ITV Boosts Diversity Efforts with $100 Million+ Funding Over Next Three Years – London TV Screenings/MIP London Briefs

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ITV Invests in Diversity

ITV has declared an extra £80 million ($101.4 million) for dedicated funding toward diverse programming over the next three years. This is also accompanied by a doubling of their Diversity Development Fund to £2 million ($2.67 million). This move comes after the positive outcome of the initial Diversity Commissioning Fund, established in 2022, which initially pledged £80 million ($101 million) over three years to back diverse productions and a £500,000 ($633,645) fund to nurture eligible concepts.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been thrilled to witness the impact of the Diversity Commissioning Spend. It’s not just about boosting commissions for companies led by diverse voices; it’s about opening new horizons for ITV and connecting with audiences we hadn’t reached before. This initiative nurtures on-screen talent, giving a platform to those who have been underrepresented – people of color, individuals with disabilities, and neurodivergent folks. It’s a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative cinematic landscape.

Starting from 2025 until 2027, this project welcomes eligible businesses that fulfill conditions concerning diverse ownership, innovative leadership, narrative development, or wage distribution. ITV is on the lookout for captivating, inclusive concepts that resonate with a wide range of viewers, with a special focus on individuals aged between 25 and 54 years old.

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From 2025 to 2027, this program invites businesses that match criteria involving diverse ownership, innovative leadership, storytelling, or salary distribution to participate. ITV is searching for compelling, inclusive ideas that can attract a broad audience, especially those who are between the ages of 25 and 54.

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In the timeframe of 2025-2027, this endeavor invites qualifying companies that meet criteria pertaining to diverse ownership, creative leadership, storytelling, or salary distribution to join. ITV is in search of captivating, inclusive concepts aimed at a wide audience, particularly those aged between 25 and 54 years old.

All three options maintain the original meaning while using different phrasing to present the information in natural and easy-to-read language.

Beyond the Commissioning Fund, ITV’s Diversity Development Fund will now broaden its scope to enhance set accessibility and nurture underrepresented trainees. Since its creation, this fund has backed over 30 projects and fostered emerging talent through initiatives like Fresh Cuts and Amplify: The Companies.

‘Boarders’ Lands Abroad

3Media International has sealed fresh broadcast agreements for Studio Lambert’s drama “Boarders,” extending its global presence to five continents. This award-winning series, currently in its second season on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, has found new allies such as Stan (Australia), Discovery (New Zealand), Amazon Prime Video (Africa), EITB (Spain), RTP (Portugal), RTL Hrvatska (Croatia), YLE (Finland) and VRT (Belgium). The series also maintains its collaborations with Tubi (North America and Latin America) and ZDFneo (Germany).

This drama focuses on five Black teenagers who come from inner-city areas as they adapt to life at an exclusive British private school, referred to as “St. Gilbert’s” in the show. “Boarders” has garnered positive reviews for its compelling storylines and acting, and the second season explores even more complex issues that these students face at St. Gilbert’s. The main cast includes Josh Tedeku, Jodie Campbell, and Sekou Diaby, with special appearances by Alan Cumming and Wunmi Mosaku.

ZDF Goes Wild

ZDF Studios and its partner Doclights have debuted three captivating nature series: “Hawaii – Water and Spirit,” “Indonesia – A World of Marvels,” and “Canada’s Eastern Wildlife Frontier.” These documentaries, shot in breathtaking landscapes, delve into the rich diversity of wildlife and cultures from Hawaii to Indonesia and Canada’s eastern shores. Key moments feature exclusive glimpses of endangered species and unique environments. By summer 2025, these documentaries will be ready for global distribution through ZDF Studios.

‘Caligula’s Hidden Legacy’ Tops MipDoc Pitches

Alma Productions’ “Caligula’s Hidden Legacy” emerged victorious among five contenders, taking home the award for best pitch at this year’s MipDoc Project Pitch. By leveraging recent archaeological findings, this documentary delves into Roman emperor Caligula’s architectural heritage, combining expert opinions with cutting-edge CG reconstructions. The two-part series is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year and has already been purchased in advance by FTV Prima in the Czech Republic. Directed by Vivien Floris and Gokce Ozer, it’s being distributed internationally by France’s ZED.

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2025-02-27 17:47