DirectorsUKInspire:GetInspiredin2019!

Directors UK is pleased to announce the continuation of Inspire, the year-round mentoring programme for Full and Associate members, which aims to encourage directors across all genres to seek structured support to enhance their career opportunities.

As part of our on-going action to widen opportunities for the broadest range of talent – including those traditionally unable to access networks – Directors UK is keen to accommodate and support this important area.

Often the best mentoring partnerships thrive when the mentee is just one or two steps away from the mentor in terms of their respective career paths. Reaching out to someone who is best placed to advise and support you is important.

This is the third and final deadline of the 2018/2019 application cycle. 

2019 deadlines:

• 5 April

Find out how to apply.

We believe this is a great opportunity for directors who are seeking support for further opportunities in their career. But don't just take our word for it — Directors UK members Vicki Kisner and Ian Curtis decided to start up a mentoring partnership with Directors UK Inspire, where Vicki shadowed Ian on the set of Hollyoaks.

“Directors UK and the Inspire scheme have been a huge support...It’s been great to see Ian in action on a continuing drama dealing with adult themes, larger cast and increased time pressures and I feel it is really helping me prepare to direct my first block of broadcast television drama.” — Vicki Kisner, Directors UK member.

Read all about the Directors UK Inspire experience here.

How to apply

All applicants need to provide the following:

1. A named Mentor; either someone you know and may have had initial discussions with; or a proposed name/names who you think are best suited to your objectives (please expand on this in your application). If your application is accepted, you must have consent from your proposed mentor.
2. Please outline your key objectives and outcomes for this mentoring experience and HOW you will go about achieving these. Please tell us how this experience will help develop your career. We want you to tell us in your application what suits you best. (See below for some mentoring examples) This is a competitive programme and we will rely on your response to this question to make decisions. Please send your full application covering the above criteria in no more than 2 pages.
3. Your most recent CV.

Please email all of the above to [email protected]. Applicants must be Full or Associate members of Directors UK.

If shortlisted, we will then ask you for a more detailed plan of action and a budget. Directors UK will financially support your mentoring partnership. Eligible costs are travel, accommodation, expenses for food and sustenance, childcare or any other access needs, any costs relating to the mentor (expenses), and access to relevant networking opportunities with your mentor.

Examples of successful mentoring

• A shadowing opportunity or set visit – maybe a specific production you can gain access to. Please ensure you have permission.
• Mentoring partnerships that centre on continuous support, whereby you have access to your mentor for general advice, phone calls, emails, and meetings.
• Mentoring advice for a specific project or career goal – or a safe space for discussion outside of a project or scheme.
• Meetings and networking at film and/or TV festivals, conferences etc.
• General support as a freelance director – gathering and maintaining contacts, networking.
• Advice on changing roles or direction – up-skilling.
• Virtual mentoring online, via Skype, is valid but please ensure that face-to-face meetings are also planned, where possible.

Training and support from Directors UK

We will be developing guidelines for both mentees and mentors in relation to terms of reference and accepted behaviours. We will also be running advice sessions for both mentees and mentors and these guidelines will be published on our website.

Interested in becoming a mentor?

We know that many directors may already operate as mentors and support those coming through the industry. Being a mentor is extremely rewarding and career enhancing as it offers a chance to pause and consider your own decisions and experiences. If you would like to become a mentor and be added to a pool of directors keen to offer this support please contact us. We can add you to our list and discuss opportunities in relation to this new programme as they arise.

Future opportunities and commitments

Whilst the detail of the conversations between you and your mentor will always remain confidential, we would love to be able to share your experience, where appropriate, with other members and will ask you to commit to some publicity and/or case studies.