IMTalent | Story Lab Apprenticeship (SLA) programme

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What is it

The Story Lab Apprenticeship (SLA) programme is an initiative developed by Infocomm Media Development Authority in partnership with leading media companies. The programme aims to provide promising fresh media professionals with structured training and opportunities to acquire key skills and competencies across in-demand job roles in the media sector. These roles range from producing, to writing, digital marketing and content creation. Through an immersive and experiential on-the-job training programme, selected apprentices will be able to gain valuable exposure and experience in the business of media.

The Apprentice must complete the SLA programme, of up to 12 months, as agreed with the participating company.
Please refer to the partnering companies and roles offered below

Who is it for

Media professionals and young talent in both media and non-media sectors

Eligibility Criteria:

Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents
Fresh Professionals who are within three calendar years of graduation
Diploma, Degree qualifications, or any other relevant qualifications as determined by the company and IMDA

Benefits

Participants of the programme will:

Gain experience in the business of media
Be industry-ready
Acquire media competencies in storytelling and content production

For enquiries

For more information, you can download the FAQs (441.08KB) or contact us at storylab@imda.gov.sg or follow us on Facebook @ IM Talent SG to stay connected and for latest updates.

Participating Companies and Apprenticeship Roles Available

IMDA is partnering the following media companies:

Beach House Pictures Pte Ltd
DSTNCT
G.H.Y Culture & Media (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Infocus Asia
mm2 Entertainment Pte Ltd
ViacomCBS Networks International^(*NEW)

Beach House Pictures Pte Ltd

Singapore-headquartered Beach House Pictures (BHP) has produced such highly rated series as the Sir David Attenborough narrated Wild City (CNA), Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 (Starworld, Fox International), China From Above (Nat Geo), MasterChef Singapore, (Channel 5, MediaCorp) and Ed Stafford: First Man Out (Discovery International). BHP is a multiple international awards winner and has been credited for four consecutive years, (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) in Realscreen Television’s Global 100 list of the world’s most innovative and influential production companies.

Apprentices that BHP take on board will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in BHP’s live projects. They will learn all aspects of producing by rotating through different internal departments from script development to pre-production, editorial, production and post-production assisting on productions for regional and international broadcasters. Apprentices will work alongside BHP’s team of professionals and will have the opportunity to shadow and be personally mentored by the senior members of the BHP team, all of whom are media veterans with extensive and varied industry experience.

Graduate Trainee - Assistant Producer

Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

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DSTNCT Pte Ltd

DSTNCT is an award-winning integrated creative agency which specializes in the creation and execution of digital and social media marketing campaigns as well as event marketing. DSTNCT’s clientele range from established MNCs such as KLM and DBS to government organizations such as the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Youth Council (NYC).

Some of DSTNCT’s most notable work include the SHINE Festival, an annual celebration of youth organized by NYC, Singapore Art Week, a celebration of visual arts in collaboration with the National Arts Council, and ASEAN e-sports event, Hyperplay.

Through the apprenticeship, chosen candidates will develop skills in areas such as content marketing and graphics design.

Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

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G.H.Y Culture & Media (S) Pte Ltd

GHY Culture & Media (GHY) is part of a larger entertainment group in China, that offers content production, artiste management, distribution and marketing of film, television and online content. Set up to be one of the core filmmaking studios for the region, GHY will be delivering content to China, international broadcasters & OTT platforms. The Group's films and television series have won a variety of awards in Chinese and overseas markets, including the Magnolia Award 上海电视节白玉兰奖, and the Golden Horse Award 台湾金马奖.

GHY Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn from Singaporean and Chinese industry veterans by being fully immersed in GHY’s live productions (such as large-scale period sword fighting series or classic Singapore period dramas) in Singapore and China. Some Apprentices will also have the coveted opportunity to be attached to the Beijing office for the full duration of the SLA programme.Apprentices will be mentored by the Deputy GM of Beijing Changxin and supervised & trained by industry renowned Directors, Producers and Scriptwriting experts from Singapore and Beijing.

Assistant Director
Assistant Producer
Junior Writer

Apply here!

Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

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Infocus Asia

Infocus Asia (IFA) is one of Asia’s premier content production groups, creating programming all over the world, and across multiple genres including drama, natural history, documentary and factual entertainment for the world’s best channels and platforms such as Smithsonian, Nat Geo, Discovery, Netflix, HBO Asia, BBC, and Tencent. With offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Taipei, and our HQ in Singapore, IFA’s work has been recognized with over 70 nominations and awards from the likes of Amnesty, Peabody, Cine Golden Eagle, and the Asian Academy Creative Awards. Notable works by IFA include 2018 New York Film Festival winning docudrama National Service The Beginning (2018) and 2017 Golden Bell-winning Chinese teen-drama The Teenage Psychic (2017).

Apprentices recruited by IFA will be mentored by a team of media veterans and will have the opportunity to work on a range of unique projects for our major clients. Through the apprenticeship, chosen candidates will develop proficiency in several key areas such as, story development, creative storytelling and production management.

Assistant Producer
Junior Writer

To apply, please email: hr@ifa-media.com with the following:

Your resume
Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Residency
Education Certifications/Transcripts and portfolio (if any)

Find out more here!

Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

mm2 Entertainment Pte Ltd

mm2 Asia Ltd. champions “Content and Media for Asia”, with integrated businesses across the content, immersive media, cinema, event and concert industries in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and the United States of America.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of mm2 Asia Ltd, mm2 Entertainment Pte Ltd (mm2) offers comprehensive film-making services, ranging from inception of an idea, to financing, sponsorship, production, marketing and distribution. Furthermore, mm2 also operates one of Singapore's leading digital news portals, AsiaOne under AsiaOne Online Pte Ltd, a joint venture with Singapore Press Holdings,

The Apprentices that mm2 takes on board will have the first-hand opportunity to be fully immersed in live projects, from movies and TV shows, to web series and digital productions for AsiaOne. Apprentices will also learn about content development, financing, marketing and distribution for mm2's traditional and digital outlets.

All Apprentices will be personally mentored by both the CEO and MD of mm2, and will be attached to the respective department heads, such as the GMs of mm2, Product and Corporate Marketing Director and Senior Producers, allowing apprentices to gain cross-departmental exposure as well as glean direct insights from the highly-experienced media veterans.

Assistant Producer (Film & Content Development)
Assistant Producer (Formats & Content Development)
Assistant Producer (Partnership & Content Development)
Digital Media Executive
Entertainment/ Lifestyle Writer

To apply, please email careers@mm2entertainment.com with the followings:

your resume
proof of citizenship/permanent residency
education certifications/transcripts and portfolio (if any)

Find out more here!

Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

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ViacomCBS Networks International

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC), is a leading global, premium content company. Our broad portfolio comprises many of the world’s most iconic consumer brands that have shaped current events and pop culture for decades. VCNI’s brands and products in Asia include Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Paramount Network, and Comedy Central, reaching more than 75 million cumulative households with over 14 billion social media followers. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, VCNI provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents and across more than 180 countries.

Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

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For Companies

Companies interested in participating in this programme, you can download the interest form (569.24KB) and email us at storylab@imda.gov.sg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Story Lab Apprenticeship (SLA) programme

For more information, you may click here to download the FAQs (441.08KB) or refer to it below:

