Film Hub North is partnering with the BBC and HETV production companies to offer shadowing and mentoring for Northern directors.
Northern Directors is a brand new opportunity supporting directors who have a creative track record in short form to take the next steps in their careers. Our third round of the opportunity is now open and we’re excited to say that Film Hub North has partnered with BBC and Clerkenwell Films to offer shadowing on Shy & Lola shooting in Hull and Grimsby.
On-set Shadowing
For this opportunity we’ll be offering two shadowing placements of two weeks each with a weekly rate of £1,000.
On set the participants shadow the Director during the production of a scripted drama, gaining direct exposure to the creative and technical processes involved in bringing scenes to life. You will observe how the Director collaborates with cast and crew, manages performance and pacing, and ensures the visual and narrative integrity of each episode. This placement is observational with the opportunity to assist with minor tasks as appropriate. As part of the opportunity costs for travel and accommodation required will be covered by FHN.
The two opportunities for shadowing will take place in April and June and the application form will ask you which dates you’re available for. It is expected that both opportunities will be based in Hull/Grimsby for the duration.
Mentoring
The two weeks of shadowing will be accompanied by mentoring from an experienced director at a time to be decided. The mentoring will be delivered over two sessions, with an established director offering a space to ask for guidance on career development, future opportunities, and creative approaches.
Eligibility
This programme is not for brand new directors. It is for directors who already have a clear creative track record and a dedication to building a long-term sustainable career as a director in film and television.
To be eligible for Northern Directors you must:
- Be over 18 and not in full time education
- Be based in the North of England
- Have a strong creative track record that has gained industry recognition. This must be a minimum of two director credits on BIFA or BAFTA qualifying films, or one director credit on a BFI NETWORK funded short. Participants however can’t have already directed an episode of high end television.
- Be available for the interview dates detailed in the production you apply for
- Be available for the entirety of the shadowing dates detailed in the opportunity you apply for.
Application & Timeline
Monday 2 February: Open for applications
Friday 27 February, 5pm: Applications close
Monday 16 March: Applicants will be notified of decisions
w/c Monday 6 April 2026: Placement 1
w/c Monday 8 June 2026: Placement 2
All dates are subject to change.
How to apply
To apply, simply complete the online application form linked below.
The form asks you to share some information about yourself, your creative background, questions about your work to date and future goals, and requires links to previous work. All questions can be answered via video or audio if required. All submitted applications will be reviewed by the FHN team who will form a shortlist to be reviewed by the partner production company. We will then select two directors who will be offered a place on the production. There may also be interviews as part of the final selection process.
Applications close Friday 27 February at 5pm.
