'Mentoring helps equalise access to the creative industries' says Anna Brent, Executive Producer at Across the Pond.

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At Across The Pond, we care deeply about discovering and nurturing fresh talent, which is why we’re proud to have partnered with the Creative Mentor Network, a London-based charity that works with schools in the city to connect talented young people from diverse backgrounds with those working in the creative industries

At Across The Pond, we care deeply about discovering and nurturing fresh talent, which is why we’re proud to have partnered with the Creative Mentor Network, a London-based charity that works with schools in the city to connect talented young people from diverse backgrounds with those working in the creative industries.

Our Executive Producer, Anna Brent, participated in their 16-week programme where she was matched with 17-year-old Elena, an amazingly bright college student, interested in film and eager to be a part of the media industry.

Gatsby Foundation research shows that young people who make 4+ professional connections while still in full-time education, are 5x more employable, so over the course of the programme Elena met with with Anna’s colleagues and wider contacts to gain a better understanding of the various roles she could pursue. She also attended film shoots, watched edits, attended picture grades and audio mixes to get a solid overview of the filmmaking process. Throughout the programme, Elena grabbed every chance to experience the environments and meet the talent that make up the digital content industry.

“Mentorship is a two-way street and by spending time with Elena, I really learned about where our industry’s future talent lies.

It’s imperative for us to make a conscious effort to open doors to the most diverse pool of talent possible. In an industry that depends on fresh ideas and understanding culture and society, we have to reflect on whether we’re reinforcing a stereotypical image of the media industry or actually creating new opportunities.

Elena and I will keep working together, and I can’t wait to play a part in helping her make decisions about her future when she needs me”

-Anna Brent

The programme was a rewarding experience and really exemplified the value of formalised mentorship. If you’d like to learn more about how to be a part of this, visit: https://www.creativementornetwork.org/