Sky Unveils New Documentary Initiative

Sky has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting diverse-owned and diverse-led independent production companies in developing programs for its factual channels.

Companies are invited to apply for a chance to access a minimum of £15,000 ($16,300) to help enhance their development slate, with ideas directed at Sky Documentaries. The strongest ideas will move on to fully funded development.

Criteria for participation includes being diverse-owned or diverse-led, with founders, owners or senior management creatives who are members of ethnic minorities, deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent.

The three companies selected will not only receive financial support but also embark on a six-month collaborative journey with the Sky Documentaries team. This includes dedicated monthly pitch sessions with a commissioning team member, providing valuable feedback and guidance to shape the development process.

In recognition of the individualized needs of each production company, Sky will tailor the support offered, whether through additional time with an experienced freelance executive producer or development executive or funds to bring in additional resources such as access producers, writers or taster editors.

“I’m thrilled to introduce our initiative supporting diverse-owned production companies,” said Poppy Dixon, director of documentaries and factual at Sky. “Sky is committed to fostering inclusivity in the industry. This opportunity is about more than financial support; it is a commitment to mentorship and ongoing dialogue, with the goal of ensuring underrepresented voices stand out on Sky Documentaries.”