Think creativity can’t be a career? Think again. With more than 4,200 creative businesses based in Buckinghamshire – that’s around one in every seven companies – our county is packed with opportunities to turn your passion into a profession.
Over 14,000 people are already working in the sector, including 3,000 in film and TV alone, and the numbers are only growing. New and proposed studios (watch this space!) are expected to bring up to 13,000 new jobs, covering everything from camera operators and costume designers to post-production pros in VFX, editing and sound.
While many roles are freelance and vary in pay, the industry still shows strong earning potential – film and TV production jobs have an average advertised salary of £30,000. But more than the paycheck, it’s the artistic freedom, variety and chance to be part of something big that really draws people in.
Curious where to start? Meet four local employers at the heart of Bucks’ creative revolution.
Pinewood Studios
What?
Home to some of the most iconic film and TV productions ever made – Goldfinger, Alien and Wicked, to name but a few – Pinewood Studios has been creating screen history for nearly 90 years.
Where?
From the world-famous 007 Stage to 29 other sound stages, including the UK’s only permanently-filled Underwater Stage, Pinewood’s Iver studio has it all. There are also massive workshop spaces and production offices buzzing with creative energy.
Why?
Pinewood’s legacy speaks for itself: 236 BAFTAs, 174 Oscars, and the brilliant Futures Festival. Big names like Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix all use Pinewood to create their next hit.
How?
Whether you're into editing, set design, sound, or production planning, there are loads of ways to start a career at Pinewood. Its Early Careers programme includes apprenticeships, year-long university placements in post-production, and initiatives like the Behind the Screen placement scheme for those currently out of work. Pinewood also partners with organisations like the BFI Film Academy, Into Film and ScreenSkills to help young people get their foot in the door.
A.C. Entertainment Technologies
What?
A.C. Entertainment Technologies is one of the largest providers of professional lighting, audio, rigging and video equipment to theatre productions, live concerts, TV studios, and everything in between.
Where?
AC-ET’s Southern Headquarters is based right here in High Wycombe, putting Bucks at the heart of the global entertainment scene.
Why?
From lighting up world-famous events like London’s iconic 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks to supplying the tech behind your favourite gigs, AC-ET is one of the entertainment industry’s go-to equipment providers.
How?
AC-ET offers jobs in sales, customer service, technical support, manufacturing and more. The best part? You don’t need previous experience in the entertainment industry – if you’ve got transferable skills and the right attitude, they’re ready to help you build a career.
Mint Velvet
What?
Born around a kitchen table in 2009, Mint Velvet’s founders were tired of fast fashion and wanted clothes that blended comfort with a touch of glam, and so, ‘Relaxed Glamour’ was born. Today, Mint Velvet has grown into a successful brand with over 50 stores across the UK.
Where?
Mint Velvet’s buzzing headquarters is based in a beautiful historic building in High Wycombe, where 130+ people work across design, buying, merchandising, digital, marketing, tech, customer care and finance.
Why?
The brand doesn’t just care about looking good – it cares about doing good too. From designing more sustainable clothing to slashing carbon emissions, the company is on a mission to halve its environmental impact by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040.
How?
There are loads of exciting roles at Mint Velvet and the team welcomes graduates to send over their CV with an idea of the areas they are interested in.