Can freelancers participate?
Yes, as long as the eligibility criteria is met.
How do I know if I fit into the criteria of 0-3 calendar years from graduation?
- You will qualify for this criteria if you have graduated any time within year 2016 to year 2019.
  E.g. You qualify for this criteria if you graduated in January 2016.
- For those who served National Service (NS), the years spent in NS are not considered in the determination of years from graduation.
  E.g. If you served NS for 2 years, you qualify for this criteria if you graduated in January 2014.
Does these criteria apply to graduation from first degree/diploma only?
No, these criteria apply to the highest level degree/diploma or relevant qualification attained.
Are there any other specific requirements apart from the stated eligibility criteria?
Specific requirements may vary depending on the job role and by the participating companies. You may head to the respective company’s application page for more information.
How do I apply and what information do I need to provide?
You may head directly to the company’s website to apply. The detailed information required from applicants differ from job roles and the company. All required information are stated on the company’s page.
I have met all eligibility criteria as published on the website, does it mean that I will automatically qualify for the programme?
All applications are subjected to company’s review and evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview with the company. All decisions are final and binding.
When will I know if I am selected for the SLA programme?
Companies will reach out to shortlisted applicants for an interview between the period of 30 August to 29 November 2019.
Following the interviews, selected applicants will be informed if they have been successful by 31 December 2019.
Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
What is the expected duration and commencement of the SLA programme?
The SLA programme period is typically up to 12 months and will commence from Jan 2020 onwards. Actual start date will be agreed upon between the Apprentice and the company.
It is important that the Apprentice commit to the start and end date that have been agreed upon and undergo the SLA programme to the best of his/her abilities.
Where will the training for the SLA programme be held?
The programme consists of On-the-Job Training (OJT) hosted by participating companies and will be held primarily at the companies’ premises. Some of the training may also take place at external venues as determined by the companies. Some roles may include overseas stints, depending on the respective company’s training plan outline.
Do I have to give up my current job to join the SLA programme?
Yes. This is a full-time programme over the span of up to 12 months. You will sign an agreement with the company prior to the commencement of the programme.
Do I have to pay to join the SLA programme?
No payment is required. The SLA programme is fully sponsored by the participating companies and IMDA.
Will I receive a stipends and how much will it be?
Apprentices will receive a monthly stipends that will commensurate with the Apprentice’s relevant experience and job role.
What is the expectation of an Apprentice?
The SLA programme is an opportunity for each Apprentice to acquire practical skills by taking on a specific media job role with the partner company. It can be achieved through projects or specific tasks outlined in the training plan, guided by industry practitioners who will provide mentorship to add to the experiential learning. The partner company and IMDA has invested resources to enable each Apprentice to undergo the programme. IMDA also requires progress reports to be submitted by Apprentices and the company to ensure that the agreed milestones are achieved. It is therefore important for each Apprentice to attend the SLA programme diligently and complete all the projects promptly.
What if I decide to drop out of the SLA programme after starting the programme?
If you drop out of the SLA programme, IMDA shall recover any grants, including monthly stipends support, awarded to the Participating Company under the SLA Programme. The Participating Company may in turn recover the grants from you (Apprentice). Please check your individual letter of offer for details.
If my SLA programme start date has not commenced, can I withdraw from the programme without any penalty?
We do not encourage withdrawal as there is significant investment of time and effort by both the company and IMDA. The affected company will assess the situation accordingly and cost recovery may be imposed by the company, if necessary. Please check your individual agreement with the company for details.
Will I be guaranteed a permanent job after the completion of the SLA programme?
The objective of the SLA is to enhance the industry-readiness of fresh media talents by acquiring media skills and competencies for jobs in demand by the industry.
IMDA encourages participating companies to consider hiring suitable Apprentices after the programme period. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to find a job most suitable for yourself upon completion of the SLA programme. The SLA programme is primarily a capability development programme and there is no guarantee of a job offer upon the completion of the programme.
Will there be a next round of application?
There will be one more round of applications likely to start from Q3/Q4 2020 onwards. Please register your interest via email to storylab@imda.gov.sg and follow us on Facebook @ IM Talent SG to stay connected and for latest updates.

About Story Lab

Story Lab Apprenticeship (SLA) programme is part of IMDA’s Story Lab initiative which aims to nurture storytelling and intellectual property (IP) creation skills. It supports the development of original story concepts for compelling content across various media platforms, genres and languages. Story Lab programmes are targeted at media professionals in both media and non-media sectors, and grooming the talent pipeline in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).

One of the key Story Lab programmes is WritersLab, organised by LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) since 2017. WritersLab is an intensive scriptwriting programme which aims to push the boundaries of scriptwriting and storytelling for television and online platforms. Other Story Lab programmes include the inaugural Pitch Fest organised by Screenwriters Association (Singapore), as well as Visual Storytelling Masterclass with acclaimed documentary cinematographer Iris Ng, in partnership with the Singapore Association of Motion Picture Professionals (SAMPP).