Sky Documentaries launches initiative to support diverse-owned and led independent production companies

Sky announce a brand-new initiative aimed at supporting diverse-owned and diverse-led independent production companies in developing programmes for its factual channels.

Sky’s goal is to widen the playing field, ensuring they hear from a diverse range of voices as they pursue best-in-class boxsets and premium feature documentaries. It’s through that diversity that Sky aims to bring its audiences a variety of entertaining, immersive, and culturally relevant factual programmes.

Sky is inviting companies to apply for a chance to access a minimum of £15,000 towards enhancing their development slate, with ideas directed at Sky Documentaries. The strongest of ideas going on to a fully funded development.

Poppy Dixon, Director of Documentaries & Factual, Sky said “I’m thrilled to introduce our initiative supporting diverse-owned production companies. Sky is committed to fostering inclusivity in the industry. This opportunity is about more than financial support, it is a commitment to mentorship and ongoing dialogue, with the goal of ensuring underrepresented voices stand out on Sky Documentaries.”

Criteria for participation includes being diverse-owned or diverse-led, with founders, owners, or senior management creatives (e.g. Creative Director, Managing Director) who are members of ethnic minorities, deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent. (More information on eligibility can be requested below).

The three successful companies selected will not only receive financial support but will also embark on a six-month collaborative journey with the Sky Documentaries team. This period includes dedicated monthly pitch sessions with a commissioning team member, providing valuable feedback and guidance to shape the development process.

Recognising the individualised needs of each production company, Sky aims to tailor the support offered, whether through additional time with an experienced freelance Executive Producer or Development Executive, or funds to bring in additional resources like access producers, writers, or taster editors.