Documentary development is the focus of this year’s Grierson DocLab training scheme, which opens today.
Eight places are up for grabs on the scheme which will offer creatives with three to five years of experience in documentaries or editorial roles a package of intensive training, one-to-one mentoring and networking, plus an eight-week work placement at a production company.
The eight creatives will build their skillset in developing stories, gaining access, responding to a brief, research methods, conceptualisation, treatment writing, creating pitch materials, casting, working with talent, and pitching and ethics in documentary filmmaking.
The Grierson Trust and partner Netflix are particularly keen to diversify talent in the role, having previously run programmes for editors, production managers and individuals looking to make a career change.
“Development teams may sometimes be unsung heroes in television production, but they play a pivotal creative role in coming up with the original ideas for new documentaries,” said Grierson Trust managing director Sylvia Bednarz.
“In many ways, they are the lifeblood of our industry. The Grierson Trust and Netflix share a common goal of creating a diverse documentary landscape and fostering inclusivity. Diversifying teams within the crucial concept stage of doc-making will bring unique viewpoints and experiences to the fore, setting a new standard of quality, authenticity and innovation.”
Nelesh Dhand, who heads original documentary series at Netflix, said: “Backing talented, diverse individuals to build successful careers in development will help provide us, and the industry more widely, with a pipeline of fresh, relevant stories that truly represent audiences for the future.”
The scheme opens today, ahead of this year's Grierson Awards, which take place on Wednesay.
Entries for DocLab open in February 2025. For full details, and to register, click here
