WBD Access seeks out UK culinary promise via new incubator programme

Secrets of the Curry Kitchen with Asma Khan

Warners Bros Discovery Access (WBD Access), the worldwide initiative that aims to create inclusive pathways into the industry, has launched a new UK production incubator programme to uncover the next culinary format.

Launched in collaboration with Food Network and Discovery+, the incubator programme is seeking out new concepts for the culinary format ‘Secrets of the…’, which has previously spawned Secrets of the Curry Kitchen, featuring Asma Khan and her restaurant Darjeeling Express, and Secrets of the Pub Kitchen with Tom Kerridge and his pub The Coach.

The programme launched this week and offers emerging and mid-tier UK production companies direct access with WBD execs and commissioners to develop their concepts and to create pathways to work with WBD in the future.

To apply, interested applicants must submit an idea for a 1×22’ pilot for the ‘Secrets of…’ format, must have at least one commission under their belt, and must be new to working with WBD.

A maximum of seven productions will be selected for the programme, from which ultimately only three concepts will receive a formal one-episode commission for Food Network and discovery+.

The launch of the new UK incubator programme follows last week’s launch of the second instalment of WBD Access’ Script Engine Writer’s Programme, which supports inclusive, locally rooted storytelling from mid-level screenwriters.

Charlotte Reid, VP commissioning at WBD said: “The “Secrets of the…” format has had great success on Food Network and discovery+, and I can’t wait to see what foodie stories our applicants bring to the table.”

Jennifer Sobol, director, Inclusion Pipeline Programmes at WBD Access, added: “By supporting emerging production companies and helping them bring their concepts to life, we aim to foster greater inclusion within the industry and showcase the breadth of talent and creativity that exists in our communities in the UK.”

The application deadline for the incubator programme is April 26. Prospective applicants can find out more about the programme here and via a virtual information session on April 7.