Women in Film and TV is launching the Julie Burnell Scholarship: WFTV Production Management Programme, supported by the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions.
Applications open today, Monday 24 March, and close on Monday 14 April.
The initiative is tailored for women based in the North of England who are working in production management and line producing, particularly those from lower socio-economic and underrepresented backgrounds. The scholarship will provide four selected women with an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate their careers and develop as future industry leaders.
Led by Helen Bullough, WFTV’s North of England Mentoring Producer, this intensive four-month programme offers:
Tailored career and personal development workshops
Masterclasses with leading industry experts
One-to-one mentoring with senior professionals in the industry
The initiative is a tribute to the late Julie Burnell, former Head of Production for Drama at ITV Studios, who passed away in 2023. Burnell was a highly respected production executive, instrumental in bringing acclaimed dramas such as Vera, Lewis, Mr Selfridge, and Poirot to the screen. She was also a passionate advocate for developing female talent in the industry.
Matt Clearly, Director of Production, UK Scripted, ITV Studios said: “Julie had a passion for developing female talent and was a huge champion of the HETV fund, acting as its Chair for a number of years. Julie sadly passed away in 2023 but throughout her career as a production executive and head of production at ITV Studios, she gave countless opportunities for people to develop their skills and realise their full potential. This bespoke programme will support more women in the North of England with their own career progression, following in Julie’s outstanding legacy.”
Katie Bailiff, CEO of WFTV, added, “Julie Burnell was a remarkable figure in our industry, and we are honoured to celebrate her impact with this programme. By providing structured support, mentorship, and development opportunities, we hope to empower more women in production management and line producing to continue the vital work that Julie was so passionate about.”
Kaye Elliott, Director of High-end TV Skills Fund, ScreenSkills, said: “We were incredibly fortunate to have Julie as a member of the HETV council for so many years and witness her enthusiasm for supporting new talent in the industry. Her passion for ensuring the pathways to progression were available and accessible to all, particularly to those outside of London and across the regions, helped shape a huge number of opportunities developed by the HETV Skills Fund so it is a huge privilege for ScreenSkills and the HETV council to award these scholarships in her name and help continue the great work she committed her life to.”
Pippa Considine
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