Young Londoners to work on major film productions in US partnership

Unique partnership with NBCUniversal announced at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, during the Mayor’s first visit to a Hollywood studio in California Young Londoners from underrepresented communities will work behind-the-camera on high-end productions such as Universal’s Wicked and Fast X as part of NBCUniversal’s ‘Below-the-Line’ Traineeship.

The initiative announced today is part of The Mayor of London, Film London and NBCUniversal’s joint commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within all areas of film production and careers within the creative industries.

Funding for the grant was made possible through Comcast NBCUniversal’s $100 million commitment to help address systemic racism and inequality.

Launched in California in 2021 by Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department, the Traineeship provides on and off-the-job training and mentorship across select below-the-line departments In 2021, film and high-end television production spend in the UK reached more than £5.64 billion, with much of the sector based in and around London. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to be at NBCUniversal today to announce that young London trainees will work behind the scenes on some of the world’s biggest blockbusters, such as Wicked and Fast X, which will be filmed in London.

“Our capital’s booming film industry is helping to drive our economic recovery, but it’s vital that we ensure that Londoners from all backgrounds can benefit.

“That’s why I’m so proud to announce this ground-breaking partnership with NBCUniversal and Film London that will see young Londoners from diverse backgrounds earn a unique opportunity to start their careers in the film and TV industry.”