ITV Regional Freelancer Doors Opening

Four new talent schemes have been launched by ITV as part of its three-year £9m Regional Production Fund to source fresh regional creative talent.

The new schemes, overseen by editor Jane McCloskey, will allow independent, freelance and in-house producers, as well as writers and technicians, to be given opportunities to work on ITV network programmes.

 In addition, an executive producer scheme - a year long programme - offering exceptional producers from the nations and regions masterclasses, working with directors and senior commissioners and also getting experience across key areas of the business.

ITV director of television Simon Shaps said the Regional Prodcution Fund initiative aimed to ‘unlock key regional talent, break new talented screenwriters and will expand ITV’s commissioning base outside of London.’

Another initiative incorporates a screenwriters scheme in the nations and regions run by the writer training body TAPS, hosting workshops and giving writers opportunities to work with producers, directors and actors.

ITV plan to offer network secondments for freelance and regional in-house talent who will get to work on key network series within ITV Productions.

Finally there is to be an independent development scheme offering mentoring for new network producers.

Applications for the scemes will be available from April 10th.

WEBLINK: www.itvrpf.com