Following a successful pilot project last year, Film4 has again linked up with screen agency Northern Film & Media and Skillset behind Film4ward, a scheme that will give emerging filmmakers the chance to take part in a 12 week creative & commercial mentoring programme.

Under the rules of the programme, writers and writer-directors based in the North East can apply for four positions, with winners supported through one-to-one script development sessions, workshops and remote mentoring via Skype to produce a commissionable package to present to FilmFour and the film industry.

The programme will be run by Slumdog Millionaire producer Ivana MacKinnon; script editor Kate Leys, (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting) and Film4 development executive Jo McClellan.

Commenting, Roxy Bramley, creative manager at Northern Film & Media, said: “Film4ward has connected the North East”s most exciting new talent with Film4 and provided them with an invaluable structured development programme. The new funding from Skillset and continued support of Film4 will enable us to build on the success of the pilot and deliver a unique development opportunity for North East filmmakers.” Deadline for applications is March 28.