ITV Invests in Diversity
ITV has announced an additional £80 million ($101.4 million) ring-fenced for diverse commissioning over the next three years, alongside doubling its Diversity Development Fund to £1 million ($1.3 million). This follows the success of the inaugural Diversity Commissioning Fund, launched in 2022, which originally committed £80 million ($101 million) over three years to support diverse-led projects and a £500,000 ($633,645) fund to help develop qualifying ideas.
The Diversity Commissioning Spend has led to significant progress in increasing commissions from diverse-led companies while also expanding ITV’s reach to new audiences and fostering on-screen talent. The fund focuses on addressing the underrepresentation of people of color and deaf, disabled or neurodivergent individuals.
The initiative, which will run from 2025 to 2027, is open to qualifying companies that meet criteria related to diverse ownership, creative leadership, storytelling, or salary distribution. ITV is seeking compelling, inclusive ideas to appeal to broad audiences, particularly those aged 25-54.
In addition to the commissioning fund, ITV’s Diversity Development Fund will now be expanded to support making sets more accessible and developing underrepresented trainees. Since its inception, the fund has supported over 30 projects and empowered emerging talent, including initiatives like Fresh Cuts and Amplify: The Companies.
‘Boarders’ Lands Abroad
All3Media International has secured new broadcast deals for Studio Lambert’s drama “Boarders,” expanding its reach across five continents. The critically acclaimed series, now in its second season on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, has been acquired by new partners, including Stan (Australia), Discovery (New Zealand), Amazon Prime Video (Africa), and EITB (Spain), RTP (Portugal), RTL Hrvatska (Croatia), YLE (Finland) and VRT (Belgium). The show also continues its co-productions with Tubi (North America and Latin America) and ZDFneo (Germany).
The drama follows five Black teens from inner-city backgrounds navigating life at an elite British boarding school. “Boarders” has been praised for its sharp writing and performances, and season two delves deeper into the students’ struggles with new challenges at St. Gilbert’s. The series stars Josh Tedeku, Jodie Campbell and Sekou Diaby, with guest appearances from Alan Cumming and Wunmi Mosaku.
ZDF Goes Wild
ZDF Studios and its affiliate Doclights have launched three new nature documentaries: “Hawaii – Water and Soul,” “Indonesia – World of Wonders” and “Canada’s Wild Eastern Edge.” Filming across stunning landscapes, these series capture diverse wildlife and cultures from Hawaii to Indonesia and Canada’s eastern coast. Highlights include exclusive footage of endangered species and unique ecosystems. Set to be completed by the summer of 2025, the documentaries will be distributed internationally by ZDF Studios.
‘Caligula’s Hidden Legacy’ Tops MipDoc Pitches
Alma Productions’ “Caligula’s Hidden Legacy” has topped a field of five titles to win best pitch at this year’s MipDoc Project Pitch. Drawing from recent archaeological discoveries, the documentary examines Roman emperor Caligula’s architectural legacy through a mix of expert insights and CG remodeling. The two-part project is slated to be completed by the end of the year and has already been pre-sold to FTV Prima in the Czech Republic. Directed by Vivien Floris and Gokce Ozer, the documentary is being handled internationally by France’s ZED.
