Blink Films, Arrow Media and Windfall Films are partnering with Imperial College London to encourage diversity and inclusion in science-based television content creation and production with a new scholarship scheme.
The three indies are offering a fully funded place on the University’s prestigious MSc in Science Media Production to a UK candidate from underrepresented ethnic groups who has already completed or is currently studying a STEM degree.
Imperial’s Science Media Production MSc offers academic and practical training to those aiming for a career in the broadcast media making films, television or radio programmes. As part of their MSc, the successful applicant will be offered a one-month placement within the TV industry.
The Science Media Diversity Scholarship will be open for the one-year MSc course starting in 2022, and will cover course fees, and London living expenses throughout Its duration. The producers are currently committed to funding the scholarship for the next three years.
James Pope, Head of Development, Blink Films said: “Blink Is absolutely committed to increasing diversity on and off-screen in our productions and the industry more widely. Partnering up with our friends at Arrow and Windfall to provide this scholarship on such a prestigious course will help achieve this in a small way, but also benefit us all by being able to draw on the most creative talent out there, whatever their background.”
Julia Hardwell, Talent Manager, Arrow said: “We all recognise that it’s vital to give everyone every opportunity to join our industry. Working with Blink and Windfall, we are effectively helping to open the doors as wide as possible, for all. Science-based content is at the heart of Arrow Media’s creative output. We are committed to championing science on-screen, in all its forms and to all audiences, so are extremely proud to be supporting this important scholarship on such a respected course.”
Louise Metcalfe, Talent Manager Windfall Films said: “Diversity and Inclusion is a continuous conversation here at Windfall as we strive to recruit, retain and amplify the very best creative talent from underrepresented groups. We recognise that the industry needs to take bigger strides to address under representation both on and off screen and hope this initiative is a small step in the right direction.”
Dr Stephen Webster, Director, Science Communication at Imperial College London added: “We’re delighted at this exciting and imaginative diversity initiative from Blink Films, Arrow Media and Windfall Films. As we come to terms with the implications of the pandemic it is clear that science communication will be the richer and the more effective, as it attracts into the profession people of all backgrounds”
Jon Creamer
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