Behind the scenes with Black Britain Unspoken

In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery invited Black British storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives to share experiences and perspectives of being Black and British, with the chance to pitch, produce and release a short unscripted film on discovery+ during Black History Month.

During this panel we will hear from the team behind Black Britain Unspoken, industry partners and one of last year’s filmmakers about the creative process of the programme.

Hosted by TV and radio presenter: Yinka Bokinni.

The panel includes:

Clare Laycock (SVP Head of Content, Networks & Streaming, WBD UK & Ireland)

Benjah Pozi-Quansah (Social and Digital

Content Manager WBD & series Producer for BBU)

Mathieu Ajan (Founder & Artistic Director: Bounce Cinema)

Richard Ampeh (Director: The Nod, Tell Me You Got Me)

Richard Ampeh

Black Britain Unspoken Filmmaker and Director of The Nod: Tell Me You Got Me

Before Black Britain Unspoken, I knew I had great ideas, but I didn’t believe these ideas belonged anywhere near mainstream television let alone a media giant like WBD. BBU gave me a platform to realise that there is space for content that is created by Black creatives that allows us to present alternative views on the Black perspective and experience.

Hearing that BBU has been commissioned for a second series brings me great joy as the impact it’s had on my confidence has been immeasurable.

The creation of The Nod: Tell Me You Got Me is the single most important moment in my journey as a creative. Taking part in BBU has proven to me that there is a space for Black people that wish to tell stories that aren’t focused on negative stereotypes or Black trauma. BBU has given me confidence as a Black creative, and a great reference point for anybody interested in seeing what I can do.

Benjah Pozi-Quansah Social & Digital Manager, Creative & Production at Warner Bros. Discovery

After George Floyds death, Warner Bros. Discovery wanted to do something different for the following Black History Month. We wanted to create new opportunities for Black filmmakers to commission new diverse short films on discovery+ with Black representation at the forefront; it was important that this initiative was grass roots so all of the creative decisions stemmed from key Black leaders and employees within the business and thus, with the help of The Media Trust, Black Britain Unspoken was born. I’m so excited that last year’s BBU films all made it to discovery+, premiered at the RTS convention and were received so positively within and outside the business. I’m really proud to be working for a company that promotes diverse storytelling and gives emphasis and support to such important initiatives. I can’t wait for the exciting stories that will come out of Black Britain Unspoken S2.

Daisy Church Screen Industry Programme Manager and Content Producer, Media Trust

At Media Trust, we believe it’s by giving everyone a voice that we’ll get to a more equitable society. That’s why we’re so pleased to be working with one of our longeststanding corporate partners to offer unique access and opportunities to our network of emerging talent, whilst supporting Warner Bros. Discovery to elevate the voices of Black British creatives on the d+ platform.

From our 30-year history of supporting, mentoring, training and platforming creatives from underrepresented backgrounds across the UK, we are acutely aware of just how much hidden talent there is in Britain and the need to support this talent in telling their own stories. I am extremely glad that Black Britain Unspoken (BBU) has been commissioned for another series, and that Media Trust will be the charity partner for a second time around!

What makes this initiative unique is not just the unprecedented levels of support BBU inspired from across the entire Warner Bros. Discovery organisation but the fact that Warner Bros. Discovery also committed to platforming the films on a major streaming service. It’s rare that our fantastic network of talent gets an opportunity for this extent of public exposure, not to mention getting their films premiered at the RTS London convention, in front of some of the industry’s most respected figures! Bring on BBU2!