Eleven trainees have been provided with an insight into the inner workings of a film production after being selected for a landmark training scheme.
The Foot in the Door scheme was pioneered by Ffilm Cymru and aimed at enabling people from a variety of backgrounds not already in employment, education or training to work on a film set while receiving guidance and support.
The trainees were put to work on upcoming Netflix thriller, Apostle, starring Michael Sheen, which is being filmed across South Wales.
One of the trainees, Norman Porter, from Wattsville, spent a week with the art department.
The 32-year-old used his background in graphic design, painting and carpentry to build and dress the film set, and said: “I was thrown straight into the deep end, helping to build a set in Chepstow, and it was really good to exchange ideas with the main crew and get a sense of their way of thinking.
“It was exactly what I wanted from the scheme. By Wednesday I had moved onto the set, and got a good understanding of the creation of visual effects.
“Michael Sheen stopped me for a chat, which I was surprised about.
“He’s someone at the top of his game and was genuinely interested in me and the scheme. It was humbling to be honest.
“Foot in the Door is a special project, and I hope they continue to run it for years. I was sad to leave the set and after getting a taste of what it’s like to work in the industry, I know that’s where I want to be.”
Single mother Eve Bagshaw was also accepted onto the scheme, and shadowed the on-set screen photographer.
Blackwood-based Eve, 39, said: “The things I learnt were wonderful. On my final day, I was assigned to shadow the assistant director, which was a huge privilege. I’m still numb about it to be honest. It was something more than I’d ever hoped. It was magical.
The former make-up artist added: “All my experience and interests helped me vastly. You think some things are so far out of reach, but this scheme has certainly given me a new lease of life. Maybe life really does start at 40.”
Project manager, Faye Hannah, said: “Our Foot in the Door trainees have been on an incredible journey and surpassed all expectations – it has been a privilege for all of us to work with them.”