National Geographic returns as the Headline Industry Sponsor, with Banijay UK also supporting the 14th year of the programme, coinciding with the centenary of John Grierson coining the term “documentary” to describe filmmaking.

Grierson DocLab: New Entrants, run in partnership with many of the UK’s leading production companies, provides 18-25-year-olds aspiring to enter the industry with a hands-on programme of training, work placements, and mentoring. DocLab trainees receive bursary-supported work placements within UK production companies where they develop their skills and gain knowledge and industry contacts to become ‘job ready’ for a range of entry-level roles and ultimately a career in factual television.

The Grierson Trust today announced the 12 young people, three-quarters of whom are from outside London, who have been selected to join the latest edition of the Grierson DocLab programme. The trainees are: Grace Acum, Leah Adina, Dominique Baptiste, Mila Boersma, Lillie Brazier, Dylan Coundley-Hughes, Jonah Hall, Olivia Hughes, Moyenda Lowe, Jennifer Morrison, Sakura Singh Corke, and Katie Wilson.

Grierson DocLab Alumni are currently working across the TV industry in varied roles and at different levels including producing and directing, development, casting, and research, with the continued support of the Trust.

Sylvia Bednarz, Managing Director of the Grierson Trust said: "This year marks 100 years since John Grierson first coined the term “documentary”, but this programme is about what comes next. At a time when the sector faces real challenges, it’s more important than ever that we champion bold, original storytellers, particularly those whose voices have too often been under-represented. This new cohort represents the next generation of documentary talent in the UK – storytellers we back to bring fresh perspectives, creativity and determination to the industry. We’re proud to support them as they take their first steps. We’d like to thank our partners National Geographic, Banijay UK and all the production companies offering work placements, who make these opportunities possible."

Production companies supporting the New Entrants 2026 programme include 22 Summers, 72 Films, BBC Studios, Blast Films, Box to Box Films, Curious Films, Dragonfly, KEO Films, Mindhouse, Minnow Films, Orchard Studios, Passion Pictures, Raw TV, Rogan Productions, The Garden, True North, Twenty Twenty, Twofour, Wall to Wall, Wise Owl Films (part of All3Media) and Wonderhood Studios.

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