Women in Film and Television UK (WFTV) is delighted to announce that it is accepting applications for its prestigious 2024 WFTV Four Nations Mentoring Scheme now via www.wftv.org.uk/mentoring until 5pm on Monday 11 September 2023.
WFTV is looking for seven mentees in Wales to join the 2024 cohort of 41 WFTV mentees for next year’s scheme – 20 from England and 7 each from Northern Ireland and Scotland – from all disciplines across the film, television and digital media industry. The scheme is designed for mid-career women working in film, television and the creative media who are looking to take that next big step in their career.
The scheme will run for six months starting in January 2024, during which time each of the participants are paired up with senior industry professionals for one-to-one mentoring alongside peer-to-peer training and bespoke career and personal development workshops.
WFTV CEO Katie Bailiff said, “The scheme is going from strength to strength and we’re delighted to be giving another cohort of mid-career women the network, tools and confidence to make the next step in their film and television careers.”
Former mentee success stories in Wales include: Director and Script Supervisor, Ana Garrido who was mentored by Producer, Julie Gardner and Director, Sarah Gavron and Producer and Director Sioned Geraint who was mentored by Creative Director of Development, Documentary Unit at BBC Studios, Cate Hall.
Heading up the Mentoring Scheme is WFTV’s Director of Mentoring, Sarah Wright, an ICF trained Executive Coach and former Group Director of Acquisitions & Sky Cinema, UK and Ireland alongside the WFTV Mentoring Producer for Wales Hannah Conneck.
Hannah Conneck said: “This will be the third year we’ve run the WFTV Mentoring Scheme in Wales and we’ve had huge success with an amazing group of 21 women who have now completed the programme and gone on to enjoy tremendous success in their chosen careers. We are looking forward to selecting another 7 talented women working in the creative industries in Wales to help them break through to even greater heights of excellence in our Film and TV industry.”
Sarah Wright said, “WFTV’s Four Nations Mentoring Scheme is truly career – and indeed life–changing for the amazing women who take part. I cannot wait to recruit our brand-new cohort for the 2024 scheme.”
The WFTV Mentoring Schemes in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are supported by Netflix. The closing date for applications for the WFTV Four Nations Mentoring Scheme is 5pm on Monday 11 September 2023. For further information on how to apply visit: www.wftv.org.uk/mentoring
Quotes from Mentees below:
Caroline Evans – Hair & Make Up Artist
“The WFTV mentoring programme has truly been a life-changing experience for me. I encourage every woman interested in film and TV to join this programme and experience its transformative power. WFTV is not just about personal growth; it’s about educating and empowering women in the industry. It manifests opportunities, links people together, and creates a platform for women to thrive. I encourage everyone to support this incredible initiative and witness the positive impact it has on individuals and the industry as a whole.”
Erika Hossington – Drama Producer
“The Mentoring Scheme has given me such a valuable place in a community of creative professionals, a support network, a myriad of cheerleaders. As a freelancer you can feel so alone as you navigate the marketplace. Not so anymore! I feel a renewed sense of optimism as I move forward in my working life – something has changed forever.”
Helen Faulkner – Sound Editor
“I feel that the most notable difference in myself is my mindset. I’ve suddenly found myself more motivated to make more meaningful progress in my career and make more of a creative impact in my projects.”
Jenny Dafydd – Factual Series Producer
“In an industry where we so often face professional challenges in a solitary way, the support and camaraderie of the WFTV mentoring scheme has been invaluable – and empowering. If you’re at a career crossroads or struggling to take the next step up the ladder, this scheme is definitely for you.”
Jenny Thomson -Story Producer
“I gained a perspective shift from the WFTV network and seminars leading me to own my ambitions and strengths and proactively take steps to realise them in my career.”
Rosemary Baker – Documentary Producer and Director
“Besides the expert mentoring I’ve received on the scheme, through my WFTV mentor, I’ve also had the opportunity to network with feature documentary producers and editors, at events such as Sheffield DocFest, who might become key future collaborators. I don’t believe I’d have had the chance to be introduced to these individuals if not for the scheme.”
Kaite O’Reilly – Screenwriter
“I have felt immensely privileged to be part of this excellent mentoring scheme, which has a profound impact on opening up opportunities, enhancing skills and boosting confidence. In addition, it has introduced me to a new community of extraordinary women working across the U.K. in TV and film – possible collaborators and colleagues of the future.”
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For further information contact Orla McKibbin on [email protected] or call 07879 666427.
