If you’re a member of Directors UK, or just an emerging director, here’s a new opportunity for you: Directors UK, the professional association for British screen directors, is partnering with broadcaster Channel 4 for a new project called 4Stories.
The endeavor consists of a three-part series of half-hour interconnected films, telling one main story from three different perspectives. It will be broadcast on Channel 4.
The initiative “aims to encourage the next generation of writing and directing talent from under-represented groups in television drama — such as women, disabled people, BAME, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds — and give them the chance to see their work broadcast on national television,” the official announcement details.
The initiative was inspired by the group’s findings in their report, “Adjusting the Color Balance,” which “highlighted the importance of strands that broaden opportunities for diverse directors.”
The trainee directors will “learn how to hone their skills and deliver their vision under the guidance of experienced drama professionals. Those selected for the scheme will also be mentored by high-profile drama talent, and will take part in a bespoke training program run alongside and beyond the production of the series, and will include masterclasses, networking sessions, coaching, career development, and access to key industry events.”
The project is open to Directors UK members and “emerging directors who do not have a TV drama credit (on a single drama or drama series) or directors who have had no more than two hours of broadcast credits on soaps or continuing drama are eligible to apply.”
The deadline for directors is 1pm on Friday 6th January 2017. Full application details can be found at directors.uk.com/news or on the Touchpaper website at touchpapertv.com.