British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) is seeking a filmmaker or video artist in the new year to produce a series of short films to highlight selected artists in our 2026/2027 Mentorship programme.
BCB Mentorship programme 2026
The BCB Mentorship programme welcomed applications from early-career creatives working in clay who feel they face barriers to career progression and accessing a professional network in contemporary ceramics. The mentoring programme will support seven artists between September 2026 and February 2027.
Opportunity details
We are looking for a filmmaker to produce seven short films, one for each selected mentee. Each film will introduce the mentees to our audiences and highlight their individual practices. We would like each film to incorporate interviews and various shots of the artists in their studios.
These films should highlight the artist’s practice and serve as a digital asset for their portfolio, website and social media. It should also look forward to what the next steps they are planning to take. Download the film brief for full details.
Key messages should align with BCB’s vision and mission
Our vision - Making change through clay.
Our mission - To develop, sustain and expand innovative ceramics practice and improve lives together with artists and creative communities. The tone of the film should tell a story whilst remaining professional. Please take into account BCB’s values:
- Bold
- Accountable
- Welcoming
- Significant
- Grounded
- Inclusive
- Connected
- Collaborative
Film Specification
Films for Social Media and YouTube
- 7 short films, each between 2 and 3 minutes long, produced in a 16:9 format for YouTube.
- 7 teaser reels, each between 30 and 45 seconds long, produced 9:16 format for YouTube shorts, Instagram and TikTok.
The films will be shared on BCB’s social media accounts and on our website via the BCB Player (hosted through YouTube).
Timings
Deadline for receipt of applications: 12 noon, 18 November 2026
Notification of applicants called to interview: by 5pm, 20 November 2026
Interviews (online): 25 and 26 November 2026
Contract starts: 11 January 2027
Filming Starts: February 2027
First Cut: Mid-March 2027
Deadline for film sign-off: End of March 2027
Contract
Contract: Freelance
Fee: To be proposed by the applicant in their application along with a breakdown of costs (inclusive of travel and VAT)
Payment is on delivery of the films or can be scheduled throughout the filming process. We will agree specific terms with the commissioned filmmaker or video artist before the contract starts.
Location: Mentees are located across the UK. For more information, please see the film brief.
Application
To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following by 12 noon, 18 November 2026:
- An expression of interest (max 300 words) that details your interest in undertaking this commission.
- Your total fee for completing the proposed films
- Brief description of your approach
- Links to 3 examples of your film practice
Please download the film brief for full details.
Applicants must also complete an online Diversity and Equality Monitoring Form.
Address your application to Alex Rabishaw, Communications Assistant, and send via email to alex@britishceramicsbiennial.com with ‘Mentee 2026 Film Commission’ in the subject line. Should you wish to have an informal conversation regarding this opportunity, please email Alex or call 01782 294634
Access
BCB commits to making our recruitment process transparent and accessible. If you have questions or you require the application pack in an alternative format to Word or PDF, please let us know.
Please note that alternative formats are made available upon request to ensure they are suitably tailored to support an applicant’s access requirements. BCB will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. You are welcome to discuss your access needs with us at any stage in the application process.
Email: info@britishceramicsbiennial.com
Call: 01782 294634
Equality and Diversity
Opportunities to work for BCB are open to all. All job applications are treated equally, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, pregnancy or any other equality characteristic.
We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as being Black, Asian, LGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, from a lower socio-economic background or those with long-term health conditions as people from these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector. Male applicants are also particularly encouraged to support the diversity of the Associate Artist pool.
We understand the paragraph above isn’t holistically reflective of the rich community in which we live and work and if you don’t feel this speaks to you and you would like to support how we communicate this in future please get in touch with us: info@britishceramicsbiennial.com.
