Launched by Warner Bros. Discovery Access in partnership with the BBC, Rope Ladder Fiction & Wall to Wall North
A brand-new programme has been launched with the aim to encourage and support the growing pool of talented women Directors in the North of England and redress the imbalance that women face within the industry. The Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access X Waterloo Road Directors Programme, which is now open for applications, will be led by WBD Access, the talent development division for under-represented creatives, Rope Ladder Fiction, Wall to Wall North and delivered in partnership with the BBC. The programme will allow successful candidates to hone their skills on set of the popular BBC series, Waterloo Road, furthering the show’s commitment to investing in talent in the North.
Data (Diamond data) has highlighted the longstanding under-representation of women in Director roles in the UK, with only 25.3% of those roles held by women, compared to their male counterparts who take up 74.5%. The programme has been designed with the aim of addressing this disparity, with a particular focus on women that represent an intersection of identities including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and class.
Waterloo Road, the continuing drama known for exploring real-life topics affecting teens, families and schools today, has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting talent in the North, both on screen with emerging talent and off screen, through their successful production development trainee scheme. Through the WBD Access x Waterloo Road Directors Progamme, the five selected participants will be under the expert guidance of industry professionals including Cameron Roach (Executive Producer), Lindsay Williams (Series Producer) and Jesse Quinones (Director) as they are immersed in practical workshops, masterclasses and industry standard training covering essential skills from developing episodic television, prep expectations and working collaboratively with cast and crew. Over the duration of the programme, they could also shadow respected Directors.
For further information, eligibility and to submit applications, candidates can visit the website here.
Submissions close on Monday 19th August 2024.