ScreenSkills is set to realise its ambition of a pan-industry training levy for unscripted programming in June, with the BBC and Channel 4 among those investing in the scheme.
Originally mooted in 2018, the broadcasters’ commitment paves the way for industry buy-in that could generate a training boost for the sector of up to £3m per year.
The levy will commit broadcasters and producers to plough between them 0.25% of the budget of each unscripted show they commission into the fund. The broadcaster then redirects this sum to ScreenSkills to invest in addressing specific skills gaps in the industry.
Sky, A+E Networks UK and Discovery UK, plus Pact, are also investing in the fund, with ITV and Netflix in advanced discussions about joining.
Contributing broadcasters and producers will form a steering group to oversee the fund’s wider strategic objectives. Indie representatives will also form working groups to spot skills gaps, advise on where to invest and recommend training programmes to be run by third-party providers.
At least 50% of the fund will be invested outside of London and in areas with specific skills shortages this could rise to 100%.
