Netflix and Sony Launch Dept Q Training Program to Develop Scottish Talent – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Edinburgh – Netflix, in partnership with Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television, and Screen Scotland, has rolled out a targeted training program ahead of Dept. Q’s second season filming. The initiative offers up to 20 paid positions to emerging talent across Scotland, providing hands-on experience on a major production set to begin this summer. This move underscores the streamer’s commitment to nurturing local crews as the Edinburgh-based crime series builds on its season one success.[1][2]
A Hit Series Returns to Scotland’s Screens
Dept. Q captivated audiences upon its 2025 debut, topping Netflix charts with its gritty take on cold case investigations. The series follows Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, as he heads a ragtag team in Edinburgh’s newly formed cold case unit. After a tragic incident leaves his partner paralyzed, Morck grapples with guilt while unraveling long-buried mysteries amid the city’s gothic backdrop.[3]
Produced by Left Bank Pictures for Netflix, the adaptation relocates Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Danish novels to Scotland, showcasing Edinburgh locations and FirstStage Studios in Leith. Season one featured a strong Scottish ensemble, including Chloe Pirrie, Kelly Macdonald, Mark Bonnar, and Shirley Henderson. Netflix renewed the show last August, with production ramping up for cameras to roll from July through December.[4]
Breaking Down the Training Programme
The Dept. Q Training Programme targets new entrants with limited experience, offering placements lasting five to six months during season two shoot. Trainees earn £750 per week, inclusive of holiday pay, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals in a live production environment. Induction begins in late May, aligning with pre-production at FirstStage Studios.[1][5]
Roles span essential departments, ensuring broad exposure:
- Art Department and Set Decoration
- Camera and Lighting
- Costume, Make-up, and Props
- Construction (Joiner, Scenic Painter)
- Sound, SFX, and VFX/Post Production
- Assistant Director, Locations, Production, and Script Supervisor
This structure equips participants for freelance paths in film and television.[1]
Eligibility and Path to Application
Candidates must reside in Scotland, hold UK work eligibility, and be at least 18 years old. A basic grasp of the industry helps, but prior paid experience cannot exceed 12 months in the chosen department. A clean driving license proves advantageous for certain roles, though no formal qualifications stand required.[5]
Applications closed on April 29, 2026, via targeted Microsoft Forms on the Screen Scotland site, with interviews starting early May. The process prioritized those eager to learn in high-pressure settings. Screen Scotland emphasized the value: “As a trainee, you will be learning from some of the finest technicians and creatives working in the film and television industry.”[5]
What Matters Now
- 20 spots filled soon for summer start, signaling quick industry entry.
- Paid roles address barriers for newcomers in Scotland’s growing sector.
- Builds on Dept. Q’s local filming legacy from season one.
Why This Initiative Resonates in Scotland
Netflix UK Content Vice President Anne Mensah highlighted the program’s intent. “Dept. Q has always benefitted from the incredible depth of talent in Scotland, both on and off screen,” she said. “With this programme, we’re proud to build on that foundation, working with Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television and Screen Scotland to create opportunities for emerging Scottish talent.”[2]
The effort arrives amid discussions on local hiring for high-profile shoots. Past productions faced scrutiny over crew sourcing, making this structured pathway a positive step. By embedding trainees directly into a top-tier series, partners aim to fortify Scotland’s production ecosystem long-term.[2]
As Dept. Q delves deeper into Edinburgh’s shadows for season two, these 20 trainees stand poised to launch careers amid the buzz. The programme not only fuels the series’ momentum but also invests in the storytellers who will shape Scotland’s next wave of screen content.
