Mayor and Screen Yorkshire have
teamed up to catapult the careers of talented writers in West
Yorkshire with the launch of a free training initiative.
‘The Mayor's Script Diversity Programme' will
support budding scriptwriters into film and television
opportunities through mentorship and a range of specialist
masterclasses with commissioners and industry experts.
With a focus on breaking down the barriers for underrepresented
groups, the three-month, part-time programme will give
participants the skills and insight they need to get in and get
on in the screen industry.
, Mayor of West Yorkshire,
said:
“Our region's screen industries are booming, with more and
more productions being set and produced in our iconic villages,
towns and cities.
“This programme will open doors for talented writers in West
Yorkshire, no matter their personal circumstances - just like our
Screen Diversity Programme has for creatives working in
production.
“Our new support will provide the launchpad for local stories
to be told on screen for the world to see, boosting our economy
as we create a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Caroline Cooper Charles, Chief Executive of Screen
Yorkshire, said:
“Screen Yorkshire is so excited to be delivering
the Script Diversity Programme, supporting
writers from all genres in their transition to screenwriting
through learning from top industry professionals and expanding
their networks.
“The support from the Mayor of West Yorkshire is invaluable,
allowing us to deepen our impact across West Yorkshire to ensure
that our exceptional talent can grow and authentic regional
stories can reach audiences across the globe”
Run by Screen Yorkshire, the brand-new initiative is funded by
the West Yorkshire Mayor as part of her £2.3 million ‘You Can
Make It Here' programme, designed to support and grow the
region's creative industries.
It follows the success of the partnership's existing initiative,
‘Beyond Brontës: The Mayor's Screen Diversity
Programme' which has helped over 300 local
participants from underrepresented groups access specialist
training and go on to secure roles in TV and film production
since 2019.
The latest cohort included 63.3% women and 9.2%
people identifying as non-binary, 29.1% people from ethnic
minority backgrounds, and 66.7% people managing a
disability.
Beginning in January 2025, ‘The Mayor's Script Diversity
Programme' is now open to people from underrepresented
backgrounds with a track-record of writing for any genre, who
live or work in West Yorkshire.
To find out more and apply, visit https://www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/the-mayors-script-diversity-programme/
Notes to editors
About Screen Yorkshire
Screen Yorkshire is the engine that drives the film and TV
industries in Yorkshire and Humber. Its aim is to secure and
support the absolute best projects, companies, and individuals,
helping to make the region one of the most sought-after
destinations for production in the UK. It facilitates the
Yorkshire Content Fund that provides production finance to
encourage projects to shoot within the region, supports
productions from all over the world through its Film Office and
delivers ground-breaking training and development programmes to
foster talent and build a skilled, versatile, and diverse
workforce. www.screenyorkshire.co.uk
