Channel 4 is renewing and expanding its partnership with award-winning organisation We Are Parable following a successful first year of Momentum – a mentoring and training programme for Black TV, film and content creators across the UK.
Channel 4 will work with We Are Parable to help progress the careers of people keen to work in the TV and film sectors in cities including Leeds, London, Bristol, Glasgow and Birmingham, and will also expand across Scotland and the Midlands this year.
The mentorships offer participants the opportunity to receive one to one sessions over a six-month period, along with masterclasses and discussions with top experts from across the industry, including from Channel 4 and Film4. Those taking part will get help with everything from script development, financing and funding to collaborating, sales distribution, and mental health support, as well as access to networking and screening events at Channel 4’s hubs in Leeds, Bristol and London.
Funded by Channel 4’s training and development strategy 4Skills, Momentum is part of the broadcaster’s commitment to support and develop the careers of Black talent in the TV and film sectors. Channel 4 first worked with We Are Parable during The Black to Front Project in September 2021, when all its programmes and ads were fronted by Black talent and contributors for one day.
Last year We Are Parable and Channel 4 worked with 60 people as part of the Momentum programme. Many of them will be involved this year, as they share their experiences with the new cohort.
Channel 4 Creative Diversity lead Neila Butt says: “We know the TV industry still needs to improve its representation behind the camera and we at Channel 4 want to be instrumental in helping to build this talent pipeline. Momentum 2023 will contribute to the necessary change needed. We have loved working with We Are Parable to find and support new talent and look forward to the year ahead.”
Anthony Andrews, Co-founder and Creative Director at We Are Parable says: “We are delighted to collaborate once again with Channel 4 on Momentum. We believe that Momentum has every chance of becoming the step change which Black British Filmmakers and content creators need to nurture and develop their careers in the TV, Film and content creation industries.”
