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BBC, C4, S4C ‘turbocharge’ training

Welsh production Sun, Sea & Brides To Be

CREATIVE CITIES: UK broadcasters BBC Wales, Channel 4 and S4C have linked up to launch a new training partnership to support the development and growth of factual television production in Wales.

The 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, the broadcasters said.

The new scheme was announced at the Creative Cities Convention (CCC) in Cardiff this week.

In its first year, the scheme, which has been designed in consultation with a range of leading Welsh independent producers, will aim to train and develop six new series producers/showrunners in Wales.

Currently, shows such as Sun, Sea & Brides To Be, Bargain Hunt, The Ganges With Sue Perkins, The 1900 Island, The One Show, Cynefin and Drych are produced in Wales.

However, the three broadcasters said they are keen to accelerate the growth of the sector and ensure Wales has the talent to meet the growing demand for high-end skills.

Earlier this week at CCC, Jane Tranter, founder of transatlantic film and TV prodco Bad Wolf, warned that the Welsh production sector is facing a crew shortage.

Nick Andrews, head of commissioning at pubcaster BBC Wales, said: “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, commercial pubcaster Channel 4’s nation and regions manager, added: “We believe this new collaboration will turbocharge training in the factual sector and will develop the next generation of factual showrunners in Wales.”

Amanda Rees, director of content at Welsh-language pubcaster S4C, said: “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 will continue to raise the factual game here, and pleased to be supporting talent that can work across both Welsh and English content.”

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