Edinburgh TV Festival selects seven Salford candidates for prestigious talent schemes

The schemes are part of The TV Foundation; the Festival’s charity with a mission to identify and nurture the next generation of talent from all backgrounds.

Campbell Glennie, Managing Director at Edinburgh TV Festival and The TV Foundation, said: “I’m not surprised to see University of Salford students and alumni alike shine in our final selections for all three of our industry leading schemes this year. It is a testament to the attitude and expertise fostered at Salford that cements its position as an institution that is nurturing the TV talent of tomorrow.”

Salford alumna Amber Haque has been named as a ‘One to Watch’. The scheme, founded in 1994, is aimed at those who already have three or more years’ experience in television and are looking to make the next big step in their career. Amber is a creative, dynamic journalist and filmmaker, leaving news for the world of long-form docs. She will enjoy three days of bespoke sessions and training, led in previous years by prominent industry executives and creatives including Jay Hunt, Ben Frow, Charlotte Moore and Angela Jain as well as access to the digital edition of the TV Festival in August. In addition, she will receive 12 months of mentoring from senior industry figures.

Stephen M Hornby (pictured above right), a PhD student researching playwriting from archives, has also been accepted onto the prestigious TV PhD scheme, a joint venture between the TV Foundation and the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Stephen is an award-winning playwright and director, National Playwright in Residence to LGBT History Month and Artistic Director of Inkbrew Productions. The programme will give him an intensive introduction to television, equipping him with the tools to work in or with the television industry once he has completed his PhD.

Furthermore, five Salford graduates have been offered places on The Network television. BA (Hons) Television and Radio Production students Dorotea Sterian and Hayden Baah, MA: Production Management for TV, Film & Digital Media student Oliva Owen, BA (Hons) English Literature and English Language student Malyun Mohamud and MA Media Production: TV Drama Production student Lissi Simpson will all be given three days of sessions designed to introduce them to every aspect of the television industry and equip them to begin successful careers. They also receive a year of mentoring and ongoing access to the TV Foundation’s job pool.

Beth Hewitt, Creative Director – Media City Directorate at the University of Salford, said: “Our collaborations and partnerships with the media industry continue to enhance and develop the possibilities for our students to gain expertise within media organisations from the off. We are delighted that our graduates have been recognised for their abilities and talents to succeed within the media industry. This is a highly competitive UK wide scheme and these students have done so well to be offered places. Congratulations to them all!”

Sarah Vignoles, Talent Schemes Director, The TV Foundation, adds: “Pivoting to an online selection process and delivery in this uncertain time hasn’t been without challenges, but there was never any question of us taking a year off. Our delegates represent the best of current and future industry excellence and the support we can provide will hopefully make sure that not only do we not lose these brilliant talents but see them thrive."