Five women behind some of the UK’s biggest television dramas have been awarded scholarships designed to help strengthen the pipeline of production leadership talent in the North.
Women in Film and TV (UK) (WFTV) has announced the 2026 cohort for its Julie Burnell Scholarship: WFTV Production Management Programme, selecting professionals from Manchester, the North West and North East to take part in an intensive four-month development programme.
The announcement comes as the Northern screen sector looks to turn a growing number of high-profile productions into a sustainable long-term industry.
This week, Greater Manchester launched a £10.5m production fund aimed at attracting more film and television projects to the region and creating skilled jobs, while industry leaders continue to argue that developing and retaining talent will be critical if the North is to challenge London’s dominance of the sector.
Among the successful applicants are Manchester-based line producers Liv Taylor and Hannah Stevenson, North West-based line producer Kate Larking and production manager Laura Trigg, and North East-based line producer Sarah Smith.
Collectively, the cohort has worked on productions including The Bay, Waterloo Road, Peaky Blinders, Virdee, Ridley Road, Floodlights and the forthcoming adaptation of A Woman of Substance.
Delivered in partnership with the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund, the programme offers tailored professional development, mentoring and access to senior industry figures from organisations including ITV Studios, Netflix, BBC Studios, Quay Street Productions, Drama Republic and See-Saw Films.
The scholarship was established in memory of Julie Burnell, the former ITV Studios Head of Production for Drama, who died in 2023. Burnell was instrumental in bringing dramas including Vera, Lewis, Mr Selfridge and Poirot to screen and was widely respected for championing female talent.
Katie Bailiff, WFTV CEO, said: “We’re so pleased to be bringing the programme back for 2026 following such a strong first year. What’s been especially exciting is seeing the real appetite for this kind of targeted support for women in production management This year’s cohort represents an incredible range of talent, and we’re proud to be creating a space where they can step forward, build confidence, and shape the next stage of their careers, while continuing to celebrate Julie Burnell’s lasting influence on the industry.”
Helen Bullough, WFTV North of England Mentoring Producer, added: “It’s enormously heartening to see how quickly this initiative has gained traction, with generous support from across the production community for which we are so grateful. Julie believed in lifting others up, and that energy runs right through the Programme. We can’t wait to get started with this year’s talented cohort and the leading industry practitioners supporting their every step.”
Jacqui Taunton Fenton, Senior High-end TV Training Liaison Manager at ScreenSkills, said: “It’s brilliant to see the programme return with such strong foundations in place. Supporting progression into senior production roles is a key focus for us, and this initiative is already proving how impactful that support can be when it’s targeted and sustained. We’re excited to follow this year’s cohort as they build their networks, develop their skills and take those next steps in high-end TV.”
