Could you be part of our future? Now is the time to find out! We are very excited to announce Future Producers – our new development project for 18 – 25 year olds – a unique opportunity to get a foot in the door in the creative industries right here at Watershed. We are looking to recruit a group of talented young people, committed to creativity and to making things happen.

That's what a producer essentially does: they make work happen by commissioning, managing, overseeing and realising projects and ideas. The role of Producer stretches from developing a vision to networking to making sure a project is delivered within budget. It is both conceptual and practical. And yes, it is hard work and very rewarding too.

Programme leader Hannah Higginson says:

"This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to get involved with us. Building on Watershed's excellent track record of talent development, Future Producers is the latest incarnation of pathway development for young creatives who want to work in the industry. I'm so excited about who we will get to work with and seeing how the energy of the group combines to make things happen. I cannot wait to meet them and get started!" 

This outstanding development opportunity is all about pushing boundaries, developing new ideas, and making them happen. Participants will deliver a live project for Watershed audiences, developing the skills associated with being a producer for a cultural venue such as such as openness, collaboration, creativity, empathy and confidence.

Mentored by media industry professionals including Watershed staff, the Future Producers will dream and scheme the Fresh Flix strand for kids and young people. Fresh Flix provides a new platform for young talent to showcase and celebrate their filmmaking achievements and to inspire others. The team will create a programme of film, music, poetry and animation for Fresh Flix, to be presented by Watershed and Encounters International Short Film Festival in the Autumn.

You can see the work produced in a previous Watershed development strand: 2010's Young Leaders Volunteer Programme. One of the participants of that scheme, Hal, talks about his experience:

"I expected it to be interesting, but it's been much more inspiring than I could have hoped for. I signed up for it purely because it was at Watershed and I've always loved visiting the cinema, but I had no idea it would provide us with so much opportunity for ideas and creativity.”

The programme starts in June and runs until Sept 2012. To get involved, please read the full information and then complete the application form. The deadline is 9 March 2012. Meanwhile, if you have any questions please email hannah.higginson@watershed.co.uk or call 0117 927 5109.