Women in Film and TV (UK) Launches 2026 Four Nations Mentoring Scheme with a strong Northern cohort supported by Screen Alliance North     

Women in Film and TV (UK) (WFTV) have announced the 2026 Four Nations Mentoring Scheme cohort. Designed for mid-career women working in film, television, and creative media, the scheme offers unparalleled opportunities to accelerate careers in an industry where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Screen Alliance North, with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, are proud to back the scheme for the second year running supporting 10 women from the North of England to take part.

Writer Samantha Neale, and Line Producer Sarah Howie from the North East. VT Editor/Director Dawn Feather and Head of Development Kate O’Hara, from Yorkshire, Actor/Writer Kimberly Hart-Simpson and Business Affairs specialist Olayinka Akano from Manchester, co-founder Helen Blakeman and Production Development Producer Hannah Robinson from Liverpool, Line Producer Emma Boyd from Warrington and Writer Zelipa Zulu from Lancashire.

The scheme continues WFTV’s efforts to empower women in the screen industries by bringing together over 50 mentees from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, chosen from hundreds of applicants. Over a six-month program, mentees will benefit from one-to-one mentoring with senior industry professionals, alongside peer-to-peer training and bespoke career and personal development workshops.

Penny Hall, Partnership Lead at Screen Alliance North said;
“We are delighted to give northern women the opportunity to enhance their careers in the Film and Television industry through this national scheme which has such a prestigious list of mentors. Last year’s cohort gained so much from the mentoring programme which developed their networks and routes for collaboration as well as honing their industry skills. We can’t wait to see the progress of the group this year.”

Helen Bullough, North of England producer for WFTV’s Four Nations Mentoring Scheme said:
“We’re made up that we’ve been able to increase the number of places on offer in the North of England this year to ten, reflecting both the increased demand from the region and the remarkable pool of talent here.  Across the UK we make sure there’s a rich cross section of crafts and skills reflected in the cohorts and we can’t wait to get to work and help supercharge the careers of these ten talented women from the North!”

Katie Bailiff, CEO of WFTV, added,
“The Four Nations Mentor Scheme encapsulates everything WFTV aims to achieve by unlocking opportunities and inspiring change across our industry. We’re proud to continue nurturing growth and representation in the creative sector. This year’s mentors are some of the most inspiring people in TV and Film, we are fortunate to have them involved in the scheme sharing their experience and wisdom with women looking to excel in their careers.”

Mentors for the North of England cohort this year include Caroline Richards, Head of Production at Big Talk Studios, Emma Lawson, Commissioning Editor at BBC Comedy and Emily Feller, Chief Creative Officer, Warp Films.