A TELEVISION producer who decided to challenge the lack of diversity he saw in the UK television industry has been named on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list. London-based Josh Wilson, 27, set up his own production company called Wilson Worldwide Productions in 2013.
Wilson and his team, which is predominantly black and minority ethnic (BAME), has gone on to executive produce content for international broadcasters and major companies. Among its recent successes was ‘Mission Mudder’ for Sky, a show that followed British Olympians competing in several Tough Mudder challenges and ‘Chasing The Dream’ for the same network.
The annual Forbes 30 under 30 list features 600 of the brightest young entrepreneurs and game changers from around the world.
Speaking about his inclusion on the list, Wilson told The Voice: “It’s a real honour to be named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for entertainment, especially among such great company.
“I’m very grateful to work with such a great team at Wilson Worldwide who without them this wouldn’t be possible.
“I hope this serves as an indicator to all people pushing to do well behind the camera in TV in the UK that regardless of your age, appearance, race or creed, that you can make an impact.”
Wilson has made it his personal goal to help the television and film industry become more diverse by creating opportunities for BAME talent.
A 2015 report by Directors UK called ‘Adjusting the Colour Balance’ highlighted the under-representation and under-employment of BAME television and film directors and producers.
It found that only 1.5 per cent of UK television is made by a BAME director.
The report also revealed that they are given a far smaller proportion of directing opportunities and that some of the most popular drama, comedy and entertainment shows had never been directed by a director from a BAME background.
