"The producer is a role that is increasingly recognised in the arts. Producers are not project managers…. they are people with the skills and energy required to bring a creative idea to reality."
Producing the Future International Futures Forum page 40

Future Producers is a unique opportunity for a group of 18 – 25 year olds to get a foot in the door in the creative industry at one of the UK’s leading cultural venues. A producer makes work happen - commissioning, managing, overseeing and realising projects and ideas. The role stretches from developing a vision to networking to making sure a project is delivered within budget. Mentored by media industry professionals including Watershed staff, the Future Producers will dream and scheme the Fresh Flix strand for kids and young people (that will be presented by Watershed and Encounters International Short Film Festival in autumn 2012) by creating a programme of film, music, poetry and animation. This development opportunity is all about pushing boundaries, developing new ideas, and making them happen. You will deliver a live project for real audiences working collaboratively across artforms and platforms. Through the programme participants will develop the skills associated with being a producer for a cultural venue such as such as openness, collaboration, creativity, empathy and confidence.

What will the Future Producers do?

• Gain an insight into how programming at Watershed works and the role producers play in the organisation
• Come up with creative ideas for Fresh Flix and pitch them to Watershed’s creative team
• Work in groups to develop the selected ideas into the programme for Fresh Flix 2012
• Undergo relevant event management, health and safety and leadership training;
• Work together with Watershed staff to plan and deliver a marketing and publicity strategy for Fresh Flix;
• Work in small groups in partnership with a media industry professional to deliver the programme;
• Assist Watershed staff in the evaluation of the Future Producers programme and Fresh Flix

Programme start date: week of 25 June 2012
Programme end date: week of 17 Sept 2012
(Please note Future Producers could programme events anytime from 18 Sept - the start of Encounters Film Festival - to 1 Dec - the launch of Electric December)

When and Where?

Future Producers will attend 8 weekly Wednesday evening sessions on 27 June, 4, 11, 18, 25 July, 1 August and 5 and 12 Sept. Throughout August there will be extra drop-in sessions on Wednesday evenings for those needing support. You will also spend up to one day a week of your own time doing research, preparing for sessions, developing ideas or doing promotion/marketing. You will also need to be available on the days that you deliver the Fresh Flix programme.

Why take part? By taking part in the programme you will:

• Build the skills associated with being a successful producer;
• Gain valuable project, event and marketing experience;
• Work in partnership with professionals in the creative industries and develop a network of contacts;
• Benefit from health & safety training and become familiar with issues around child protection;
• Be supported by Watershed staff to explore further volunteer, training, or employment possibilities within Bristol’s thriving creative and media scene.
• Be supported to apply to a Young Bristol 2 volunteer accreditation.
• Get free tickets and special invitations to Watershed events

Interested in applying?

Please read the full information about the programme below then complete the application form. The deadline for applications is 9 March 2012 and applications are accepted by email or post. If you have any questions please feel free to email hannah.higginson@watershed.co.uk or call 0117 927 5109.

Closing Date: 5pm on Fri 9 Mar 2012

• Future Producers Development Programme (PDF)
• Future Producers Development Programme (Word)
• Future Producers Application Form (PDF)
• Future Producers Application Form (Word)