Amazon Prime Video has announced the expansion of its film and television training initiative in the U.K., introducing new programs designed to support freelancers amid the ongoing challenges they face.
Initially launched in 2022 as a part of a three-year initiative, the Prime Video Pathway aims to create more job opportunities in the industry while fostering talent development, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The initial budget was set at £10 million ($13.3 million), but Prime Video now reports that around £12 million has been allocated thus far.
With the original three-year term completed, Prime Video is now extending the Pathway initiative with an additional grant of £2.2 million ($2.9 million) to fund various new and returning programs dedicated to assisting freelancers in building portfolio careers in related creative fields.
In collaboration with the National Film and Television School (NFTS), the TV Freelancers Reskill and Upskill Program offers a free virtual training initiative featuring over 60 online one-day courses aimed at reaching up to 1,000 freelancers across the country. Additionally, an intensive three-month in-person program is set to provide specialized support for 100 freelancers who have been unemployed for over four months in the U.K.
“Amazon takes pride in its comprehensive free training and development initiatives to support the freelance community, which is currently facing difficulties,” said Siena Pakington, U.K. country manager for Prime Video. “We are committed to enhancing skills in an industry experiencing unprecedented change while leading the way in apprenticeships that promote diversity with tangible opportunities for newcomers.”
The freelancer-centric programs were created based on insights from the freelance community, with over 800 freelancers participating in a skills survey. The series of online short courses will focus on emerging topics such as digital production, podcasting, social media, AI, virtual production, and project management, with applications now being accepted through the NFTS website.
“Freelancers in the creative sectors are facing significant obstacles, and this expanded initiative from Prime Video will provide essential support at a critical time,” remarked Jon Wardle, director of the National Film and Television School. “By merging NFTSâs free, accessible online training with intensive in-person assistance, we aim to empower the freelance workforce to enhance their skills, regain their footing, and build a sustainable career path.”
According to Amazon, the Prime Video Pathway program has already provided training for 452 individuals, mainly from underrepresented groups, noting that 85% of participants from the first three years remain employed in the television industry.
In addition to the freelancer programs, the extended Pathway initiative includes several exciting new offerings. This includes a year-long opportunity for six underrepresented executive producers in the unscripted content realm, sponsorship of the Wonder Women 2026 Mentoring Program for 31 women, a practical âAfro Hair â On Setâ course in Scotland for 10 hair stylists at the Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy, support for Europeâs only three-year vocational course for Deaf actors, also in Scotland, and backing for the BIFA Springboard aimed at 30 second-time feature filmmakers. Numerous original programs, including several with the NFTS, will continue as well.
