The TV Collective has announced its fourth annual ‘Breakthrough Leaders’ line-up.
Backed by companies including Fremantle, BBC Studios, Amazon, SKY, and ITV Studios, a diverse group of 50 television professionals will have access to a year-round curated programme committed to advancing their progression and leadership in the industry.
This year, there has been a “significant” increase in female leaders and a broader geographic representation beyond London. Among those recognised are BAFTA-nominated screenwriter and director Shiva Raichandani, acclaimed Documentary filmmaker Georgie Yukiko-Donovan, and Ellie Sabine-Singh, Head of Development at Chatterbox Media.
This year, the participants will get 10 masterclasses, direct engagement with headline sponsors and their top decision-makers, and networking with prominent industry figures. Personalised career guidance from ten expert coaches specialising in “resilience, mind management, and transformative strategies” will equip them with “exceptional support and resources to navigate today’s economic uncertainties.”
Glasgow-based development producer for specialist factual and 2024 Leader, Sara Missaghian-Schirazi, says: “In the midst of an industry freelance crisis, the chance to learn from a fantastic group of peers, all at crucial points in our careers, feels especially meaningful. Breakthrough Leaders is known for its dedication to nurturing talent in an environment that recognises the unique intersectional barriers we face in the industry. There really is nothing else like it, and I’m honoured to participate.”
Ade Rawcliffe, ITV Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion said: “We are very proud to be sponsors of the TV Collective Breakthrough Leaders alongside our industry partners, having seen the impact that the programme has had on the Breakthrough Leaders both past and present and on the industry itself. The new cohort shows the outstanding talent we have in our industry, and we are looking forward to working with the TV Collective to further support this impressive group.”
Luke Seraphin, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Sky Original Programming, says: “It’s really encouraging to see that the TV Collective’s Breakthrough Leaders programme has received a record number of nominations this year. It reflects the industry’s growing ambitions to drive real change in senior leadership representation. We’re really excited to work with those who have been shortlisted and support our future leaders in their career development.”
Lisa Hardy, Director of HR, BBCS Productions, adds: “We couldn’t be prouder to be supporting this year’s Breakthrough Leaders programme. The engagement levels and extraordinarily high standard of applications gave us just a glimpse of the skill and ambition prevalent in this cohort and I’m really excited to see what everyone goes on to achieve.”
Simone Pennant, MBE, founder of TVC and Breakthrough Leaders, comments “In these turbulent times for our industry, we are especially thrilled that with the help of our partners, we are still able to amplify the voices of a diverse array of Britain’s finest TV talent and support them not only to endure but also thrive amidst challenges. This not only underscores our unwavering commitment to diversity but celebrates the rich tapestry of talent our nation offers.”
The full list of 2024’s Breakthrough Leaders is here: https://thetvcollective.org/breakthroughleaders/2024-leaders/
Jon Creamer
Share this story
