FUTURE PRODUCERS PRESS RELEASE
MONDAY 21ST AUGUST 2023
Hatch Films and WDM Entertainment join forces to create a unique talent training initiative, Future Producers
Created to address the skills gap issue facing the industry, The open call scheme is focused on applicants from the global majority
The free training initiative is designed for 10 to 15 participants and is supported by British actor and Hatch Films Industry Board Member, David Gyasi (The Diplomat)
Applicants can apply at www.hatch-films.com/futureproducers, with the deadline of 13th September 2023
LONDON (21th August 2023) — Leading social enterprise production company Hatch Films and independent communications agency WDM Entertainment, have joined forces to create a unique talent training initiative, Future Producers, to address the skills gap issue facing the UK’s creative industry.
Focused on the development of a new cohort of trainee Producers the comprehensive training programme has been designed to upskill and equip future producers, with the aim of placing each successful trainee in a paid placement with a relevant British production within a year of completion.
The programme is looking for up to 15 early career applicants, with entry now open for applications. The deadline is 13th September 2023. The fully accessible London based training scheme is a free training course for successful participants, with bursaries available for travel and expenses. Created to tackle the continued issue of diversity within the industry, the open call scheme is focused on applicants from the global majority and is being supported by British actor and Hatch Films Industry Board Member, David Gyasi (The Diplomat).
Robert Douglas and Glen Funnell, Hatch Films said “Having spent the last five years listening to, observing, and championing talent from underrepresented backgrounds, we are expanding our support to deliver targeted and longer-term initiatives starting with aspiring Producers, that not only increase representation, but advance careers. In consultation with our incredible industry board members David Gyasi, Georgia Brown, and John Brennan; the equity, development, and safety of the talent we support is at the heart of this programme. Our exciting partnership with WDM Entertainment on Future Producers will enable us to focus on supporting sustainable careers, ensuring long term impact for talent from the global majority and making room for systemic change within our incredible industry. “
Elisabeth Hopper, Head of Talent Initiatives, WDM Entertainment said “With a rich six-year history of pioneering independent talent development initiatives, and a shared vision with Hatch Films to future proof skills development and increase diversity within the industry, we need to be investing in brilliant people to allow them to create brilliant things. Only by nurturing, motivating, and providing practical hands-on experience will we be able to ensure our industry continues to be a leader on the global stage, while reflecting our society as a whole. We can’t wait to get started”.
David Gaysi, Hatch Films Advisory Board Member said “I have worked closely with some incredible Producers in my career who have inspired me with their creativity and passion, sadly what I have found, is that there is a distinct lack of members of the global majority within those roles at certain levels. It’s important we try to add different perspectives, insights and journeys into the mix to enrich our industry as well as the stories that we tell. So, I am honoured to team up with Hatch Films & WDM Entertainment in their mission to help redress that, starting with Future Producers.”
Hatch Films will be working closely with creative partners, along with their industry Advisory Board to create paid placement opportunities for all successful candidates. As a social enterprise, Hatch Films provides training and work experience opportunities in every department of its corporate & creative film productions. As a CIC, any profit is reinvested back into the training and development of the young people engaged with.
Applicants can apply at www.hatch-films.com/futureproducers, with the deadline of 13th September 2023.
- ENDS -
For all media enquiries & further information:
07971 058 864
Notes To Editors
Founded in 2020 by Robert Douglas and Glen Funnell, Hatch Films is driven by its mission to create equity, embed a culture of development and help facilitate safe spaces, for underrepresented talent working in film and tv (crew). To date Hatch have impacted over 250 people with their social mission working with organisations such as Vivendi, Princes Trust, National Portrait Gallery, KIA Motors, Uber, Frieze Art Fair, Ebony Elite Mentors and Film4 to provide opportunities for skills development, paid work, and work experience. Hatch has recently supported 3 new writers to tell fresh stories from underrepresented communities, already gaining official selection in a BAFTA qualifying festival. Hatch was recently recognised by NatWest and Pioneers Post as a Top 100 Leading Social Enterprise for its impact so far.
WDM Entertainment’s driving ambition is to leave the UK entertainment industry in a better place than when they found it and has committed to at least 10% of its net profits to support under-represented voices in the industry. With a six-year history of pioneering independent talent development initiatives, the company has already generated over three quarters of a million pounds worth of investment for underrepresented filmmakers, supported 20 films from development to completion, and had two films feature on BAFTA Film long list of nominations.
Successful projects to date include, The Female Film Force, in collaboration with Bumble, which was run across UK, Ireland, France and Germany, as well as the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund - an opportunity designed to support emerging filmmakers from across the UK & Ireland and to nurture the most innovative and creative minds of the future. Managing Director Daniel Maynard also collaborated on ABOUT TIME! a performance event in celebration of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent to tackle the lack of representation and opportunity for actors, in conjunction with Bridge06 and Hot Coals Productions.
About Hatch Films
Hatch Films CIC is a social enterprise production company providing training and work experience opportunities to unemployed young people in every department of its corporate & creative film productions. Hatch Films fills a critical gap in provision for the many talented young people who lack the contacts, resources, or belief necessary to develop a career in the creative industries. The company is a CIC and as such everything goes back into the training and development of the young people engaged with.
About WDM Entertainment Ltd
WDM Entertainment is built around four core pillars: TV & Streaming, Film & Awards, Arts & Impact and Corporate Communications. This work is complemented by broader industry advocacy activity, outside of traditional PR and communications, as well as ongoing consultation with clients and industry stakeholders. At WDM Entertainment, we believe in the power of arts and culture to bring people closer together and make a more interesting world. We collaborate with our clients to help them reach broader audiences, build deeper relationships, and ultimately leave their mark on culture. We are not just a PR company. Through innovative talent initiatives, ongoing consultation with our clients and industry engagement, our driving ambition is to leave this industry in a better place than when we found it.