Amazon Prime Video Extends U.K. Film and TV Training Initiative, Launches New Programs for Freelancers (EXCLUSIVE)

Amazon Prime Video has extended its U.K. film and TV industry training initiative with new programs aimed at the tackling the current crisis impacting freelancers.

First launched in 2022 as a three-year scheme, Prime Video Pathway was designed to help open up jobs in the industry and supporting the development of talent, especially among underrepresented groups. Originally pegged at costing £10 million ($13.3 million), Prime Video now claims that some £12 million was spent over the

But with the three years having been completed, Prime Video is now extending Pathway with a £2.2 million ($2.9 million) additional grant to fund, among a variety of new and returning initiatives, programs for struggling freelancers to help them “develop portfolio careers in adjacent creative industries.”

Developed in partnership with the National Film and Television School (NFTS), the TV Freelancers Reskill and Upskill Program is a free virtual training initiative that will offer over 60 one-day online courses reaching up to 1,000 freelancers nationwide. Meanwhile, an intensive three-month in-person program will provide dedicated support for 100 freelancers who have been out of work for more than four months across the U.K.

“Amazon is proud to play its part with a comprehensive free training and development programme to support a freelance community we know is struggling,” said Siena Pakington, U.K. country manager, Prime Video. “We’re continuing to help upskill and reskill an industry facing unprecedented change while remaining trailblazers in apprenticeships that diversify our industry with proven opportunities for new entrants.”

The freelancer-focused programs were developed following research with the freelance community, with more than 800 freelancers competing a skills survey. The suite of online short courses is set to cover emerging areas such as digital production, podcasting, social media, AI, virtual production and project management, with applications now open via the NFTS website.

“Freelancers across the creative industries are continuing to navigate significant challenges, and this expanded commitment from Prime Video will offer timely and much-needed support,” said Jon Wardle, director of the National Film and Television School. “By combining the free accessible online training delivered by the NFTS, with intensive in-person guidance, the freelance workforce will be able to expand their skills, regain momentum and lay the foundations for sustainable long-term careers.”

According to Amazon, Prime Video Pathway has already delivered training for 452 individuals, primarily from underrepresented groups. It noted that 85% of those who came through the program in its its first three years were currently still employed in the TV industry.

Alongside the freelancer programs, the extended Pathway scheme includes a number of new additions to its lineup of initiatives. Among them is a year-long set-up opportunity for six under-represented executive producers in the unscripted content space, sponsorship of the Wonder Women 2026 Mentoring Program for 31 women, a practical “Afro Hair — On Set” course in Scotland for 10 hair stylists with the Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy, support for Europe’s only 3-year vocational course for Deaf actors, also in Scotland, and support for the BIFA Springboard for 30 second-time feature filmmakers. Several of the original programs, including many with the NFTS, are continuing.