Warner Bros Discovery has rolled out a new initiative to support female directors in Northern England. The programme is aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in the industry.
Led by WBD Access, Rope Ladder Fiction, and Wall to Wall North in partnership with the BBC, the initiative is now open for applications. It offers selected candidates the chance to develop their skills on the set of the BBC series, Waterloo Road.
Programme Launch
Warner Bros Discovery has introduced the Waterloo Road Directors Programme, targeting female directors in Northern England. The programme aims to support and encourage women in an industry where they face significant under-representation.
Led by WBD Access, Rope Ladder Fiction, and Wall to Wall North, and in partnership with the BBC, this initiative is now open for applications. The selected candidates will develop their skills on the set of the BBC series, Waterloo Road.
Addressing Gender Imbalance
Recent data shows that only 25.3% of director roles in the UK are held by women. This programme seeks to address this imbalance, focusing on women from diverse backgrounds including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and class.
Waterloo Road has a history of supporting talent in the North. The series explores real-life issues affecting teens, families, and schools and is committed to investing in local talent both on and off-screen.
Programme Structure
Five participants will be selected for the programme. They will benefit from workshops, masterclasses, and industry-standard training led by Cameron Roach, Lindsay Williams, and Jesse Quinones. The training will cover episodic television development, prep expectations, and collaboration with cast and crew.
Participants will also have the chance to shadow experienced directors, providing them with invaluable on-set experience and guidance from industry veterans.
Expert Guidance
Jennifer Sobol, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programmes at WBD Access, emphasised the importance of such initiatives. “Targeted programmes and collaboration are vital if we’re to support new and emerging talent breaking into the industry,” she said.
Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Executive Producer of Waterloo Road, highlighted the commitment to a 50:50 directing team on the show. He noted the importance of energising the pipeline of talent for the future.
Angela Griffin, preparing for her fifth episode as a director, serves as an example of the transferable skills actors bring to directing. Roach believes that with the right support and training, actors can successfully transition into directorial roles.
Collaborative Efforts
Leanne Klein, Managing Director and Head of Wall to Wall, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme. She mentioned that Wall to Wall has pledged that at least half of the directors they work with are women.
Klein said, “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.”
This initiative aligns with Wall to Wall’s commitment to fostering local talent and providing opportunities for women directors in the North.
Application Process
The programme is currently open for applications, which can be submitted through the website. Candidates have until Monday, 19th August 2024, to apply.
This opportunity offers aspiring directors a unique chance to gain exposure and build their careers with the support of industry professionals.
Goals and Vision
The directors programme aims to create a more inclusive industry by addressing the gender disparity in director roles. By focusing on women from diverse backgrounds, the programme hopes to bring fresh perspectives and voices to the industry.
It also aims to strengthen the talent pipeline in the North, ensuring that local talent is developed and nurtured for future success.
Over time, the programme hopes to inspire other initiatives and collaborations that support under-represented groups, leading to a more diverse and equitable industry overall.
Long-Term Impact
By providing hands-on experience and mentorship, the programme seeks to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry.
The inclusion of practical workshops and masterclasses ensures that participants receive comprehensive training, preparing them for the challenges and demands of directing.
Commitment to Diversity
The launch of this programme underscores the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is a step towards creating a more balanced and representative industry.
Through targeted initiatives like this, the industry can support emerging talent and ensure that all voices are heard and valued.
The Waterloo Road Directors Programme stands as a significant initiative for empowering female directors, especially in the North. By focusing on diversity, it promises to introduce fresh voices to the industry.
This project demonstrates an unwavering commitment to closing the gender gap in filmmaking. It aims to inspire similar efforts across the industry.