Film4 And NFM Launch New Talent Programme

Northern Film & Media have teamed up with Film4 and Skillset to offer the most talented North East writers and directors the opportunity to see their ideas realised on the silver screen.
The programme will be led by Slumdog Millionaire producer Ivana MacKinnon; script editor Kate Leys, who was behind Four Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting and The Full Monty; and Film4 development executive Jo McClellan.
Filmmakers will receive mentoring on developing a treatment, outline and visual materials for a feature package, before having the opportunity to present their feature projects to Film4.
The launch of the new talent programmes follows last year’s pilot Film4ward initiative, which saw Film4 invest in developing four films from North East writers and writer/directors. Film4 is currently working with the filmmakers identified in the pilot programme to develop a diverse slate of film projects.
"Film4ward has connected the North East’s most exciting new talent with Film4 and provided them with an invaluable structured development programme. The new funding from Skillset and continued support of Film4 will enable us to build on the success of the pilot and deliver a unique development opportunity for North East filmmakers," said Roxy Bramley, Northern Film & Media’s creative director.
"Film4ward has given Film 4 a focussed and productive introduction to some of the most exciting new talent outside of London. The development process on Film4ward has been flexible and in tune with the needs of each filmmaker.
"Working with Northern Film & Media, we have been able to build strong relationships with emerging filmmakers ensuring we are exposed to a range of new voices," added Jo McClellan, Film4’s Development Executive.
Meanwhile Dan Simmons, Skillset’s acting Head of Film said that initiative matched the skills body’s commitment to talent development: "Developing creative talent across the UK is a big priority for the Skillset film skills strategy A Bigger Future 2."
"Through participating in the Film4ward scheme, emerging writer/directors will receive specialist mentoring and support from two well-respected industry figures that they otherwise might not have easy access to. Schemes like Film4ward are really helping to strengthen the UK film industry’s diverse bedrock of creative talent."
The deadline for Film4ward applications is Wednesday 28 March.