C4 Researcher programme aims to keep talent in the regions

A development programme funded by Channel 4 is to focus on the 'brain drain' of talent from the regions to London.
The Researcher Development Programme (RDP) – a unique initiative produced and delivered by the Research Centre for Television and Interactivity in partnership with Channel 4 - will enable 10 companies in the nations and regions to employ a researcher on a fixed-term contract of a year to work exclusively in the area of research and development.
The RDP is designed to address some of the key structural weaknesses within the nations and regions. Historically, independent producers not based in London have often had to rely on programming for local broadcast markets and have therefore had difficulty in accessing the UK networks. One consequence has been an inability to make a sustained commitment and investment in the critical area of research and development.
Carol Sinclair, Research Centre Director, said: “For many regional companies, the familiar production cycle of feast or famine has resulted in short-term contracts and a talent drain to London. As a result, many companies find it difficult to attract, develop and retain key research talent. This programme has proved highly successful in terms of encouraging producers to see the benefits of sustained investment in R & D as part of their business growth strategy.”
The programme, which will be delivered at a total cost of £330,000, creates the conditions for companies to develop key R&D talent in a way that connects to business growth. Channel 4 will invest a quarter of a million pounds in the initiative with each of the ten participating companies contributing £8,000 towards the delivery of the specialist training programme.
Topics covered in the training programme include an examination of current trends in television; stimulating ideas and successful programme analysis; techniques for successful pitches; and opportunities offered by digital television. However, a key focus of the initiative is to introduce researchers to executives from the UK networks in order to understand their programming needs.
For the third year Channel 4 are funding the programme and, after consultation with the 28 companies that have previously participated, it has been significantly revised to further strengthen outputs. For the first time, senior company staff will attend some of the commissioning editor sessions.
Research Centre, www.researchcentre.co.uk
(GB)