The UK Film Industry has long maintained a reputation for world-class craft and technical skills, and has seen an influx of foreign productions choosing to shoot in the UK.

Films like The Dark Knight and Sweeney Todd are attracted to the UK not only by the advantages of the UK tax relief, but also by the exceptional level of craftsmanship delivered in set design and construction.

Similarly, the Harry Potter films rely on the expertise and skills of the UK's production crew. There is a real need to pass on these craft, technical and production skills to the next generation of crew through apprenticeship-style courses.

There are serious challenges for the industry with new technologies, specifically the emergence of digital as a production and exhibition tool. New digital HD cameras are placing demands on the production workforce to adapt to new shooting methods, from set lighting to new design and make-up demands.

The new Digital Screen Network is seeing digital projectors replace 35mm equipment in cinemas across the UK, and as such new skills required of projectionists and exhibition staff.

The industry is also beginning to adopt 3-D as a viable production method, which will require new production and post-production skills.

Skillset's survey of the Production Sector workforce has found that the most commonly cited area of skills needed by freelancers is around business skills - such as financing, marketing and management.  In a creative industry where many freelancers establish their own small, independent companies, these types of skills are vital.

In addition, common areas cited with training needs are the art & design and camera departments, specifically around the use of new formats and computer technology; and the locations department, in terms of health & safety requirements.

There are also demands on new entrants to the industry to gain a real understanding of how the different sectors and functions of the film industry inter-relate.

For more facts and figures on the Film industry, please visit Skillset's research pages