Griersons calls for doc hero nominations

This year’s Grierson Awards will include a new category for the documentary hero of the year, nominated by the industry.

The award will “seek out the people whose behind-the-scenes talent is often overlooked but their individual passion, dedication and skill deserve recognition and reward for the extraordinary lengths they go to in order to get a show on air and support others in doing so.”

Nominations are now open for the inaugural Grierson Hero of the Year Award, sponsored by The Talent Manager.

Lorraine Heggessey, Chair of The Grierson Trust said: “We all know that there are many unsung heroes in our business, those people who work tirelessly and so often save the day but rarely get recognised with awards or even thanked. The challenges TV production has faced this year mean it’s more important than ever to celebrate their work, so make sure you nominate your Hero of the Year.”

The Grierson Trust is making an industry-wide call to ensure that it uncovers the very best individuals in the business, whether it’s a brilliant production manager, an eagle-eyed lawyer or a talented sound recordist. Or someone not directly linked to a single show but who has made a positive difference to the operation of their company or campaigned for change and raised awareness of broader issues in the industry.

Sarah Lee, Founder and Creative Director of The Talent Manager said: “In a year unlike any other there are so many deserving filmmakers who have worked tirelessly both to get programmes made and to support the people making them.

“From overseeing COVID safety protocols on productions to calling out bullying and sexual harassment, to fighting for diversity and flexible forms of working, so many individuals deserve our thanks, appreciation, and recognition. The Talent Manager is delighted to sponsor this award.”

To make a nomination, online forms can be found on The Grierson Trust website or at https://bit.ly/3ivn8Gv. Submissions will need to include a citation of up to 500 words, detailing why that candidate should be selected as the winner, as well as contact details for two additional referees.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 4th September. Candidates should be nominated for work done between June 2020 and May 2021, the same eligibility period as the films submitted to the Griersons.

The winner will be announced at the Grierson Awards ceremony on Wednesday 10th November.