About the Programme
The Creative Leadership Shadowing Programme is designed for experienced 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 Season 2 of 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 direct 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 a freelance director
- Have a clear ambition to build a long-term directing career in High-End Television drama.
- Demonstrate a strong and distinctive directorial voice through previous scripted work.
- Have experience working collaboratively with writers, producers, cast and crew.
- Have at least one directing (or 2nd unit directing) credit on either a distributed Feature OR High-End TV Drama. Please note, previous shadowing experience does not qualify.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals from groups currently underrepresented within the UK Film & Television industry.
Training & Development
As part of the shadowing placement, the selected participant will have the opportunity to take part in selected training and development activities to support their transition into creative leadership roles within High-End Television drama. Topics may include:
- Production orientation
- Inclusive leadership and management within HETV productions
- Personal goal setting
- Networking and peer learning opportunities with fellow programme participants
Programme Timeline & Structure
- Sunday 26th July: Application Deadline
- Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th August: Interviews
- Thursday 6th – Friday 7th August: Offers and onboarding
- Monday 10th August onwards: Director Shadowing Placement (6 non-consecutive weeks across pre-production, shoot and post-production)*
*Exact weeks to be determined with the final participant.
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: Director Pathway are now closed.
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 Wednesday 5th August, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.