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Play Your Way Into Production's Educational Resource Package

It's a Wrap! Getting Your Foot in the Door

Logo University of Yo  SIGN's logo in purple and black with a glitch-looking on the left.On the right, in purple coloured font, a text reads "Screen Industries Growth Network".    One to One Development Trust logo in red and black colours.

Educational Resource Package

 Competency: It's a Wrap! Getting Your Foot in the Door          Duration: 50 minutes approx.


MODULE OVERVIEW

It’s a wrap! The eleventh and final module of this Educational Resource Package presents two informative sections on goal-setting and employment legislation as well as activities to help apply the acquired knowledge. This teaching material finalises with a follow-up audit survey to check in with learners to assess their knowledge and level of confidence for each competency, with the purpose of developing awareness of their next steps for getting into the industry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, learners will have gained practical knowledge on how to define realistic, achievable goals as well as ways to adapt and tackle challenges to stay on track. Equally, they will have gained awareness of their rights as Film and TV professionals according to their own geopolitical context. To assess learners’ progress after engaging with the Play Your Way Into Production game and its Educational Resource Package, they will have completed a follow-up audit which will inform their current confidence and knowledge level per competency.

OUTLINE

- Section 1: Defining your SMARTER goals (20 min)

SMARTER goals provide a useful framework for effective goal-setting. The SMARTER acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluated, and Reassessed. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to goal-setting, emphasising not only the initial planning stages, such as in pre-production, but also the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation during production and postproduction. Here's a breakdown of each component:

  • Specific: Clearly define the goal with precision – keep it simple. Be specific about what needs to be achieved, who is involved, where it will happen, and why it's important.

  • Measurable: Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of the goal. This involves quantifiable indicators that can track the extent of progress and provide a basis for assessment.

  • Achievable: Ensure that the goal is realistic and attainable. It should stretch individuals to improve performance but remain within the boundaries of possibility. It's about setting objectives that are challenging yet feasible.

  • Relevant: Align the goal with broader objectives and ensure its relevance to individual or organisational mission. A relevant goal is the one that contributes to the collective success and doesn't deviate from the desired outcome.

  • Time-bound: Set a timeframe for achieving the goal – this links to the goal being achievable, so try to be realistic! This adds a sense of urgency and helps in prioritising efforts.

  • Evaluated: Incorporate regular evaluations to measure progress. This involves monitoring and measuring performance against the established criteria, allowing for adjustments and improvements as needed.

  • Reassessed: Periodically reassess the goal to determine its ongoing relevance and adjust it based on changing circumstances – which happens more than expected, and that’s okay. This step acknowledges that goals may need modification over time to remain effective.

Activity: Define your professional goals by reflecting on the career stage you are at, your interests and short and long-term objectives working in the Screen Industries. Use the guidance below to complete your SMARTER goals plan.

1) Identify a specific aspect of your career you want to focus on, whether it's becoming an expert in a particular skill, securing a specific role, or completing a project.

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2) Establish concise ways to measure your progress. This could involve quantifiable metrics, such as the number of projects completed or the acquisition of new skills.

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3) Ensure that your goals are realistic and within reach to make them achievable. Consider your current skill set, resources, and time constraints. Strive for growth while maintaining feasibility.

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4) To keep your goals relevant, ensure that they contribute to your professional development and the trajectory you envision for your career. How do your goals align with your overall career aspirations?

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5) So your goals remain time-bound, establish a realistic, clear timeframe for their completion. This answers the question "When will this goal be accomplished?".

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6) Define ways to regularly evaluate what is working well and where adjustments might be necessary to achieve your goals. It is important to be honest and remain flexible to adapt your objectives ad hoc to reach your goals successfully.

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7) Periodically review your goals by reassessing your aspirations, re-defining your goals if necessary, and ensuring that they remain aligned with your evolving professional journey.

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- Section 2: Know your rights (15 min)

Workers' rights in the Film and TV industries differ across countries, and they are often subject to national laws and regulations. Note that labour laws can vary significantly from one country to another and even within its regions, so it’s important to consider the specific context of each country. In the UK, workers in the Film and TV industries are generally protected by employment laws, health and safety regulations, and industry-specific agreements. Rights and obligations also vary between employees and freelancers. Below are some key aspects of workers' rights that you might want to look at:

  • Employment Contracts: Workers tend to be entitled to employment contracts that outline terms and conditions, including pay, working hours, and job responsibilities.

  • Minimum Wage: Workers should be entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, depending on age and employment status.

  • Working Hours: There are regulations governing working hours, rest breaks, and days off to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

  • Health and Safety: Employers are obligated to provide a safe working environment, including measures to prevent accidents and protect workers' health. Risk assessments are often carried out to identify and address potential hazards.

  • Discrimination and Equality: Workers should be protected from discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and other protected characteristics.

  • Union Rights: Workers generally have the right to join trade unions and participate in collective negotiations for better terms and conditions.

  • Intellectual Property Rights: Contracts may outline the ownership and usage of intellectual property, including rights to royalties and residuals for actors and creators.

Activity: Discuss and write down answer the following questions:

  1. What country are you based in?

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  1. Do you know your rights as an employee or freelancer (independent worker)? Select one answer.

Yes                       Not sure                      Not at all

  1. Take five minutes to search at least two links to official websites with information on Film and TV workers’ rights that apply to the country which you are based in. Copy and paste below the links that you found so that you have these resources at hand for future reference.

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CALL TO ACTION! (10 min)

Now that you have concluded all the modules of the PYWIP Educational Resource Package (ERP), complete our follow-up audit survey to sense the level of confidence and knowledge that you have gained with the game and this didactic material.

Once you submit your response, you will be able to download a PDF with your new scores. Compare them with the results of the first audit that you completed prior to engaging with the ERP and reflect on how they vary (if they do). Identify and write down the competencies and scores that you feel content with and the ones that you would like to develop further.

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

This SIGN free online course on Setting up as a Freelancer is designed for independent industry professionals and can be completed at your own pace.

Interested in freelancing as a crew member and based in Yorkshire and Humber? Sign up to Screen Yorkshire's Crew Service!

This ScreenSkillse-learning series Getting into the screen industries includes five short, super useful modules to support new entrants in the Film and TV industry.

Another gem from ScreenSkills that you might find useful for your continuing professional development (CPD) is their Competency-based Framework guidance.