Six applicants join Sky’s new Assistant Commissioner programme

Six successful applicants have been selected to join Sky on its new Assistant Commissioner programme, a two-year scheme designed to attract creatives from outside the traditional commissioning pool. Sky’s brand-new Assistant Commissioners are Sholla Caramba-Coker (Drama), Leanne Cosby (Arts & Entertainment), Ziyaad Desai (Factual), Isaac Nartey (Kids), Sabrina Parmar (Film), and Giberte Phanor (Factual).

Commissioning executives have a significant voice in deciding which programmes are made and broadcast on TV and it is critical to ensure that these teams represent everyone in society. This new two-year programme has been designed to bring fresh perspectives to Sky’s commissioning teams across Sky Studios and Sky UK, growing the overall number of commissioners by 30% from 23 to 30.

The Assistant Commissioners will collaborate with indies and creatives across all genres to take early-stage Sky Original projects from script to screen and bring new ideas to returning formats. They will also be supported by the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in a unique partnership which will give them access to group seminars, short courses and individual coaching and mentoring throughout the programme.

Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content Sky UK and Ireland, commented: “We launched our search for new voices to add to our commissioning pool last summer, and it is great to see the range of talent coming through the doors to shake up the slate. We know that the route into commissioning is not an easy one, particularly at more senior levels, so we have made it our priority to grow and diversify the team and by extension to safeguard our ability to provide customers with world-class content.”

Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios, added: “Across all genres, but particularly within Comedy and Drama, it is critical that we commission projects that reflect and represent the broadest range of lived experiences. Through the Assistant Commissioner programme, we have been able to bring in new talent that will help shape our scripted slate over the coming years, ensuring we continue to produce unmissable TV that is loved by all Sky viewers and the world over.”