The TV Collective, Fremantle & Indigo launch Breakthrough Leaders program

UK-based networking organisation The TV Collective (TVC) has linked up with Fremantle and Indigo Talent to launch a program designed to identify 50 people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds as future industry leaders.

Breakthrough Leaders, which has been developed by TVC founder Simone Pennant in collaboration with industry coach Remy Blumenfeld, aims to spotlight, champion and support 50 middle-to-senior professionals from all areas of the TV industry to help them make major breakthroughs.

The scheme ultimately aims to establish a cohort of leaders that will help shape and redefine future leadership in the industry.

“There is a huge number of talented people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds successfully contributing to the industry yet, according to the latest figures from the Creative Diversity Network, there is still a woeful underrepresentation in major senior leadership roles,” said Pennant.

“Our aim with this project is to not only celebrate the work of these individuals and provide a framework of support at a crucial juncture in their career; but to help them steer the change we believe is needed to make the industry more inclusive and an equal playing field.”

To be a Breakthrough Leader, individuals can nominate themselves here. The program is open now to professionals from across scripted and non-scripted and in all types of roles, providing they have more than eight years experience. TVC, Indigo Talent and Fremantle are also asking for the support of the industry in nominating future leaders.

Nominations close on 15 January and the selected 50 will be announced in February 2021. Those selected will be partnered with a leading industry figure of their choice who will provide mentorship, as well as a top industry coach who will work with them to identify the individual support they need.