Film Distribution Trainee Scheme

We’re delighted to partner with Media Cymru and Ffilm Cymru Wales for the first time, to support two Welsh trainees to participate in the Film Distributors’ Association’s (FDA) 9 month paid London based trainee scheme, gaining hands on experience in film distribution and international sales.

Exhibition and distribution are essential parts of the film chain. Understanding who the audience is and how to reach them. The scheme will support the aims our Made in Wales project, which celebrates films with Welsh connections.

Find the full course details from the FDA and Media Cymru below:

Are you passionate about film on the big screen? Are you committed to taking lived experiences from Wales out into the UK screen sector and, in the longer-term, building global awareness of Wales? Would you be willing to re-locate to London for 9-months?

Media Cymru is partnering with the Film Distributors’ Association (FDA), backed by Film Hub Wales and Ffilm Cymru Wales, to offer TWO 9-month paid traineeships at a UK distributor for Wales-based participants.

The FDA are looking to recruit TWO ambitious trainees currently living and/or working in Wales who can display the following attributes and who are prepared to relocate to London for the traineeship:

  • A passion for film and a desire to learn
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills
  • Experience of using Microsoft Office packages and email
  • The ability to work as part of a team
  • A willingness to travel
  • A commitment to and love of Welsh culture, storytelling and language
  • A desire to see Welsh lived experience inform UK screen strategy, in the long-term, and support
  • the idea of developing a distributor company or consultancy hub here in Wales.

Trainees will undertake a paid office-based placement in a UK distribution or international sales company. This training role is based on a 37.5 hour working week for 9 months, with placements taking place between June 2025 and running through to March 2026. (Exact dates will be confirmed with the company hosting the placement).

During this period, the trainees will gain extensive knowledge of the cinema exhibition business which determines how, when and where films reach the public. They will examine contractual and professional relationships that filmmakers face and expand (Welsh) film producers’ understanding of what happens to their film once it is thrust into this world.

By the end of their 9-month placement, trainees will have gained an understanding of:

  • Producer/distributor and producer/sales agent relationships
  • Distribution contracts, commissions and what they really mean
  • How to deliver and support film projects and what materials are required
  • The cinema release platform and why this is still so important
  • The relationship between the distributor and the exhibitor
  • The requirements of a film distributor and sales agent and how to choose the best for a project
  • How to play an important part in helping to form the content of new projects made in, from or about Wales.
    About the FDA

The Film Distributors’ Association (FDA) represents the interests of film distributors in the UK and Ireland. Its membership ranges from Hollywood studios to independent operators and is responsible for 99% of all films released theatrically in the territory.

Image Credits: Timestalker © Western Edge Pictures. Comrade Tambo’s London Recruits © Inside Out Films. Starve Acre © A House Productions film, supported by BBC Film, BFI and Access Entertainment. India’s 1st Best Trans Model Agency © Spring Films. Portraits of Dangerous Women © Lenz Films. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl © Element Pictures.

This scheme is fully funded by Film Distributors’ Association, with the two ‘Welsh’ places supported by Media Cymru in the form of a healthy travel and accommodation bursary. Participating companies are also required to make a financial contribution towards the training costs of their trainee.

Trainees will work full time (defined at 37.5 hours per week) for 9 months in host (FDA Member) companies and will regularly attend training sessions with the other trainees from across the UK, which will further enhance their employability skills and knowledge of the film industry.

  • Trainees will be paid a monthly training allowance equivalent to the London Living Wage (this is £385 per week).
  • Alongside this, FDA will contribute a one-off subsistence payment of £1,000.
  • Welsh Trainees will also be eligible for a Media Cymru travel and accommodation bursary totalling £9,000 across the entire placement period.
  • Trainees will be entitled to a minimum of 16 days annual leave, subject to agreement with their host organisation.
  • Both during and after the training, the two Welsh film distributors will be required to return to Wales, to participate in networking and information events with Welsh film producers, with a view to developing successful and sustainable careers in film distribution and sales in Wales.
  • The programme is open to anyone over 18 years of age, currently living or working in Wales. Trainees must be new entrants to the industry. They should not have had more than twelve months direct industry work experience, be it continuous or intermittent, and paid or unpaid.
  • We are particularly keen to receive applications from people with a passion for film and Welsh stories or Welsh culture/language. Trainees must also be eligible and able to work in London for the duration.
  • We recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge unfair discrimination. We always aim to recruit the person who is most suited and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This includes people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and beliefs.
  • There are TWO supported placements available through this scheme.
  • The application process will close on Sunday 16 March 2025.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Monday 7 April 2025.
  • Interviews will take place the week beginning 21 April 2025.
  • We will let everyone know whether their application has been successful by Friday 2 May 2025.
  • We ask that you ensure you are able to attend all training sessions during the following period:
  • The proposed timing of the 2025 programme is from June 2025 to March 2026. (Exact dates will be confirmed with the company hosting the placement)..
  • An induction day will take place prior to the trainees starting their training role with the participating FDA member company (date tbc).
  • Trainees are expected to participate in regular ‘classroom sessions’ to learn more about distribution and to hear from industry professionals.
  • All HR and payment responsibilities for the 9-month period are assumed by FDA. Trainees are paid at 5- or 4-week intervals by bank transfer.
  • The travel and accommodation support bursary will be administered by Media Cymru through a monthly claims system.
  • The FDA and the training company will use their best efforts to support each trainee after their placement has ended, to help them secure employment and/or consultancy opportunities within the sector, ideally, back in Wales and/or alongside their host company.
  • To participate in networking and information events in Wales with Welsh film producers, with a view to developing successful and sustainable careers in film distribution and sales in Wales. These events will be facilitated by Media Cymru

There will be an information webinar at 11:00 on Thursday 20 February, hosted by Geraldine Moloney (FDA) and Hana Lewis (Film Hub Wales).

You will be able ask questions about being a Film Distributor, the training scheme and the application process and about film exhibition in Wales. You do not have to come to this webinar to apply but it is an opportunity to learn more.

Join the webinar here.

  • If you have any specific requirements that would make this application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language) please email media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk
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