The inclusive program supports emerging leadership talent in the U.K. TV industry – a new cohort has launched.
Since 2020, the film and TV production company Fremantle has been supporting emerging leadership talent in the U.K. television industry through its “Breakthrough Leaders” program. Designed for senior-level professionals from Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse communities, the initiative was co-developed by The TV Collective – a network of content creators of color working in television, film, and digital media – and U.K. producer and format creator Remy Blumenfeld, in collaboration with Fremantle. The program, also supported by the talent agency Indigo Talent, is now celebrating its fifth anniversary with a new cohort of 50 participants.
According to Fremantle, the program targets professionals who have already spent at least eight years in the industry. Each year, “Breakthrough Leaders” identifies and invests in outstanding creatives, producers, directors, commissioners, and executives who are shaping the future of television and digital media. Participants benefit from individual coaching and mentoring to strengthen their leadership skills, along with connections to influential figures across the media industry.
‘Programs like Breakthrough Leaders are essential’
“In the past five years, we’ve seen the real impact of investing in future leaders,” says Simone Pennant, founder of The TV Collective and of “Breakthrough Leaders.” “This program has propelled careers, created opportunities, and built a network of change-makers who are actively transforming our industry. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on breaking barriers and ensuring that talent in all its forms receives the access, support, and recognition needed to succeed at the highest level.”
Amelia Brown, CEO of Fremantle UK, adds: “Now more than ever, programs like ‘Breakthrough Leaders’ are essential to driving meaningful, lasting change and helping build a more inclusive and representative industry. Simone’s dedication and vision are unmatched, and her work has played a key role in shaping the program’s future. Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact of ‘Breakthrough Leaders’ – not only at Fremantle and across our labels, but throughout the wider industry. We are proud to continue our support and look forward to welcoming this year’s new cohort as they take the next step in their careers.”
New partners on board
This year, Paramount UK, ITV Studios, BBC, Channel 4, and Prime Video have joined as new program partners, further reinforcing their shared commitment to developing the next generation of “Breakthrough Leaders” in the British TV landscape. Since its inception, more than 200 professionals have completed the program, Fremantle reports. All participants described the career coaching as highly valuable, with 95 percent citing improved career prospects. Nearly one-third were promoted within six months, and 50 percent received professional recognition during that same period.
