Careers · Where the work is
Do I have to move to London?
No. High-end TV shoots across the UK. Here's where the stages are, who funds training, and who to call first in your area.
The short answer
You can build a career where you live.
No. London and the counties around the M25 still have the biggest stages and the most film work, but high-end TV now shoots across the UK.
Productions hire local crew where they can: it saves travel and hotels, and regional funding often asks for it. Trainee places on regional shows go to people who live there.
The catch: senior jobs in some departments still come out of London. Build your credits locally, keep your travel budget for the jobs that move you up.
Checked 13 November 2026. Sources
Nine nations and regions
9- 7 studios · skills clusterLondon, the South East and the EastThe UK's biggest stages, inside an hour of the M25.
- Studio planned · skills clusterThe MidlandsBirmingham's film offices, a West Midlands skills cluster, and a studio on the way.
- 3 studios · skills clusterThe North WestManchester, Salford and Liverpool: drama, factual and the BBC and ITV at MediaCityUK.
- 5 studios · skills clusterYorkshire and the HumberLeeds is a studio city now, and Screen Yorkshire leads the northern skills cluster.
- Studio planned · skills clusterThe North EastLocation drama and a big studio planned on the Wear.
- 2 studiosThe South WestBristol's stages, and the home of the BBC's Natural History Unit.
- 6 studios · skills clusterWalesCardiff's stages, Welsh-language TV and paid trainee schemes.
- 5 studios · skills clusterScotlandStudios in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the central belt, and a national skills cluster.
- 4 studios · skills clusterNorthern IrelandBelfast's harbour stages and one screen agency for the whole country.
Watch: crew around the UK
8From Screen Yorkshire, Ffilm Cymru Wales, ScreenSkills and the RTS. They play here.
50:55CV masterclass at the RTS Midlands careers fairRoyal Television Society · 50:55
2:18Lighting technician Mark Leeming on a typical day on setScreen Yorkshire · 2:18
2:21Working in film and TV: the hair and make-up departmentScreen Yorkshire · 2:21
19:48Screen Careers: Camera GripFfilm Cymru Wales · 19:48
16:29Screen Careers: Costume DesignerFfilm Cymru Wales · 16:29
20:40Screen Careers: Hair and Make-Up DesignFfilm Cymru Wales · 20:40
HETV Careers Roadshows: ScreenSkills tips and advice, EdinburghScreenSkills
HETV Careers Roadshows: ScreenSkills tips and advice, Northern IrelandScreenSkills
UK-wide routes
Wherever you live, start with these. None of them has endorsed us.
Free to learnersBFI Skills Clusters (BFI National Lottery Skills Clusters Fund)£11.85m over three years for seven regional hubs that run below-the-line training, paid traineeships, mentoring and mid-career CPD.UK (7 clusters)Visit (opens BFI Skills Clusters (BFI National Lottery Skills Clusters Fund))
FreeFilming in England (Creative UK)England's national production support agency: locations, crew and supplier databases, studios and links to every regional film office.EnglandVisit (opens Filming in England (Creative UK))
FreeFind an Apprenticeship (GOV.UK)Official listing of apprenticeship vacancies, including BBC and Channel 4 roles.EnglandVisit (opens Find an Apprenticeship (GOV.UK))
FreeBFI Film Audience Network (Film Hubs)National network of regional Film Hubs supporting exhibition and audiences across the UK.UKVisit (opens BFI Film Audience Network (Film Hubs))
Sources
Checked 13 November 2026. Studios open and close: check before you move.
Learn now, wherever you are.
Our courses and paths are free online. Practicals run at Pinewood and 3 Mills.
Last reviewed 13 November 2026