The programme is open to women in the north of England in production management and line producing

Women in Film and TV (UK) (WFTV) is joining forces with the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund to launch a new initiative, the 2025 Julie Burnell Scholarship: WFTV Production Management Programme (PMP).

The scheme is for women based in the north of England who work in production management and line producing, particularly those from lower socio-economic and underrepresented backgrounds.

Four women will be selected, who will then have the opportunity to accelerate their careers during an intensive, four-month programme, led by WFTV’s north of England mentoring producer, Helen Bullough, and comprising:

• Tailored career and personal development workshops
• Exclusive masterclasses with leading industry experts
• One-to-one mentoring with senior professionals in the industry

Julie Burnell was a former head of production for drama at ITV Studios, who died in 2023. She was a passionate advocate for developing female talent in the industry, and was key in bringing dramas including Vera, Lewis, Mr Selfridge and Poirot, to screen.

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, commented: “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.”

Click here for full details on the programme and how to apply; the deadline for submissions is Monday, 14 April.