Channel 4 bolsters its First Cut strand

Channel 4 has announced a super-sized version of First Cut for 2020. Now in its twelfth year, the strand showcases original and bold documentaries by first-time directors as part of Channel 4's continuous commitment to nurturing new and diverse talent. This year Channel 4 will select six of the next generation of directors who will make two films instead of one. The 12 films will tell stories of modern Britain from the point of view of 16-24 year olds. In addition to making two films, each director will receive supplementary training headed up a leading industry executive.

The focus on the talent will be female, diverse and regional- with expressed interest in companies based in Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and London. The pitching process will begin in October for delivery in 2020.

Channel 4's critically acclaimed First Cut initiative was launched in 2007 as an eclectic documentary strand to showcase the best in bold, bright and original documentaries by up-and-coming filmmakers. Last year’s winner Lytanna Shannon is currently making her first one-hour film about surgery and body image, while the 2017 winner, Tom Green, has made Carry Ons At The Castle which transmitted on Channel 4 last month.

Rita Daniels, who commissions the First Cut strand says: “This is a big moment in the history of First Cuts. While we’re doubling the number of films commissioned we’re also doubling down on finding the most diverse, most eclectic and most talented filmmakers across the whole of the country.”