Channel 4’s E4 Academy launches digital talent search
August 22, 2022
Channel 4 has revealed details of a new digital talent search, aimed at nurturing fresh digital talent in a new phase of its successful E4 Academy. The search is part of Channel 4’s long-term strategic plan to attract new and diverse talent into the broadcasting industry, both on linear and digital.
The search will see Channel 4 support four independent production companies to find the new faces of digital. Each indie will receive a bespoke brief to find a number of different people from a broad range of diverse backgrounds to star in a special pilot episode with a view to post on E4 social platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
The independent production companies selected for the talent search include Leeds-based Hoot, part of Wise Owl Films; The Connected Set, Renaissance Studios and Rockerdale Studios. The indies were selected for having a brilliant track record of working with Channel 4’s Digital Commissioning Department and all specialise in nurturing new talent from underrepresented groups.
In 2021, the E4 Academy chose four individuals from a range of backgrounds and with a variety of skills, to receive hands-on training tailored to each of them. The aim of this program is also to provide new talent with the opportunity to succeed in the media and content industries and to ensure that the chosen digital talent is supported in their development, the indie must also pitch series ideas starring the individual. Channel 4’s Digital Commissioning team have been developing a range of fresh talent including Victor Kunde, Mist, Alhan Gençay, Dreya Mac and Nella Rose.
Channel 4’s Head of Digital Commissioning, Sacha Khari said: “Following the success of the program last year, we are delighted to be launching a new search for the fresh faces of digital broadcasting in 2022. Working with brilliant independent production companies, the digital talent search will tap into underrepresented talent pools and a range of different backgrounds to open doors for the next generation of talent.”
Channel 4’s Director of Commissioning Operations, Emma Hardy said: “A key part of Channel 4’s remit is to create innovative programmes and content that reflect the UK’s richly diverse cultural landscape. We are always searching for new talent to help us achieve this. We’re excited about launching this program to kick-start careers of those wanting to work in the media and content industry and with some of the most progressive independent production companies in the UK. The digital focus of the search also helps to ensure that the talent can develop and thrive in both digital and linear broadcasting.”
From award-winning dramas such as It’s A Sin, through to the ground-breaking The Black To Front Project, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Nida Manzoor’s We Are Lady Parts, and digital programmes such as Secret Sauce, Celebrity Rebrand, How To Be A Person, and Jokes Only a…Can Tell, Channel 4 is committed to portraying a wide range of voices from across the UK.