WBD Access X Black Britain Unspoken 2024
AMPLIFYING DISTINCTIVE STORIES BY THE NEW WAVE OF BLACK BRITISH STORYTELLERS
Through Black Britain Unspoken, three filmmakers will be selected and supported to produce a short-form documentary (max. 5-6 mins), which may go on to air on the discovery + platform during the UK Black History Month (October 2024).
All submissions will be looked at by an appointed panel and a shortlist of 10 will be invited to a pitch day at Warner Bros. Discovery’s London offices. Three projects will be greenlit and provided with a production budget of up to £15,000 as well as production management support and editorial guidance from Warner Bros. Discovery Commissioning team and Wall to Wall Studios. Alongside this, each filmmaker will undergo a bespoke professional development curriculum through Media Trust and one-to-one mentoring.
Last year’s film pitches explored narratives highlighting moments of joy, celebratory occasions, and even the expressive nature of fashion within the context of the Black community. This year they want to continue to look for unique stories that shine a new lens on the Black British experience.
BBU forms part of the Warner Bros Discovery Access, their creative talent development programmes that champion underrepresented voices.
PROGRAM CRITERIA
To be eligible for the project, you must –
- Identify as Black (or of Black heritage) and British
- Be aged 18 or older
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Have no more than three broadcast credits as a director or writer [credits on shorts or other work that have not been broadcast on televisual platforms are permitted]
- Have not written or directed a feature length film or documentary.
- Have some prior experience working on a film or some form of visual media (e.g. student film, short film, music video, television etc.)
- Be available to take part in the programme schedule which is detailed below.
You can apply for Black Britain Unspoken by using the submittable form here.
Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions before submitting your application.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
- Submission window: 12 March – 8 April 2024 (11:59pm BST)
- Informational Virtual Q&A Session: 1-2pm (BST) 21st March 2024 Sign up here
- Pitch Day for shortlisted applications: 9am – 6pm on 24 May 2024
- Final outcomes: Week beginning 27 May 2024
- Professional Development training week taking place in person, in London between 17 –21 June 2024
- Pre-production: June – Early July 2024
- Production/Post-Production: July-August 2024
- Final films delivered: September 2024
- Films premiered: October 2024
*Some dates may be subject to change
For more information you can read the FAQs here or you can ask any questions to access.international@wbd.com via email. If you are having technical issues with the application form, please contact accessprograms@warnermedia.com.