A brand-new programme has been launched with the aim of encouraging and supporting the growing pool of talented women directors in the North of England and redressing the imbalance that women face within the industry.
The Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) Access X Waterloo Road Directors Programme, which is now open for applications, will be led by WBD Access, the talent development division for under-represented creatives, Rope Ladder Fiction, Wall to Wall North and delivered in partnership with the BBC. The programme will allow successful candidates to hone their skills on set of the popular BBC series, Waterloo Road, furthering the show’s commitment to investing in talent in the North.
Recent Diamond data highlighted the longstanding under-representation of women in director roles in the UK, with only 25.3% of roles held by women, compared to their male counterparts who take up 74.5%. The programme has been designed with the aim of addressing this disparity, with a particular focus on women that represent an intersection of identities including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and class.
Waterloo Road, the continuing drama known for exploring real-life topics affecting teens, families and schools today, has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting talent in the North, both on screen with emerging talent and off screen, through their successful production development trainee scheme.
Through the WBD Access x Waterloo Road Directors Progamme, the five selected participants will be under the expert guidance of industry professionals including Cameron Roach (executive producer), Lindsay Williams (series producer) and Jesse Quinones (director) as they are immersed in practical workshops, masterclasses and industry standard training covering essential skills from developing episodic television, prep expectations and working collaboratively with cast and crew. Over the duration of the programme, they may also have the opportunity to shadow respected directors.
Jennifer Sobol, director, diversity equity and inclusion programmes, WBD Access, said: “As data continues to show a lack of diversity behind the camera, targeted programmes and collaboration are vital if we’re to support new and emerging talent breaking into the industry. Through other programmes such as Black Britain Unspoken and WBD Access Northern Writers’ Programme, WBD Access is always looking to develop best-in-class talent development programmes that support traditionally marginalised communities break into the industry.
“Gaining access to a much-loved, high-profile BBC hit such as Waterloo Road is great exposure for the Directors and fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase talent in the North of England.”
Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and executive producer of Waterloo Road said: “We’re really thrilled to join forces with WBD, Wall to Wall North and the BBC, to put a focus on women directors in the North. We have openly committed to a 50:50 directing team on the show, and we want to ensure the pipeline of talent is active and energised for the future.
“Angela Griffin is now in prep for her fifth episode of Waterloo Road, we have really loved working with her as a director; she has demonstrated that as an actor, observing directors over many years, we should encourage those with clear and tangible transferrable skills which we can further enable with technical masterclasses and match individuals with strong mentors. This programme will build on our collective learning in this area, and we’re excited for its potential.”
Leanne Klein, managing director and head of Wall to Wall, added: “Wall to Wall has pledged that at least half of all the directors we work with are women, so I’m delighted to be teaming up with WBD Access, Rope Ladder and the BBC to offer this fantastic opportunity for women directors based in the North. Baked into our thinking when we started producing Waterloo Road in Manchester in 2022 was the intention to train and grow creative talent in the region, and this scheme is another brilliant way to deliver on this.”
For further information and to submit applications, candidates can visit the website. Submissions close on Monday 19th August 2024.
