The team behind TriForce Creative Network have launched a new support service called Dandi. Specifically created for the arts and entertainment industry, the service will help companies and organisations diversify their workforce and reach out to a broader range of talent- on and off screen. Dandi will also offer an industry recognized ‘stamp of approval’ which will be especially useful to production companies looking to show their commitment to broadcasters’ diversity targets.
A ‘bolt on’ diversity and inclusion department for organisations, the services offered by Dandi will be available to a broad range of companies, including broadcasters, production companies, distributors, theatres and agents. Dandi provides a bespoke service that covers consultancy, recruitment support, organising networking events, as well as offering support on bigger talent development initiatives.
Dandi is not about creating another training scheme or initiative, but about making it easy for the industry to access diverse talent, at all levels, without increasing the time and resource pressures so inherent in our industry.
#NoMoreExcuses
Fraser Ayres, CEO of Dandi and TriForce Creative Network, explained “As TriForce Creative Network we’ve been at the forefront of developing and nurturing diverse and inclusive talent for 15 years. Dandi has been created to offer a one stop shop for organisations to connect with talent from across the UK. By signing up to Dandi, organisations will be helping to support the vital work we do to open up opportunities in the industry to talent from all walks of life.”
Proceeds from the organisation will support the work TriForce do to improve access into the industry – including programmes such as MonologueSlam UK, the TriForce Short Film Festival and WriterSlam.
Dandi was launched today at the Media Production Show at Olympia, as part of the TriForce Creative Network’s seminar on alternative routes into the industry. Speakers included Ade Rawcliffe, (Head of Diversity for ITV Commissioning), Miranda Wayland, (Diversity Lead, BBC Studios) and Fraser Ayres, CEO of TriForce Creative Network.
Dandi has been widely welcomed by the industry as a “brilliant and necessary” service.
I have been waiting for a talent service like Dandi – in a world where finally diversity is being taken seriously, it will be invaluable to be able to tap into the expertise and relationships TCN has.
Samantha Lawrence – MD, Monkey Kingdom (a division of NBC Universal)
The TCN have been nurturing and supporting diverse talent for many years. Dandi helps pull together their talented network in one place for production companies to utilise with ease. It’s a great help in crewing up and addressing on and off-screen diversity and making sure production companies can meet broadcasters D&I targets.
Anjani Patel – Head of Diversity, PACT
I regularly see great projects from companies that are struggling to fulfil ITV’s Social Partnership requirements on diversity. With 15 years of the TCN’s talent development work behind it, Dandi is exactly the support they need. Their mark of approval shows me that production companies are serious about inclusion and are actively doing something about it, which gives me confidence they’ll be able to hit those targets.
Asif Zubairy – Commissioning Editor, Comedy and Entertainment, ITV
I’ve seen first-hand the tangible outcomes The TCN have generated over the past 15 years and the impact it’s had on our industry – both on and off screen. I love the fact that they are now launching Dandi off the back of the strong foundations they’ve already laid down. I’m sure it will be another great step towards making our industry a more inclusive and diverse place. It has my 100% backing.
Kwadjo Dajan – Co-Founder and Creative Director, Drama, Sugar Films
When presented with projects that don’t hit our vital D&I targets, there is now a place I can direct production companies to that can effectively and tangibly solve their issues. If I see the Dandi mark, I know they are truly committed to an inclusive workforce.
Saskia Schuster, Comedy Controller, ITV
For more information on Dandi and the support they offer, the team have launched a new website – dandi.org.uk.
For more details on Dandi – please go to dandi.org.uk