Sky Documentaries Selects for Development Partnership Fund

Sky Documentaries has selected DARE Pictures, Proper Content, Zandland and 22Summers, all diverse-owned or -led production companies, to take part in the newly launched Sky Development Partnership Fund.

The program will see each company receive tailored support from Sky Documentaries, collaborating closely with the commissioning teams over six months to create a slate of new ideas. In addition, the teams will receive a minimum of £15,000 toward development work.

DARE (Diversity, Allyship, Representation and Empowerment) Pictures, known for developing socially impactful documentaries, previously produced Fugitive: The Mystery of the Crypto Queen and Dalton’s Dream.

The portfolio from Proper Content, known for impactful documentaries underpinned with social purpose, includes the BAFTA- and Grierson-winning The School That Tried to End Racism, the Grierson-winning Suicidal: In Our Own Words and Chris Packham: Is it Time to Change the Law?

Zandland, which aims to bring a fresh and dynamic approach to documentary filmmaking while bridging the gap between traditional and new media, recently produced Kingpins and The Toxic World of Perfect Looks.

The catalog from 22Summers, which takes a filmmaker-first approach, includes Erased and WW2’s Heroes of Colour.

“After a competitive selection process, we’re thrilled to partner with these four exceptional companies, who bring with them a wealth of experience and formidable creative ambition,” said Hayley Reynolds, acting director of documentaries and factual at Sky. “Working together, we hope to make boundary-pushing docs that engage, challenge and entertain our audience in new and exciting ways.”

Luke Seraphin, head of diversity at Sky, added, “Our Development Partnership is a vital step in ensuring that our industry reflects the rich tapestry of voices that make up our society. By supporting these talented production companies, we’re not just investing in powerful storytelling but also in the future of a more diverse and representative media landscape.”