Corrie Roadshow

Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has spoken out in praise of North West Vision?s move to host diversity roadshows across the Northwest.

Shobna, who plays Sunita in ITV?s flagship programme, has endorsed the roadshows, which will help to reach communities that have not yet had the opportunity to work with the regional film and TV agency.

Taking place at venues well-know for embracing diversity such as Workers? Film Association (WFA), First Take,The Dukes, The Northwest Disability Arts Forum (NWDAF) and with KinoFilm BlueFiRe, the roadshows are intended to explain more about the schemes, funding and support available, and more importantly allow people to build relationships with North West Vision. The aim of this move is to sustain a more diverse range of talent in England?s Northwest.

The roadshows will be hosted by Emerald Hunte who was recently appointed as Diversity Officer for North West Vision. The UK Film Council (UKFC) selected North West Vision out of the nine regional screen agencies to pilot the Diversity Officer role. North West Vision has always been committed to diversity and over the last three years 32% of all lottery awards have benefited people from diverse groups/backgrounds*.

Emerald brings to the role years of experience in the field and is using her knowledge, energy and drive to make links with communities, identify barriers, find solutions and foster accesibility. In the future, she will develop a specific scheme to benefit emerging talent from wider communities and give input to trainee induction programmes.

Emerald and North West Vision are working closely with the BBC, BECTU and other partners on the Move On Up North event, which takes place in Manchester on 18th November 2005. This cross-industry, all-day event provides valuable networking opportunities between B&ME industry professionals and potential employers.

Shobna Gulati, Coronation Street Actress says:

"I am really pleased that North West Vision are taking the first steps towards encouraging and nurturing both existing and new talent through Emerald Hunte?s appointment. Addressing diversity in its widest context needs this type of action. I wish her all the very best in her position, and am looking forward to a new equality in film and television in the Northwest."

Alice Morrison, Chief Executive at North West Vision says:

?We are delighted that the film council has chosen North West Vision to pilot the Diversity Officer role and we are sure that we have picked the right person for the job. Diversity is extremely important to us and we already work to make our schemes and funding as accesible as possible, but now we have the resources to create internal and external strategies to ensure a level playing field and access to all.?

Emerald Hunte, Diversity Officer at North West Vision says:

?I love my job ? it gives me the opportunity to go out and meet some fascinating people and help to develop talented individuals that may not otherwise have access to our services. My aim is to actively champion diversity in the Northwest?s TV and film industry and to ensure that diversity is an integral part of North West Vision's work?

John Woodward, Chief Executive of the UK Film Council says:

?North West Vision is taking vital step forward in helping to achieve a more diverse workforce both behind, and in front of, the camera. The whole film industry recognises that film is a rich and popular part of our national life and that movies are a very powerful form of entertainment. But it is imperative that we create a more socially and culturally diverse industry in which people from all backgrounds can achieve their potential and give audiences a better chance of seeing films which reflect their own cultures and interests. This initiative is a great example of the charter in practice.?

* This fact has been compiled by North West Vision?s Production Department and taken from equal opportunities forms completed by individuals and organisations funded over the past three years.