Flip The Script, a new talent development programme for trainee script editors has been launched by social enterprise SharpFutures with the support of Sky Studios curated by Cameron Roach and members of the Sky Drama team.
The scheme will also include masterclasses from Nicola Shindler, Paul Abbott, Furquan Akhtar, Danny Brocklehurst, Jerome Bucchan-Nelson, Lisa Holdsworth, Namsi Khan, Lisa McGee, Liz Lewin and Cameron Roach.
ScreenSkills is also supporting the programme.
The programme aims to bring on a new generation of scripted professionals, specifically with a focus on individuals in the North West, by offering twelve paid placements for trainee script editors to acquire and hone their skills and editorial voice, enabling them to apply for positions as researchers, script editors and assistant story editors in the future.
ScreenSkills will also be providing sessions for the participants.
The initiative will also ensure participants have exposure to a wide variety of scripted content and contributors which will include employees and creatives working with Sky, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Netflix, NBC, AbbottVision, Quay Street Productions, Lime Pictures & CBBC.
SharpFutures and Sky Drama started collaborating closely whilst shooting the forthcoming Sky1 show Intergalactic.
The 12 week programme which commences in May is targeted at individuals living in the North West.
‘Sky have worked in collaboration with Sharp Futures across a number of our shows shot in the North-West in recent years, including the forthcoming Intergalactic, and their passion and commitment for enabling the individual voice is incredibly inspiring,” said Cameron Roach, Director of Drama, Sky Studios. “We’re excited to unearth a new generation of creative talent working in partnership with SharpFutures, and ScreenSkills, as well as the generous industry partners and individuals who have agreed to offer masterclasses and workshops. Script Editing is a powerful industry tool in enabling true diversity of voice, and we recognise that there needs to be more open access into the role going forward’.
Elli Metcalfe, Head of Production, SharpFutures said: ‘For SharpFutures, where we pride ourselves in being a leader in securing opportunities in the broadcast sector, collaborating with the teams at Sky Drama and Screenskills is always a pleasure. Invariably it leads to us discovering new ways to face challenges and ultimately make positive change in our industry and for our community in the future.
‘Flip The Script is an initiative I know will deliver wonderful openings for a new generation of creative talent. A great reason to get up and get to work every day!’
Kaye Elliott, Director of High-end Television, ScreenSkills said: ‘We know that there is an industry demand for script editors and associated roles so are really pleased to be working with our partners at Sky and SharpFutures on this programme targeted at finding and developing talent in the North West.
‘This is a great opportunity for a new generation of script professionals to get practical experience and hone their skills in a way that will be of wider benefit to our thriving industry’.
Online applications are now open.
Jon Creamer
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