Channel 4 has unveiled the six participants selected for its pioneering post-production development programme, designed to enhance diversity within the broadcast industry’s post-production sector.
Known as 4PP (4 Post Production), this initiative was crafted by Channel 4’s Creative Diversity team in collaboration with the acclaimed Dialogue Editor and Dubbing Mixer, Emma Butt. It offers individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, operating at mid to senior levels, an opportunity to advance their careers in post-production.
This groundbreaking programme, partially funded by Channel 4’s specialist training and development division, 4Skills, emerged following a panel discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in post-production, hosted by Channel 4 and Emma Butt earlier this year. The inaugural scheme, set to commence in October, attracted over 100 applicants vying for a spot.
Channel 4 Creative Diversity Lead, Neila Butt said: “This is a really exciting time for Channel 4 and the Creative Diversity Team, as we have been able to take action in an area of the industry often overlooked on representation. Working with Emma Butt has been key to propelling and shaping this programme and we hope the participants have a really enriching experience.
“Hopefully our model can act as both inspiration and a template for other areas of the industry to use to help boost the careers of people who are under-represented in post-production”.
Emma Butt said: “Diversity and Inclusion doesn’t stop on screen or on set, yet that has been the focus these past few years while post-production is forgotten. We see schemes and training each day for new entrants but what about people at mid-career level?
“To help address the lack of under-represented talent in post that is where our focus should be and I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for stepping up to the plate and taking on this challenge. Under the guidance of the Channel 4 Creative Diversity Team, I know our cohort is in the best hands.”
Over a span of six months, participants will benefit from mentorship by senior industry figures, training to bridge skills gaps and opportunities for shadowing and placements in roles with Channel 4’s production partners.
The individuals participating in the programme are:
Harfun Li, Editor – Known for credits including Taskmaster, Great Canal Journeys, and Play Your Pets Right, the latter of which secured a Children’s BAFTA for Best Entertainment in 2019.
Jay Francis, Online Editor – Having ascended from Edit Assistant to Online Editor since 2001, Jay boasts credits on notable shows such as Embarrassing Bodies, How to Look Good Naked, and 10 Years Younger.
Lorene Dewett, Editor – A British Editor with a focus on editing psychological dramas. Lorene has edited numerous drama short films over the past years, including two funded by the BFI Network Short Film fund last year.
Wayne Urquhart, Re-recording Mixer – A versatile audio professional with over 16 years of experience in games, radio, TV, and film. Wayne previously held the position of head of audio at A+E Networks EMEA for six years, and currently freelances as a Dubbing Mixer for various broadcasters.
Heather Andrews, Sound Designer and Dubbing Mixer – An award-winning sound designer, sound effects editor, and dubbing mixer based in Scotland. Heather has contributed to a range of nationally and internationally acclaimed high-end television dramas, documentaries, and feature films.
Sophie Larkin, Editor – Sophie Larkin-Tannetta, raised in North London, has been a broadcast editor for four years. She embarked on her career at ITV News before joining the team at Channel 4 News.
