Channel 4 launches pioneering open learning platform 'Open4'

23 April 2013

Channel 4 today announces ‘Open4’, a pioneering new open learning platform and traineeship programme aimed at people interested in developing a career in Factual television programme production.

 

‘Open4’ will be available online via the 4Talent website from July 2013 and will offer fifteen innovative learning modules written by Channel 4’s Creative Diversity team and aimed at inspiring users to kick start their career in media and the production of Factual programming specifically.

 

The modules are designed to educate users about various aspects of the production process and will set relevant tasks and challenges.

 

Also featured on the platform are video interviews with top level Channel 4 staff and leading industry figures, including Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt, who will share their insights into the world of TV and describe the journeys they have been on to get to where they are today. 

 

Further to ‘Open4’s’ online platform, the next two years will see sixty users selected to attend a three week media boot camp; a three month paid, practical traineeship with a Channel 4 associated independent production company; gain an accredited Creative Skillset qualification; plus guaranteed acceptance to the assessment day for the Channel 4 Production Training Programme.  Boot camp attendees will be encouraged to develop a freelance attitude and will attend production seminars and workshops.

 

‘Open 4’ illustrates Channel 4’s commitment to inclusivity and developing new methods of training and selection.  It is free and open to anyone over the age of 16, from any background, regardless of work experience with the only criteria being a keen interest in making Factual TV programmes.

 

‘Open 4’ compliments Channel 4's existing schemes which include apprenticeships, internships, a Graduate and Scholarship Programme, the Production Trainee Scheme and the Investigative Journalism Scheme.

 

Colin Campbell- Austin, People Development Manager, Channel 4 said: “At Channel 4 we pride ourselves on creating opportunities for passionate and talented people from all backgrounds and walks of life to maximize creativity and Open4 compliments this ethos perfectly. Open4, as part of the wider project ‘Open Channels’, has the potential to totally reshape thinking around new talent education and entry into the media industry.” 

 

‘Open 4’ is part of the ‘Open Channels’ initiative, a ground-breaking collaboration with the BBC and Creative skillset. 

Ends.

 

Notes to Editors

About Channel 4 Production Training Programme:

Successful applicants to this scheme take part in a 12-month paid training programme at one of the media companies Channel 4 is associated with. http://www.4talent.com/

 

About Open Channels:

‘Open 4’ is part of ‘Open Channels’, a ground-breaking collaboration with the BBC and Creative skillset.  This impressive programme is designed to allow companies of scale like Channel 4 and the BBC to inspire the wider production community to invest in new talent and introduce a new selection and education process for entry level applicants to the industry.

‘Open Channels’ is funded by the government’s Employer Ownership Pilot, a fund specifically designed to be used in dynamic and innovative ways to enable employers in the creative sector to decide the needs of their industry and put them into practice.