C4 Invests In New Generation Of Disabled Production Talent

Channel 4 is investing £500,000 in two major new talent initiatives to support the broadcaster's commitment to ensure that 10% of the production team working on its coverage of the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games are people with disabilities.

The commitment is a key element of Channel 4's recently announced 360° Diversity Charter and is part of the production tender awarded to leading sports producer, Sunset+Vine.

The Rio Production Training Scheme and Rio Disabled Talent Fast-Track build on Channel4’s legacy of investing in a ground breaking nationwide search for disabled on-screen talent for London 2012, as well as its track record in grassroots talent training schemes.

The Rio Production Training Scheme is now open for applications and will see 24 trainees with disabilities employed for 12 months at production companies in the roles of Junior AP, Production Co-ordinator or Technical Assistant. In addition to structured work experience within their placed company the trainees will receive specialist production training facilitated by Channel 4. Subject to passing a final assessment the trainees will be hired by Sunset+Vine as part of the production team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Priscilla Baffour, Industry Talent Specialist, Channel 4 said: "We're incredibly proud of the new and diverse talent we’ve fostered through 4Talent’s Production Training Scheme. The annual initiative encourages new voices and perspectives into the industry and provides opportunities for people across the UK who are passionate about kick starting a career in the media."

(CD)