Talent & Business
Opportunities
& Resources
We’ll post opportunities from across the industry, plus business resources from local and combined authorities here. This page is updated regularly, please check back.
Diverse Writers Development Programme
The eight-week Diverse Writers’ Development Programme engages writers in writing exercises in order to generate television drama concepts that are commercially viable. Concepts may be considered for further development by the studio, but this is not guaranteed.
As well as the opportunity to work alongside other writers on professional briefs, the selected writers will also benefit from a curriculum designed to strengthen their creative and professional development, as well as overall knowledge of the Studio production process from script to screen. The Programme will provide access to production executives from Left Bank Pictures and potentially other production companies, as well as other industry professionals.
Deadline to Apply: 17th February 2025
This exciting new creative and cultural freelancer network, led by ARC in partnership with consortium of seven organisations and funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, offers freelancers a unique chance to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Tees Valley Creates: The Freelancer Network a new programme designed to connect, support and develop creative freelancers born, living or working in the Tees Valley. Our goal is to make the Tees Valley the top destination in England for freelancers.
Freelancing doesn’t have to mean going it alone.
Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to a space where you can grow your career, share ideas, and find support—all without the noise of pushy sales pitches, cheesy networking or clickbait.
New Writing North Screenwriting Weekender
Taking place early next year, this packed weekend of TV industry talks, workshops and networking is aimed at writers who want to improve their screenwriting skills, get industry know how and make new connections.
You’ll hear from leading screenwriters, production companies, agents and commissioners on a range of topics including writers rooms, getting an agent, writing a strong spec, structuring TV drama, writing for different genres and much, much more.
British Council – Travel Grant
You can use Travel Grants to support participation in:
- Labs – attendance at an eligible creative development lab for producers, writers, or directors working on feature projects and looking to develop skills and networks internationally
- Co-Production (‘co-pro’) Forums – attendance at an eligible market/co-production forum for producers with feature projects
The Fund has a Key List of eligible training and development Labs, and grants are awarded towards the cost of course fees, travel and accommodation.
British Council – Travel Grant
You can use Travel Grants to support participation in:
- Labs – attendance at an eligible creative development lab for producers, writers, or directors working on feature projects and looking to develop skills and networks internationally
- Co-Production (‘co-pro’) Forums – attendance at an eligible market/co-production forum for producers with feature projects
The Fund has a Key List of eligible training and development Labs, and grants are awarded towards the cost of course fees, travel and accommodation.
Get Better Business Skills – NBSL
Learn the art of business with inspired business skills sessions and tailored one to one mentoring support specifically for you and your business needs. This fully funded flexible programme covers Marketing, Business Planning, Sales & Service, Change & Process Management and ToNetZero.
Ongoing
Making sustainable content is a shared goal for everyone, whether you’re working in film production, making news or writing the next BAFTA winner.
The albert Academy is your home for accurate, relevant and tailored training, providing courses for you whatever your level of experience, role or objective.
These interactive workshops and courses are created by experts with direct industry experience and backed by UK content makers and commissioners. There are also specialist courses available created in collaboration with leading industry bodies; ScreenSkills and the BFI.
New opportunities and commissioning briefs from the BBC.
As a Creator, My SMASH free tools help you create the professional film and television pitch presentation your idea deserves.
Our SMASH Pitch Protector ensures your IP is safeguarded, giving you peace of mind.
Once your Snapshot Pitch is ready, you can upload it to one of our active Call-Outs or share a QR code or link with commissioners and financiers, knowing your IP is secure with SMASH.
BBC Comedy Short Films are designed to give up and coming talent an opportunity to bring their comedy ideas to life. They’re a way for writers, directors and producers to develop and showcase exciting new worlds and memorable comedy characters.
We’re currently prioritising ideas that align close to our genre brief so we’re keen to hear comedy-first ideas that feature high gag rates and strong comic characters.
Sunderland Business Support Fund – NECA
NBSL, in partnership with Sunderland City Council, have launched the new Sunderland Business Support Fund (SBSF) thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This Grant programme will help local growing businesses to access high quality external expertise to deliver business improvement projects.
SBSF will provide up to 40% funding for projects that cost between £3,000 and £6,000 (VAT costs cannot be funded).
The North East Combined Authority’s website showcasing their business support and funding. Includes toolkits for Starting Up, becoming Net Zero and lots of financial advice and funding opportunities.
Tees Valley Business Support – TVCA
Tees Valley Business Support website helps businesses based in Tees Valley access support, advice, programmes and contacts to help establish your business and make it thrive. Includes advice on finance and funding.
Resources for businesses based in the North East Combined Authority. Access useful downloads, guides, and other resources to help you with your net zero journey.
Resources for businesses based in the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Get fully funded consultancy support and up to £2,000 grant funding for your business, alongside easy access to online tools and regular webinars and workshops.
Intellectual Property Support – NECA
Book an IP Surgery to ascertain how IP applies to what you do; understand the different types of IP; take action to avoid future IP infringement and get started with using IP protection.
You will also learn how to search IP registers and look at the application process to obtain registered IP protection.