Eastbrook Studios Conducts Training for Netflix and National Youth Theater Programme

The intensive hands-on, all-day Illumination Training workshop took place at the studio on November 30 and focused on the essential skills required to become a Set Lighting Technician. The Illumination Training was conducted in partnership with IGNITE Your Creativity—a Netflix and National Youth Theater initiative, launched in March 2023 to provide young people with educational opportunities in the creative industries.

As well as aiming to raise aspirations and build the confidence of 15- to 25-year-olds, IGNITE spotlights the wide range of behind-the-scenes careers in film, TV and theatre, as well as helping young people build networks within the industry.

IGNITE Your Creativity has already seen over 1000 young people take part in practical workshops at leading film sets, theatres and in schools in Wales and West Yorkshire and is concentrating this year on free workshops in Dagenham, North East, and West Midlands,

The workshop at Eastbrook Studios featured seasoned industry professionals as instructors—MBS Equipment’s Toby Dare and gaffer Cullum Ross, along with former MBS Equipment trainee Jamie Hayden.

Illumination Training was founded by The MBS Group in 2020 to conduct the training for Hackman Capital Partners’ Changing Lenses imitative, established in Los Angeles to promote diversity in the film industry by providing historically underrepresented groups with job training, mentorships, and financial assistance, so they can secure jobs in the sector. Hackman Capital Partners has since expanded its focus, individually tailoring programs for its studios in other locations, including Eastbrook Studios. MBS Illumination Training has also expanded it programs, partnering with non-profits, government agencies and local unions across the film and television landscape.