Young people have been equipped with new insights into the world of film and television.

Aspiring filmmakers attended PQA Next Steps in Film & TV, a career-focused event held at Curzon Soho in London and organised by the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

The event was designed to help students understand the many roles and career pathways within the screen industries, from acting and directing to writing, editing, animation, and behind-the-scenes crew positions.

Attendees heard from professionals working in television production, animation, games, screenwriting, editing, and talent development.

The line-up included PQA alumni and young creatives who have already begun their journeys in the industry.

Ross Millington, student experience director at PQA, said: "The film and television industry can feel exciting, but also overwhelming, for many young people at PQA who are starting to think about their future careers in the screen industries.

"Not every young person has the same access to opportunities, industry insight, contacts or confidence when exploring creative careers or understanding what routes into the industry are available."

He said the event was designed to "open up the industry" and show students and their families the “many different ways they can build a future in film, television and the wider creative industries."

The programme featured sessions on Working in Film & TV, The Creative Industries, Education and First Steps in Film & TV, followed by networking.

Speakers included Vicki Allen, founder of CallTime Company; Steve Wynne, a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning executive producer and founder of Strawberry Blond TV; Hana Zidek from Hat Trick International; Faraz Osman, founder of Gold Wala; Martyn Niman, founder of King Bee Animation; and screenwriter Sarah-Louise Hawkins.

Nick Pilton, Head of Film and TV at PQA, said: "This event was also about giving young people practical information, and real conversations with inspiring role models.

Students come to PQA for performing arts and soon discover wider opportunities in film & television sessions, exploring not only screen acting but a variety of film crew roles whilst making their own films.

"Students and their parents left with insight into what could be next for them, from GCSE’s right through to film and drama school, or apprenticeships and first jobs in industry.

"In an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into, this event offered realistic routes beyond ‘who you know’."

The event is the first in a series of career talks, and follows PQA’s continued investment in Film and Television opportunities.

These include its short-film work, PQA TV, Script to Screen programmes, and the Young Screenwriters Competition, which gives students the chance to have a short film idea developed and produced by a professional crew.