Film and TV Charity & The Kusp partner to improve access for under-represented creatives

The Film and TV Charity has announced a partnership with social enterprise, The Kusp, to launch a new programme aimed at creating spaces and opportunities for under-served future creatives from across the UK to grow and thrive in the film and TV industry.

Founded by Amos Eretusi, The Kusp has an impressive track record of working with diverse talent from under-represented backgrounds to bridge access to opportunities through a mix of mentorship, masterclasses, and networking events. In collaboration with the Film and TV Charity, they will deliver a programme of regional activity that targets Black and Global Majority and other creative talent in Brighton, Bristol, and Manchester. Both organisations are seeking to engage and support participants with the offer of professional and wider wellbeing support, enabling those starting their film and TV careers to progress as successfully as possible.

The partnership programme will include social mixers to encourage networking and enable introductions to industry professionals; panel discussions to provide space for specialists in the industry to give insight and advice to burgeoning creatives; and liaison with universities and local creative organisations to actively connect and expand their talent networks and community contacts.

Eretusi said: “As an organisation, our core mission is to improve access, and that guides all the experiences we curate. Our focus has always been to listen and understand the needs of the under-served within the film and television industry so that inclusive spaces can be built to help them excel and flourish. It’s so important to be able to identify allies on this journey who are aligned with our approach, and it’s fantastic that one of them is the incredible Film and TV Charity. By partnering with the Charity, we’re so excited to be able to expand our support to Black and Global Majority creatives and others across the UK, so they can receive the insights, advice, and support they need to be the best versions of themselves within this industry.”

Lajaune Lincoln, Head of Client Services at the Film and TV Charity said “At the Film and TV Charity we are committed to improving equitable mental, social, and financial wellbeing for everyone in the industry. Our partnership with The Kusp can really help us deliver against that aim, reaching industry professionals of the future and helping them to engage with the opportunities that support their professional and personal wellbeing and enabling them to thrive right from the beginning of their careers. The Kusp is such an impressive organisation to partner with and the fact that we’re collaborating on a truly dynamic venture for under-served talent right across the UK feels exciting and genuine.”

The events are scheduled to take place in September 2023, across Manchester, Brighton and Bristol. Emerging creatives, including those graduating or soon to be graduating from professional creative courses, can find out more and register interest by emailing info@thekusp.co.uk