . However , it ’ s been worth the wait to have Government Towns Fund and now Arts Council support to bring one of Brunel ’ s Carriage Works units to life as our new base .
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How unique is the Create Studios offering ? There are production companies all around the UK , and the South West is the biggest hot spot outside of London . Create Studios model is unique because it bridges young people into the professional sector with our Talent and Inclusion programmes .
We are the ones supporting change in the sector , where there are still so many people under-represented due to economic income , ethnic background or gender identity . Swindon has been a trailblazer in inclusive and diverse talent development in our cultural provision .
What sort of productions do you create ? At Create Studios we produce everything from documentary to drama to commercial information films . We love how we can work so broadly for people from national household brands like Chelsea FC and English Heritage through to local charities who need creative support to get their messages across .
In terms of our Talent and Inclusion productions , they can be anything from digital art installations through to drama and dance . It will be great to have fit-for-purpose facilities all within one place to make this happen !
How many people does Create Studios employ ? We are a typical production company with a small core team of six but a large team of freelance associates we deploy on different projects as required for their skillset , from animation and graphics through to camera operators and design .
The new studios will create new employment opportunities including mentor and trainer roles through to exhibition and outreach creators . We ' re excited to appoint and welcome that team next year .
What ' s it like being based at the Workshed ? It has been great to be based at the Workshed while our Create at Carriage Works home is being built . The offering is really flexible and friendly . We have been able to expand our team from two small offices into one large one within the last
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year due to the great team here being really responsive to our needs as a company .
It ’ s also a great collaboration space and we have already delivered commissions for partners based within Workshed . We are looking forward to working with the Cultural Heritage Institute ( also based here ) on a shared exhibition and screening programmes , as well as our great interest in Social History productions , so we are looking forward to delivering more cultural content with them and the near neighbours English Heritage , National Trust and Historic England .
This is a really exciting time of regeneration and redevelopment in the Swindon ’ s Centre with the Workshed and Carriage Works at the heart of The Works - A Historic England Heritage Action Zone as well as near to great transport links . The growing digital and creative community have an already established hub here , and we know will grow and develop , and we are excited to be a cultural offer at the heart of that growth . Digital Creative Industries is the
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fastest growing sector in the economy and Create Studios , for one , wants to see that benefit come to Swindon .
To find out more about Create Studios visit : www . createstudios . org . uk
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