Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme wins UK Production Guild inclusion award

The Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme & Foundation received the The Production Guild of Great Britain's third annual Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award.

The initiative was was founded 12 years ago to support new and diverse talent by helping trainees gain the soft skills required to develop a successful freelance career.

Each year a cohort of trainees attend workshops, events and first-hand access to industry operators, to give them a footing in the industry.

The talent pipeline was extended through the formation of a foundation which, working alongside partner organisations, has created access for people who might never have had the opportunity to work in film and TV. 

PGGB Royal Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presented Nicola Lees, Laurily Adams and Kelly Spearman from the trainee scheme and foundation with the award on Monday March 24 at PGGB’s Talent Showcase, hosted in association with Walt Disney Studios and supported by Sargent-Disc.

The award was launched in 2022 to highlight organisations or individuals in production who are helping to create and progress talent inclusion in the UK screen production workforce. The winner was chosen by a jury led by PGGB’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.  

Previous winners are 6ft From the Spotlight, which works to improve mental health and wellbeing in the UK film and TV production workplace, and Million Youth Media, which provides young people from under-represented communities with the tools, opportunities and knowledge for a career in film & TV.