Digital Orchard Launches Access 2025 DIT & Video Trainees
- Digital Orchard introduces its new Access 2025 program through Orchard Onset department.
- Exciting announcement of the six selected DIT & Video Trainees: Cleopatra Southcombe, Lorna McCoid, Monika Sak, Jack Lightfoot, Adella Demou, and James Lau.
- This is the second year in a row for the launch of such a program by Digital Orchard.
Hot Take:
Digital Orchard is taking strides in nurturing new talent in the world of 3D animation and filmmaking by selecting a diverse group of trainees for its program. This move not only benefits the chosen individuals but also enriches the industry as a whole with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Kudos to Digital Orchard for investing in the future of 3D animation in such an entertaining and engaging way!
Digital Orchard is excited to announce their brand-new 2025 DIT & Video Trainees: Cleopatra Southcombe, Lorna McCoid, Monika Sak, Jack Lightfoot, Adella Demou, and James Lau.
For the second consecutive year, Digital Orchard have successfully launched another Access: Trainee Scheme, which has seen a surge in demand, with applications being six times higher than in the previous year. Founded in 2024 by Head of Bookings, Olivia Fitzsimons, the scheme supports new talent entering the Film and TV industry. It aligns with Digital Orchard’s Foundation, a key advocacy and networking initiative focused on promoting and supporting under-represented groups in the industry.
Managing Digital Orchard’s On-set talent agency revealed a gap in support for new DIT and Video technicians. The Access Trainee Scheme was created to address this, offering hands-on training in a supportive environment. Trainees develop essential skills at their own pace, receive close supervision and feedback, then shadow on set before stepping into paid roles. This initiative is personal to me, as it opens doors for those facing industry barriers, giving them the foundation for successful careers.
Olivia Fitzsimons, Head of Bookings at Digital Orchard
The DIT & Video scheme provides expert guidance on key topics like on-set etiquette, rates, and negotiation, with mentors offering ongoing support. Digital Orchard’s 2024-25 trainees: Tommy Shackles, Madison Marshall, Daniel DiFranco, Christian Chun Kit Wong, and Michalina Wilk, have completed their first year of the scheme. It’s just the start, with many staying on as trainees, and others moving into DIT or Video Assistant roles. Over the past year, the trainees have worked on productions including The Diplomat S3, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Pressure, Mechanical S3, Vauxhall S4, and Preschool.
In 2025, Tommy transitioned to DIT Assistant roles, already building an impressive CV in just a year and aiming to work on high-end dramas and features.
My first year with the trainee scheme was extremely valuable, it allowed me the time and resources to truly understand the fundamentals of DIT and Video. I had space to practice key skills like coiling cables and setting up transmitters, quickly becoming a valuable asset to Technicians and Operators. I highly recommend the scheme and thank Digital Orchard for the opportunity.
Tommy Shackles
I wanted to express how pleased we all were with Tommy on this production. He’s so lovely to work with and very forward thinking and diligent, so it was a real pleasure having him on the crew. I’d be happy to recommend him on/ have him come aboard whatever I may do in the future.
Jessica O’Shaughnessy, Production Manager
Digital Orchard is thrilled to get their 2025 trainee cohort stuck into another informative programme. Aspiring trainees like Adella Demou are eager to gain hands-on experience in DIT & Video.
I’m excited and extremely grateful to be joining the Access: 2025 Trainee Scheme with Digital Orchard! I look forward to diving into the details of DIT & Video and getting hands-on in training!
Adella Demou
Original article: https://www.animationuk.org/news/digital-orchard-announce-their-access-2025-dit-video-trainees/