The British forum for television and media, the Royal Television Society (RTS), has launched its renowned bursary schemes for 2024, aiming to increase inclusivity and reflect diverse voices of Britain for young people wishing to pursue a career in the screen industries. The initiative aims to demonstrate to scholars that the TV industry can offer them a wealth of interesting and inspiring career opportunities.
The RTS have launched three main schemes - the Digital Innovation (DI) Bursary, for students of evolving technology, the TV Production and Journalism (TVPJ) Bursary and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship, named after the late filmmaker and radio broadcaster. Places will be awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds and will provide financial support, mentoring, free RTS membership and events access.
The Digital Innovation bursary aims to address skills gaps in the industry through recruiting scholars studying subjects including but not limited to VFX, IT systems, Engineering, Cyber Security and Virtual Reality.
This year the RTS is celebrating 10 years since the launch of the bursary schemes, which have now supported around 350 talented students since their inception. Of the bursary recipients, 82% have gone on to forge careers in the television and media industries in a variety of impressive roles at media organisations such as Netflix, Sister Pictures, ITV and Channel 4.
The educational charity has also announced that the British television presenter AJ Odudu will be an Ambassador for the scheme, which will see her meeting and mentoring the scholars and attending bursaries events, as well as using her platform to highlight the importance of the RTS bursary schemes for up-and-coming talent in the television industry.
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Theresa Wise, CEO of the RTS, said: “The RTS Bursaries shine a spotlight on the wide range of talented young people that make our industry thrive. We are proud to continue supporting students from all backgrounds as they join the RTS family of previous scholars and alumni. It’s also a privilege to have AJ Odudu on board as Ambassador to the scheme, who has reached impressive heights in her career and will be an inspiration to current and future scholars.”
Grace Hynds, 2023 RTS bursary recipient, said: “The RTS has been unparalleled in helping me to form connections with my peers in the television industry. My first year as an RTS Bursary Scholar gave me plethora of opportunities to network and meet like-minded individuals, such as through the annual Patron’s Dinner and has also supported me greatly financially.”
The schemes attract widespread support in the form of donations to fund bursaries and industry engagement through mentoring, hosting networking events, and offering internships and work experience. Donations from STV, Apple TV+, All3Media, Steve Hewlett Fund, Hartswood Films, ITV Daytime, as well as in-kind support from many other companies and individuals, have enabled the scheme to grow and flourish.
Applications are open until 24 June 2024.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply click here.
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