About the Programme

The Creative Leadership Shadowing Programme is designed for experienced producers and directors who have established their craft through scripted film and television and are seeking to progress their careers within High-End Television (HETV) drama.

Delivered on a 60Forty Films new Production, the programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain first-hand insight into the realities of creating large-scale television drama. Through extended shadowing placements, participants will observe and support the creative and practical decision-making that takes place across prep, production and post-production, gaining exposure to the pace, complexity and collaboration required to deliver a HETV drama production.

The programme is intended to help participants bridge the gap between their existing experience and the demands of working at the scale of a high-end television drama production. Through direct exposure to senior creative leadership, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how large-scale drama productions are developed, shaped and delivered in practice.

Each Director Shadow will undertake a six-week placement aligned to a specific production block. This placement is a paid opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The Director Pathway is open to applicants who:

• Are aged 18 or over.
• Are not in full time education
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Are a freelance director with professional directing experience beyond education or training.
• Have a clear ambition to build a long-term directing career in High-End Television drama.
• Have at least one Second Unit directing credit on a scripted Television Drama; and/or have directed at least two scripted qualified short films within the last three years that have evidence of industry recognition through BAFTA or BIFA-qualifying festival selections, awards, industry funding* or distribution.
• The opportunity is also open to those who have directed HETV before, but applicants must not have directed more than one Band 3 episode as a Main Unit Director at the time of application.
• Directors with credits in continuing drama or long-running scripted television are welcome to apply, provided their portfolio meets the wider eligibility criteria.
• Have experience working collaboratively with writers, producers, cast and crew.

Please note, applicants who have previously directed at Band 4 HETV level will not be eligible. An exception may be considered where that experience was more than 10 years ago, and they can clearly demonstrate how this programme will support their return to the sector.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from groups currently underrepresented within the UK Film & Television industry.

Training & Development

Ahead of their shadowing placement, selected participants will attend the Bailey Orientation Day, designed to give them an introduction to the production, bring crew together and share some of the key information you’ll need as you get started.

It will include:

• People & Culture Training – Parts 1 and 2
• Training & Development Induction
• Sustainability Training

Additional training topics may include:

• Inclusive leadership and management within HETV productions
• Personal goal setting 
• Introduction to key production documents, including budgets and schedules
• Networking and peer learning opportunities with fellow programme participants

Programme Timeline & Structure

• Monday 21st September: Application Deadline
• Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th October: Interviews
• Wednesday 7th October: Offers and onboarding
• Monday 12th October onwards: Director Shadowing Placement (5 non-consecutive weeks across pre-production, shoot and post-production)

Note: Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the production.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form linked below and upload the required supporting documents.

Applications for the Creative Leadership Shadowing Programme

Note: As a reminder, due to the anticipated volume of applications, we’re unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants. If you have not been contacted by Friday 23rd October, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.