C4, Acme Films & Creative Skillset to develop BAME writing talent

Channel 4 is partnering with award-winning production company Acme Films (makers of the RTS-winning RUN), with support from Creative Skillset, to develop underrepresented BAME writing talent under the Diverse Writers Rocket initiative set out in the broadcaster’s 360o Diversity Charter.

Studio4 will identify talented writers with ideas for a Channel 4 or E4 series of their own, with a particular emphasis on writers from BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds who are underrepresented in the industry.

At the first stage, Acme will select eight writers with strong series ideas and develop their pitches. Of these writers, four will be selected to progress to the second stage, where they will write first draft scripts alongside a series outline. Two writers will then progress to the final stage – an intensive development period which will result in fully-fledged original series propositions and episode one final scripts.

Scheduled to run across a year, the project will provide access, training, expertise and a collaborative framework for the writers and the team. Studio4 will be led by Acme Films’ Creative Director Jaimie D’Cruz and Scripted Head of Development Carly Rich-Conway, who alongside Development Executive Chloe Moss and Assistant Script Editor Rienkje Attoh, will work closely with the selected participants. Beth Willis, Deputy Head of Drama at Channel 4 will give editorial feedback at every stage, whilst Ruth Palmer at Creative Skillset and a selection of other industry professionals will act as an advisory panel.

Jaimie D’Cruz, Acme Films, says: “I'm very excited to be working with such a strong team and the backing of Channel 4 and Skillset on a project which we hope will make a real difference to the mix of projects coming through for consideration by Channel 4 and E4.”

Beth Willis, Channel 4, says: “Channel 4 is passionate about seeking out and developing the wealth of BAME talent that the brilliant Acme have already begun to find. Studio4 will give these writers the chance to fast track their ideas with script commissions and regular support from experienced writers, script editors and producers as well as the commissioners at Channel 4. I cannot wait to meet and start working with these writers.”

Ruth Palmer, Creative Skillset, says: "Creative Skillset is delighted to see the commitment from Channel 4 and Acme to finding and developing diverse emerging writers. Supporting the breakthrough of new voices into TV drama is a key priority for us and we are really excited to be backing this project.”