High-end TV Regional New Directors Champion Programme – Call out for mentees
ScreenSkills, in association with Directors UK, is offering an exciting opportunity to support three experienced and established directors (or champions) to mentor three directors new to High-end TV drama (HETV) across the regions.
We have found our mentor directors and are now looking for mentees.
About the programme
This programme aims to support and grow the careers of three emerging directors living in the regions of England including: North East of England, North West of England, Yorkshire, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South West England, or South East England.
These three directors will receive individual guidance and attention from their champions — who will provide the benefit of their experience in HETV — and will also connect with the wider industry for additional training elements such as CV writing, support with finding an agent and networking to enhance their success.
This opportunity is supported by the ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund, with contributions from UK High-end TV productions following a successful tender application from Directors UK.
What to expect as a mentee
Your Champion will work with you over the course of 12-18 months to support your career development. This could include setting up introductory meetings, networking, meetings with production companies and/or producers and commissioners, set visits and shadowing. You will be encouraged to create a plan that is flexible and adapted to the needs of the partnership. Mentees should have experience in directing continuing drama, short films, or be moving from factual to drama.
Directors UK will support your mentoring journey and is experienced in running mentoring training and supporting the ongoing professional development of directors.
This is an unpaid opportunity, but there is a budget for your expenses, which includes accommodation, travel, and other eventualities.
How to express your interest in becoming a mentee
To apply, visit the ScreenSkills website
You will need to provide:
• An up-to-date copy of your CV
• A link to your showreel (on Youtube, Vimeo etc.), providing the access password if required (2-3 minutes long)
• Indicate which region in England you live in (please note this opportunity is only open to directors who live in the English regions outside of London)
• A cover statement (no more than 300 words) addressing why you would like to be a mentored by a champion at this stage of your career, how you meet the criteria and why you feel you are ready to move into High-end drama
We would expect you to be experienced in directing continuing drama and/or short films or moving from factual to drama.
The deadline for expressions of interest is Thursday 24 April 2025.
Access and inclusion
We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, or would like support completing the booking form and/or would like to submit via an alternative format, please email [email protected]
Further Information
For over a decade, The Screen Skills High- End TV (HETV) Skills Fund has been working hand in hand with the industry to support and develop the TV workforce The fund directs investment where it is most needed and these decisions are shaped by the senior HETV industry professionals who make up the Fund’s Skills Council and Working Groups. This initiative is a priority for the ScreenSkills Regional Working Group.
