BBC launches North of England documentary scheme for talented young people

BBC Three and BBC England are collaborating for the first time to launch Northern Voices, a "factual development scheme".

With a focus on documentary, the purpose of the scheme is to "champion local companies in the North of England who want to tell young, unique and regional stories that feel uplifting, playful and hopeful, to enhance the quality and volume of production supply and to develop a talent pipeline from the region".

In order to nurture and develop budding filmmakers throughout the production process, a key requirement is new talent being involved in pitched projects.

Fiona Campbell, controller of BBC Three, said: “Working with and introducing new talent is something we’re hugely passionate about at BBC Three and we’re looking forward to collaborating with BBC England to unearth new ideas and new faces from the North of England.”

Aisling O’Connor, head of TV commissioning for BBC England, added: “I’m pleased to be working with BBC Three as part of our efforts to help nurture young talent in the North of England and give a platform to new stories and voices.

"We’re committed to better reflecting communities across the country.”

Expressions of interest will be accepted from next Monday until June 5 this year.

The team will then begin a thorough selection process, which will include paid development opportunities and a pitching opportunity in front of BBC Three and BBC England commissioners.

The successful pitch will be selected to receive further funding to produce a broadcast quality documentary of their idea, to be featured on BBC iPlayer and BBC England.

The full commissioning brief, details on the partnership, how to apply, guidance on pitching, selection criteria and the timeline are available on the BBC Commissioning website.

As previously announced, BBC Three has committed to running at least one creative partnership in each nation or region - Yorkshire, for example - as part of BBC Content’s package of activity to support the sector outside London during the COVID-19 pandemic.