In 2013, 10 international winners from countries including Brazil, Russia and China (to give a few examples) will participate in a shared study tour of the UK’s media sector. The programme allows the winners to gain unique access to and insights into the UK industry, as well as providing a fantastic opportunity to make a wide range of business contacts that will act as a springboard for future business/collaborations between the UK and internationally. The tour will run from 13 - 20 October 2013 alongside the key UK industry events of the London Film Festival’s Cross Media Forum (15 & 16 October)

The programme will include:

• Curated group meetings to give an overview of what’s happening in the UK media industry
• Peer networking with the international participants and UK young multimedia entrepreneurs
• Access to and masterclasses with senior UK industry figures
• Time for individual business meetings
• Opportunities to network and make business contact

Sector Definition:

YCE Screen and Multimedia participants can be drawn from any of the following areas of the sectors:

• Film, TV and animation – development, production, post-production/special effects
• Distribution and sales for film, TV, animation and other multimedia content
• Interactive software, entertainment and games developers, specialist agencies, and publishers – working across various platforms (internet, broadcast, consoles and mobile devices)
• Developers of social media websites/platforms (where not predominately linked to other sectors – i.e. a music social network with its roots in the music business is likely more suited to music award)
• Exhibition for film, TV and animation, including cinema and festival/event programming and management
• Specialists/consultants/agencies supporting the development of these industries (i.e. skills for scriptwriting, visual effects etc.)
• Support/trade bodies for the Media industry

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 21 and 35 at the date applications are due
• Own their own business/ run a non-for profit in the media sector with at least 2 years’ experience
• Be entrepreneurial and have shown their ability in the promotion of that creative sector in their country, in either a commercial context, public context, or both
• Through their character, drive and abilities, demonstrate their potential to be a future leader of the sector in their country and a future partner for the UK
• Have English language skills to IELTS 6 - ‘competent user’ or above
• N/B the entire UK tour will be conducted in English so a high competency in the language is essential

What is required from the winner?

• Be available to take part in industry tour in the UK from 13-20 October 2013
• Send all agreed marketing information (biog, photo etc.) during application process so that the British Council can promote the winner in China and in the UK when the winner is announced
• Actively participate in all arranged meetings and events during the programme, in particular:
• Give a presentation (5 min) about their work to their fellow participants
• Be willing to participate in any events/receptions/panel discussions, as appropriate, alongside other UK/international industry speakers (topics would be dependent on programming by partner events and the experience/relevance of YCE participants)
• Be open minded and actively looking for future collaboration and business with UK companies, organisations and individuals that they meet
• Record their trip to the UK for use by British Council in country/UK e.g. blog, film, participate in media interviews before, during and after the trip, participate in evaluation etc
• Take part in events when they return to share their UK experience with a wider YCE network at home
• Be part of the BC’s international YCE network, which has around 3,000 members, and be keen to contribute ideas and feedback, participate in events, and develop projects

Programme Timeline:

• Deadline for applications 25 Aug
• Interviews with shortlisted candidates 2-6 Sep
• Winner to be announced on 9 Sep

How do I apply?

Complete the application form and submit it to arts@britishcouncil.org.cn by 25 August.