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    How to use PiCoS and who can submit ideas to us

    • How we help grow production talent

    We are passionate about realising a fair, equal and diverse production pipeline. Our focus is on developing production talent via commissioned titles, channeling funding into high-impact initiatives which produce measurable outcomes, and around titles filming in the Nations and the English regions.

    To grow diversity and representation in the production sector we are aware that one size does not fit all, and areas of under-representation and need can vary widely according to where a production is being filmed and the particular strengths of the production team. We believe the best way to achieve real change is by collaborating with those working on the ground, listening to their experience and their knowledge, and being guided by where they think opportunities exist to develop talent – from entry level to more senior personnel taking a step-up - from script editors to directors and producers.

    We utilise the BBC diversity development fund along with other schemes and initiatives to help productions improve diversity, on and off screen.

    We have a partnership with Netflix to co-commission ambitious new dramas that will increase representation of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent both in front of and behind the camera. Find out more on our creative brief page.

    We encourage independent production companies to talk to their commissioning editor about the ways we can help them grow new talent in their production.

    Some examples of the additional support we have recently offered productions to develop new talent:

    Silent Witness

    One of the BBC’s Access First titles, working closely with the BBC’s Creative Diversity Team and access co-ordinators to bring disabled talent into the production team across all levels, widening opportunities and providing a pathway for talented individuals to grow and progress.

    People: Behind the scenes - filming of Silent Witness in a wood
    Silent Witness

    Waterloo Road

    Twenty junior trainees from the Greater Manchester area were given six-month placements across 10 areas including assistant director, camera, sound, hair and make up, accounts and script editing and a Stepping Up scheme across script writing, directing and production offered a mix of training, mentoring and hands on experience for individuals seeking to develop their careers in the industry. Additionally, extensive local outreach was carried out with over 300 young people aspiring to careers within broadcast.

    Behind the scenes filming
    Waterloo Road production

    Grime Kids

    Partnering with the creative youth space We Are Spotlight, 12 young people from East London will produce a behind the scenes film which will include set visits, cast and crew interviews, song and soundtrack production, editing and packaging. The scheme runs for a whole school year and they will also benefit from theoretical and technical training.

    Teenagers crowd around in a circle with the photo taken from below
    Grime Kids

    Granite Harbour

    Six Scottish trainees were placed in a variety of roles including sound, location, camera and director shadowing. Throughout the placements, which extended from the production prep stage to end of shoot, the trainees benefitted from training support and bespoke courses.

    Behind the scenes image of DC Davis Lindo (ROMARIO SIMPSON) on the ground of a wood curreounded filming crew
    Granite Harbour production

    Ralph & Katie

    Five disabled writers worked on scripts for series one and over 35 disabled, deaf and neurodivergent trainees were placed on the production.

    Behind the scenes filming on Ralph & Katie
    Ralph & Katie production

    Small Axe

    Fifteen placements co-funded with Amazon for both stepping up and trainee roles, from entry to senior posts.

    Behind the scenes with an actor being filmed standing on the roof iof a car
    Small Axe production

    Shetland

    Ambitious trainee scheme in partnership with Screen Scotland, Dandi and Silverprint, supporting entry, mid and senior level roles across editorial and crew.

    Behind the scenes with actors holding a clapperboard
    Shetland production

    The A Word

    Supporting an emerging director to step-up and deliver one episode and funded six trainee placements.

    Behind the scenes with a young actor on a bench with a clapperboard
    The A Word production

    EastEnders/Casualty/Silent Witness/Dr Who

    Ongoing schemes supporting a range of trainees across crew and creative roles including writers, script editors, directors, hair and make up and camera operators.

    Behind the scenes with an actor on a bed with a large camera over him
    Casualty production

  • Growing writers

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    Growing talent and indies

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    Audience insights and commissioning strategy

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