ScreenSkills’ ‘HETV Leaders of Tomorrow’ programme is open for applications

Nineteen Leaders of Tomorrow were selected in the pilot programme in 2021. They all worked behind the camera and came from a range of departments.

• Annie Little, hair and make-up, London
• Charlotte Van Der Haer Richardson, costume, North West
• Chris Bullock, location sound, South East
• Cory Townsend, locations, Scotland
• David Crewdson, art dept, South West
• Emma Marie Cramb, edit, London
• Florence Watson, production, London
• George Thompson, location sound, London
• Hannah Lewis, assistant director, London
• Heather Crompton, camera, Yorkshire
• Jamie Lee Aird, production, Scotland
• Kiri Degon, post-production, London
• Monika Chowdhary Kuczynski, VFX, London
• Ola Kaminska-Omozik, accounts, Northern Ireland
• Payam Hosseinian, post sound, London
• Rachel Erskine, edit, Scotland
• Rianna Charles, costume, South East
• Sanjay Sharma, production, London
• Victoria Nugent, hair and make-up, Wales

Fifteen places were supported by the High-end TV Skills Fund with industry contributions from high-end TV productions, with Netflix, Sky Studios funding an additional place each and the BBC a further two.

They each have access and resources tailored to what they need to progress to head of department or to a decision-making role in the future.

Individuals can only apply for the programme after being recommended by a nominator. The nominator must work at a senior level within high-end TV. This will need to be evidenced in the application.

The programme provides:

• A mentor/champion
• Access to an HETV professionals pool of industry experts for tailored one-to-one support, advice and expertise
• Up to three part-funded placements per year for up to three years
• Bespoke grade and skills-specific training
• Networking opportunities and introductions

David Crewdson, who works in the art department described his experience: “The LOT programme has been a fantastic opportunity for me. It has introduced me to a network of support and training that has accelerated my progression within the industry. Beyond tailored professional training and an experienced hand-picked mentor it has also provided essential access to funding that has facilitated on-the-job experience and shadowing of established personnel that has been crucial to my own development.”

Payam Hosseinian, who works in post sound said: “Through mentorship and placements, LoT has opened doors for me. Doors that I felt were closed for years. Through the programme, I’m meeting people who are very generous with their time and are not afraid to go the extra mile in order to make our industry a better place for all of us.”

Monika Chowdhary Kuczynski, who works in VFX added: “The access to leadership, management and communication training, as well as professional coaching through Leaders Of Tomorrow, has been immensely empowering. The scheme has really allowed me to identify and promote my strengths and take a seat at “the table”, so to speak. It’s also introduced me to a cohort of incredibly talented, driven and downright lovely people whom I now consider friends.”