Black Britain Unspoken

Warner Bros. Discovery has partnered with Media Trust to run an exciting filmmaking initiative aimed at Black British storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives to share perspectives and experiences of being Black and British.

During 2022 Warner Bros. Discovery partnered with Media Trust to run Black Britain Unspoken, an exciting filmmaking initiative aimed at giving Black British storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives space to share perspectives and experiences of being Black and British. All three short films are now available for streaming on discovery+.

Black Britain Unspoken aimed to discover new talent and identify stories about Black British lives. Media Trust and Warner Bros. Discovery produced three short-form documentaries, from the over one hundred submissions received, which aired on Warner Bros. Discovery platforms during Black History Month 2022. Ten shortlisted creatives went through an industry pitching process at Warner Bros. Discovery’s London offices and the three greenlit projects were provided with a production budget, production support, and expenses covered, as well as the support of a mentor from Warner Bros. Discovery.

No previous filmmaking experience was required.

To be eligible for the project, the filmmakers had to:

  • Identify as Black and British
  • Be aged 18 or above
  • Be based in the UK
  • Have no more than three broadcast credits as a Director or Producer

FAQs for 2022 applicants

Do I have to submit a finished product?

No, we want to hear what your ideas are for a short documentary based on your real-life experiences and perspectives of being Black and British. If you get through, you will be paired with a mentor who will help produce your documentary.

How in-depth do I need to be in sharing my story?

As much detail as possible, within the character limit, is ideal. We really want to see your vision. Try and be succinct but evocative. There is a maximum character count which equates to roughly 250 words.

Do I need to have experience in documentary making?

Not at all, just a passion for storytelling. We’d love to see your work if you’ve got something to show but it is not a requirement.

When will I find out if I am through?

We aim to inform successful applicants by 9 June EOD. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an Art of the Pitch online workshop with Media Trust (13 June 12-2) and a Pitching Day at Warner Bros. Discovery House in Chiswick, London on Friday 17 June (applicants can also pitch via Zoom on this day). Following this the final 3-5 documentary pitches will then be selected for production.

What will the production process be, and who will own the rights to the finished film?

All films will be produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, and will be resourced, where appropriate, from Warner Bros. Discovery’s production and postproduction staff and resources. All finished films will need to be delivered in ample time to be broadcast on Warner Bros. Discovery platforms during Black History month, and Warner Bros. Discovery will have exclusive broadcast rights to the films throughout this time. After this the filmmaker will then own the IP and rights to the film.

Where can I read your Terms and Conditions?

Our full terms and conditions can be read here.

Can I ask some more questions?

Of course, please read the terms and conditions and we encourage you to come along to our webinar. Then if you have any further questions you can get in touch with our Programme Manager, Daisy Church, via email at [email protected]

Full terms and conditions can be read here. If you’d like to know more about Black Britain Unspoken you can get in touch with [email protected] If you’re a broadcaster, production company or corporate partner, and wondering how to get involved with initiatives like this, you can email [email protected]

Our Corporate Partners

We enjoy outstanding support from the media industry. Our partners include: