During these difficult times, 2020 has definitely been a moment to count my blessings. Despite the lockdown, I’ve been privileged to see one of my favourite jobs come to fruition, with series three of In the Long Run [pictured above] coming out on Sky TV. While doing press interviews though, one question keeps coming up: What are you most proud of?
Of course, I am proud of In The Long Run, because I’m part of something we still don’t see on our TV screens even in 2020: a British sitcom about a family that just happens to be black. This lack of representation is something I’ve been trying to change for years through my work with TriForce Creative Network. The systemic issues within our industry that we are talking about now via the Black Lives Matter movement are something I’ve been aware of since I was a kid. So, when people ask me what I am most proud of I realise the correct answer is TriForce Creative Network.
Back in 2003 myself and writer Fraser Ayres set up TriForce after identifying issues in the entertainment industry regarding diversity, access and “knowing the right people”. We’ve been at the forefront of developing and nurturing diverse and inclusive talent for 17 years, long before ‘diverse’ became a buzzword. I can confidently say if this was a diversity marathon, we would be winning!
We’ve provided opportunities over the years to actors, writers, directors, producers and crew through a range of programmes, all designed to address the specific barriers people from under-represented backgrounds face in our industry. MonologueSlam is a nationwide, industry-supported, free actors showcase. We’ve taken the show all over the UK and even over to LA! There have been thousands of success stories over the years, with previous performers including Chizzy Akudolu (Holby City), Kiran Sonia Sawar (Black Mirror), Michael Salami (Hollyoaks), Frieda Thiel (Just A Couple), Jaz Deol (EastEnders), Oliver Stark (9-1-1) and Zack Momoh (Harriet).
We’ve had similar success with WriterSlam, our platform for writers looking to break into TV. We’ve worked with Amazon, Channel 4, ITV, Sky, and BBC with prizes including paid development commissions and mentoring with top TV executives. Our finalist writers are now with some of the top literary agents in the UK, with our very first winner Sophie Petzal now a hugely successful writer with her own series [Blood] on Virgin and Channel 5.
