Channel 4 has partnered with The TV Collective for a second Indie Accelerator.
The initiative focuses on helping ethnically diverse-led indies, which have not had a commission from Channel 4 in the last 5 years.
The intention is to bring “new suppliers, ethnically diverse voices, talent and leadership” to the industry.
Delivered by The TV Collective, the Indie Accelerator will support selected indies with a combination of leadership coaching and commissioner relationships, with the aim of strengthening their business.
To be eligible, indies must have at least 25% of shareholders from an ethnically diverse background and their turnover must be less than £5m.
“We are delighted to be joining forces again with the TV Collective to deliver our Accelerator. A key part of Channel 4’s remit is to champion unheard voices and the Indie Accelerator will seek out ethnically diverse led indies that have not had a Channel 4 linear commission and help them to become more established in the industry,” explained Emma Hardy Channel 4’s Director of Commissioning Operations.
“The new programme with business coaching and workshops is designed to develop new talent and increase leadership in the industry, elevating ethnically diverse led indies so they are well placed to secure more commissions and become thriving and more sustainable businesses.
“This is an important part of Channel 4’s Manifesto 4 Change which will ensure that The Black To Front Project continues to drive meaningful change in the TV sector.”
The initiative has already led to commissions from a range of indies which include: Yorkshire Cop: Police, Racism and Me (Milk First); Dream Life for the Same Price (Afro Mic); Museum of Us (Uplands TV); and Jon & Lucy’s Christmas Sleepover (RangaBee).
