BBC Wales, Channel 4 and S4C have announced a new training partnership to support the development and growth of factual television production in Wales.
The new Factual Fast-track Wales programme – which will be launched by the three broadcasters in Wales later this year – will provide tailored development and training to individuals with real potential to become series producers of the future.
In its first year, the scheme will aim to train and develop six new series producers/show-runners in Wales – individuals with the skills and confidence to help drive factual growth in Wales.
The programme has been designed in consultation with range of leading Welsh independent producers. A bespoke package of training will be tailored to each individual, including production placements, training, mentoring and opportunities to work alongside the broadcasters’ commissioning teams.
Wales already has an enviable reputation in factual production, having produced shows such as Sun, Sea And Brides To Be, Bargain Hunt, The Ganges With Sue Perkins, The 1900 Island, The One Show, Cynefin and Drych – but the broadcasters are keen to accelerate the growth of the sector and ensure Wales has the talent to meet the growing demand for high-end skills.
Nick Andrews, BBC Wales Head of Commissioning, says: “Everybody knows Wales has become a major destination for drama. But all the broadcasters have big plans for factual too – and we want to work together to ensure Wales is well-placed to meet the growing demand for high-end factual production.”
Deborah Dunnett, Channel 4’s Nation and Regions manager, says: “We believe this new collaboration will turbocharge training in the factual sector and will develop the next generation of factual show-runners in Wales. We’re excited by the opportunity to work together because it will give each trainee a unique insight across the broadcast industry.”
Amanda Rees, S4C Director of Content, says: “S4C has had a long-term commitment to factual programming in Wales, bringing award-winning content from, and about, Wales to the screen. We’re delighted to be working with C4 and the BBC to support and develop leading executive producers who’ll continue to raise the factual game here, and pleased to be supporting talent that can work across both Welsh and English content.”