RTS NEWS Scotland and West of England
“The network speaks”, a forum hosted by the RTS in partnership with the Creative Diversity Network (CDN), visited Bristol in late January and Glasgow at the end of February. RTS Scotland hosted the latter event at Channel 4’s new Glasgow Hub, the fourth and final event of a UK tour that also took in Leeds and Cardiff. The events offered a forum for the TV production community to come together and tackle the lack of diversity in the industry. “We need to ensure we [the production community] have the best workforce. And, if you don’t have a diverse workforce, you don’t have the best workforce,” said Deborah Williams, CDN executive director.
Representatives from Scotland’s broadcasters and production companies took part in a discussion led by the performance poet and filmmaker Alison Smith, who is also access and engagement co-ordinator of the Scottish Queer International Film Festival. RTS Scotland Committee member, Eric Joseph said: “The challenges facing the screen industry on ensuring they reflect and represent our society are complex, but can be overcome. This was a positive event with inspiring dialogue.” A month earlier, production and post-production companies discussed diversity in the West of England. The discussion was again led by Smith, who focused on how best to hire and
David Copperfield: Diverse casting in filmDiverse casting in film: The Personal History of David Copperfield retain diverse talent. CDN project manager Adam Hawley said: “It was an impressive show of intent from the production community in Bristol – expressing a real desire to improve industry
RTS expands bursary scheme n The Society is broadening its bursary scheme in 2020, increasing opportunities for students across the UK. Eligibility has been extended to include students taking Higher National Diplomas at level 5 or 6 in television, film production, journalism or related subjects for the Television Production and Journalism Bursary, and for relevant subjects such as computer science, engineering, maths or physics for the Technology Bursary. This year, 40 bursaries are being offered across both
Television www.rts.org.uk March 2020
schemes, with STV matching its commitment last year and funding 10 of these bursaries. All3Media and the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund are also contributing to the schemes. The RTS bursary scheme has been running since 2014, and 75% of the production graduates – including Sky News camera operator/editor Dean Massey – are now working in the industry. His recent work includes covering President Trump’s impeachment and the Australian bush fires.
“It is fantastic to see great creative talent such as Dean entering the industry, and we look forward to continuing to grow our community of impressive students and graduates in 2020,” said Royal Television Society CEO Theresa Wise. Massey said: “The RTS bursary scheme provided an invaluable opportunity to meet industry professionals and network. Without the scheme, it would have been difficult to afford to do work experience and make the contacts I have today.”
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Diversity tour ends in Glasgow
practice and do it by working together.” Findings from the series of “The network speaks” events will form the basis of a forthcoming report. Donald Matheson and Suzy Lambert
To date, the RTS bursary scheme has helped 162 students. “We continue to be extremely grateful for the support we receive from the industry through their generous funding and the individuals who offer their time as mentors,” said Wise. STV CEO Simon Pitts added: “This scheme goes to the heart of STV’s diversity and inclusion aims to improve social mobility, encourage talent and provide real opportunities in areas where we need to reach new audiences to stay relevant.” This year’s RTS bursary scheme is accepting applications until 30 June 2020. Matthew Bell
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