New Talent Attraction Scheme Launches in Wales
Pact today announced the launch of its new Talent Attraction Scheme (TAS) in Cardiff, Wales. The scheme, devised by Pact and funded by Skillset Cymru and Creative Business Wales, is the first of its kind to launch within the nation and is designed to position Wales a major provider of broadcast output both nationally and internationally.
TAS will comprise an expert panel made up of senior personal from three of the major broadcasters, BBC, ITV and Channel 4, across the UK and will run for a three year period whereby financial support will be offered to three selected independent production companies to recruit executive talent boosting production and helping to skill-up personnel through mentoring, advice and training.
The expert panel will select the production companies for the funds and will award on the strength of the companies ability to produce leading work. Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones is also backing calls for more, original TV drama to be made in Wales.
David Strachan, Pact's chair for out of London policy, said: "The scheme is the first of its kind and is the first step towards ensuring that wealth of talent that exists across the UK is encouraged to develop and grow. We welcome the support of the broadcasters who through this scheme have shown their commitment the creative success of the independent production community outside of London, not only by sitting on the expert panel but by ensuring the delivery of regular introductions to the commissioning teams - something which is integral to indies who are located outside of the M25 corridor."
Dinah Caine, CEO, Skillset, said, "This is a major initiative for Wales and the full and active support of the key broadcasters confirms this. Doctor Who and Torchwood have both been international successes and demonstrated that Wales has talent to make world-class productions. This scheme aims to further this and bring in senior talent to Wales and work them on training and mentoring junior production teams."
Production companies wishing to apply for the Production Talent Scheme need to visit Skillset Cymru or call 02920 452828 for eligibility criteria and full application details. The application deadline is 6 June 2008.
An event attended by all broadcasters, production companies and producers will be held in Cardiff on 8 May 2008 to launch the scheme.
8th May 2008
For further information, please contact:
Catherine Mulrine Marketing Executive, Pact
020 7067 4379 | catherine@pact.co.uk
Notes for Editors:
About Pact
Pact is the UK trade association that represents the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. Pact is the largest representative group of screen-based content producers in the UK and the largest trade association in the film, television and interactive media sectors.New Talent
About Skillset
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. Our aim is to support the improvements to the productivity of our industry to ensure that it remains globally competitive. We do this by influencing and leading; developing skills, training and education policy; and through opening up the industries to the UK's pool of diverse talent.