Channel 4 to mentor and train 60 black filmmakers

The new scheme Momentum, will be run in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and London as part of a drive to create new opportunities for Black people to progress in the film and TV sector, across the UK.

The 60 filmmakers will be paired with a mentor and offered one to one sessions over a six month period. Additionally, they will have access to masterclasses and discussions with experts from across the industry including from Channel 4 and Film4 as well as Apple, Altitude, Park Circus, STX and many more.

Those taking part will get help with everything from script development, financing and funding to collaborating, sales and distribution as part of a guide to what they should do next to advance their careers.

Channel 4 and We Are Parable first worked together on The Black to Front Project. Last September, Channel 4’s entire programming schedule was fronted by Black talent and contributors across all genres and advertisements for one day, with the aim of amplifying Black voices and talent in front of and behind the screen.

Momentum is funded by Channel 4’s training and development strategy 4Skills.

Channel 4 Creative Diversity lead Neila Butt says: “The Black to Front Project was a huge commitment and an industry first from Channel 4, and we are very proud of it. We always wanted it to have a strong legacy and for it to lead to significant commitments. We loved working with We Are Parable at the time so it’s great to be partnering with them again as we continue our work to nurture and support Black talent, especially across the nations and regions.”