Future stars of TV...

The Festivals Company has been awarded a contract to create an outreach programme in Wales for TVYP (Television and Young People), the charitable talent initiative which is part of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. TVYP takes place in Edinburgh from August 23^rd – 27^th. The objective of the outreach programme will be to proactively target a wider audience of potential applications for TVYP, with a particular focus on under-represented communities and regions.

TVYP helps young people aged 18+ gain a foothold in the TV industry and returns to Edinburgh for its seventeenth year this August bank holiday. The acclaimed scheme provides a unique chance to hear from and work with some big names from behind and in front of the camera, and has helped to launch hundreds of TV careers. Delegates from past years are now working in a host of roles across the industry, from a producer on Channel 4’s Charlotte Church Show to BBC Entertainment to making films for five.

"We’re delighted to be working on such a prestigious and exciting event such as TVYP," said Berwyn Rowlands. "Having recently worked on Ffresh, we’re aware of the wealth of young talent that already exists in Wales and this is precisely the kind of event they should be applying to. We also think it’s important to bring TVYP to the attention of young people outside formal education, we want to try and encourage people from all different communities and backgrounds to apply for TVYP. Anyone can be a future star of television, wherever they’re from, and this is a great place to start that journey".

"The Festivals Company already have an impressive track record of working with young people and events in Wales and Scotland and we’re delighted to be working with them. We’re looking forward to receiving lots of applications from young people in Wales," added TVYP Director, Suzy Lambert.

I had a great time meeting and talking to the TVYP delegates last year in Edinburgh. I'm really happy to support the scheme and help inspire any young people who want to embark on a TV career. Working in TV is a real buzz - I'm proud to be part of such a creative, influential and dynamic industry. My top piece of advice is grab every opportunity you can, be passionate about telly and full of idea. Vernon Kay - TVYP Patron (pictured above)

The application deadline for this year’s TVYP is May 4^th. To find out further information about the event click here.