New Initiatives to Support Global Majority Talent
The TV Collective is proud to introduce two innovative initiatives aimed at supporting Global Majority talent in the television industry, amidst the current commissioning downturn. The TV Collective Content Fund, managed by BeeSMART, and the accelerator scheme, TV Collective Develops, are set to significantly impact the landscape for creators who face financial barriers in a challenging industry environment.
Unveiling at the Inaugural International Hybrid Festival
Both initiatives will be officially launched during TV Collective’s first international hybrid festival, which takes place from 16-27 September. This festival will bring together top-tier talent and offer a diverse range of sessions, including:
- Behind the Scenes of Netflix’s Hit ‘Supacell’: Insights from Sheila Nortley and Sebastian Thiel.
- Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY: A discussion with Paul Garnes on ‘Origin’ and the future of filmmaking.
- Akala’s Contribution: The Sunday Times Best-selling Author and hip hop artist will share his experiences.
- Rajesh Thind’s ‘Defiance: Fighting The Far Right’: A Deep Dive into His Acclaimed Work.
- George Amponsah’s ‘Gassed Up’: An Amazon Prime feature presented by the award-winning filmmaker.
- TV Collective Legacy Lecture: Honoring industry giants such as Simon Albury.
- Lunch with Big Zuu: An exclusive in-person event on Friday, 20th September.
Festival Highlights and Networking Opportunities
Attendees of the TV Collective Live festival, inspired by The TV Collective podcast (formerly The Plug), can engage in a variety of enriching activities. These include booking one-on-one sessions with industry experts, participating in over 30 masterclasses, and attending business clinics. Key topics will cover pitching, finance attraction, intellectual property protection, and the impact of AI. The festival also offers valuable international networking opportunities and celebrates creatives of colour who are at the forefront of the industry.
A Modern Take on Community Support
Launching alongside the festival is the TV Collective Content Fund, inspired by the Pardner Hand—a traditional, community-based savings scheme used by the Windrush generation to purchase homes in the UK despite facing discrimination. This fund aims to support Global Majority talent by providing financial resources for content development and production.
TV Collective CEO’s Vision
Simone Pennant MBE, CEO of TV Collective, shared her vision for the new initiatives: “Despite the success of our Breakthrough Leaders programme, which has supported over 200 Global Majority talents in TV, many are still struggling due to the current economic climate. These new initiatives are designed to help our community not just survive but thrive. The TV Collective Content Fund provides a monthly opportunity for creatives of colour to win significant financial support, which will enable them to create the content audiences want to see. At TV Collective, we believe in collective success; being part of this community is essential for mutual growth.”
Industry Endorsements
Big Zuu expressed his enthusiasm for the festival: “TV Collective is making significant strides in supporting diverse talent in TV by providing essential financial backing. Join me for an in-person lunch at the festival, where I will discuss my journey and how TV Collective is turning its promises into action.”
Paul Garnes from ARRAY Filmworks also commented: “ARRAY Filmworks is thrilled to be part of this forward-thinking event that focuses on the importance of narrative change and the future of film. Collaborating with TV Collective is crucial for advancing diverse storytelling and fostering a more inclusive industry.”
