Black Britain Unspoken

Client: Media Trust

Black Britain Unspoken (BBU), part of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access - the development programme for under-represented creatives, is a unique initiative aimed at giving Black British filmmakers a platform to share perspectives of being Black and British. Launched in 2022 by WBD in collaboration with Media Trust, the programme supports new and emerging Black British talent on a "pitch to production” journey, leading to three filmmakers each year having their shorts made, premiered at an industry screening, and released on discovery+.

The programme was launched following the tragic passing of George Floyd, which led to WBD and Media Trust exploring how to better support aspiring Black British filmmakers and increase access to the UK screen industries. There have been three seasons of BBU since launch, with a significant year-on-year increase in the talent applying to the programme. The nine selected directors so far have received skills and industry training via Media Trust, funding, mentorship, networking, PR opportunities and support entering their shorts into industry festivals. The BBU partnership between WBD and Media Trust is more than the delivery of a pipeline programme - it empowers storytellers, diversifies the industry and amplifies voices that deserve to be heard.