National broadcaster Channel 4 has handed a boost to the West Midlands' creative sector by launching a new initiative to find the next wave of talent.
The channel has teamed up with regional trade body Create Central to open two separate funds aimed at tapping into the region's TV production sector to bring forward new ideas.
The partnership has been formed with the aim of forging stronger relationships between West Midlands' independent creative firms and entrepreneurs and commissioners at Channel 4 to create more opportunities in the region.
The first fund is a £30,000 More4 scheme open to all production companies based within the West Midlands Combined Authority area and also Warwickshire.
Three programme ideas will be selected for initial development and awarded £5,000 each, with one idea handed an extra £15,000 for additional development.
In September, a digital development scheme with a £20,000 funding pot will launch and be available to content makers, focussing on short-form and digital content for social media and All 4.
Channel 4 is also hosting the first of what will become an annual open day on May 16 whereby people will be able to meet commissioners from the broadcaster and attend workshops and information, both online and in person at an event in Digbeth.
Working with Create Central and training providers, Channel 4 said it would also deliver targeted training and skills initiatives in the region, including bespoke coaching on development and pitching delivered by Birmingham-based training consultancy Mission Accomplished.
The West Midlands is also joining Yorkshire and the North East as participants in the channel's ‘4Schools' initiative which provides advice to school children on careers in the media sector.
Create Central was launched in 2019 with the aim of boosting the West Midlands' creative industries, working alongside national bodies such as the British Film Institute and Creative England.
Its chairman Ed Shedd said: "The West Midlands is one of the youngest and most diverse regions in Europe, full of talented people with stories to tell.
"Support for those individuals and independent creative businesses in the region is at the heart of Create Central's mission and so I am delighted to welcome this agreement.
"Backing for skills and training on the ground, plus linear and digital development pots, will generate closer collaboration between the West Midlands' screen sector and Channel 4 and real opportunities for local creative talent to break through."
Sinead Rocks, Channel 4's managing director of nations and regions, added: "It's part of our 4 All the UK strategy to support the growth of production outside of London, especially for smaller and medium-sized indies.
"The West Midlands is an area where we know there are huge amounts of talent and potential to grow. This partnership with Create Central should allow Channel 4 to support this growth by leveraging our unique relationship with indies."
