Empowering Mid-Career Women in Film, TV, and Creative Media
Women in Film and TV (UK) (WFTV) has kicked off its 2025 Four Nations Mentoring Scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at propelling mid-career women in film, television, and creative media into leadership positions. This exciting scheme serves as a critical step in addressing the ongoing gender imbalance in the screen industries, where women continue to be underrepresented in senior roles.
What is the Four Nations Mentoring Scheme?
The Four Nations Mentoring Scheme is designed for women at a pivotal stage in their careers, offering them an exclusive opportunity to accelerate their professional growth. Participants from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are selected from hundreds of applicants to join the program, which spans six months.
During the scheme, mentees receive one-to-one mentoring from senior industry professionals, as well as peer-to-peer training and personalized career development workshops. This holistic approach aims to help women tackle the barriers to progression in an industry that often lacks diverse leadership.Cecile Frot-Coutaz (Sky)
The Role of Partners and Sponsors
This year’s scheme is made possible thanks to the generous support of several industry giants:
- Netflix continues to champion the scheme in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales through its Fund for Creative Equity. This initiative creates opportunities for underrepresented communities in entertainment.
- The England scheme receives support from organizations such as the BBC, Channel 4, EON Productions, Panalux, Pinewood, Sara Putt Associates, NBC Universal Women’s Network, and UKTV.
- Screen Alliance North backs the North of England scheme, reinforcing the importance of regional inclusivity in the entertainment sector.
The Impact of the Scheme
By offering women the tools, networks, and guidance to succeed, the Four Nations Mentoring Scheme is set to be a game-changer. It’s not just about individual career growth; it’s about shaping the future of the screen industries, making them more inclusive and diverse in leadership roles. The scheme’s emphasis on personal development, mentorship, and peer collaboration will empower women to break through glass ceilings and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Meet the Team Behind the Scheme
The scheme is led by Sarah Wright, WFTV’s Director of Mentoring, who brings years of experience from her tenure as the Group Director of Acquisitions at Sky Cinema. Working alongside her are Hannah Corneck in Wales, Hazel Marshall in Scotland, Helen Bullough in the North of England, and Sarah McCaffrey in Northern Ireland, each of whom will spearhead their respective nation’s mentoring efforts.
The Four Nations Mentoring Scheme is more than just a career accelerator—it’s a movement towards greater representation and inclusivity in the film and television industries. By investing in women at mid-career, WFTV is helping to create a future where women are equally represented at every level of leadership in the screen industries.