SignPost Productions – blazing a trail for the region and on the national stage
Date published:
Signpost Productions won the Chamber’s award for Diversity and Inclusion.
The company, based in Gateshead is part of ITV but with full autonomy as an independent production unit. It specialises in creating television content and broadcast quality productions for broadcast and private clients. But where Signpost stands out is its commitment to diversity and inclusion within its work, with the slogan being “production without prejudice”.
Every commission has a production company that is at least 50% deaf and or has a disability, and at least half of the company’s staff are either deaf or have a disability. All staff are given sign language lessons to enable deaf and hearing colleagues to communicate effectively. During lockdown, Signpost translated online lessons free of charge into sign language.
Signpost also provides training and development opportunities for film makers with a disability. Recently, the business focused on developing key pathways into the industry, and has partnered with the University of Sunderland, and in the future, plan to work with Teesside University as well as training organisation Screenskills.
The company’s clients include CITV, ITV, S4C Channel 4, and the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust.
All post-production, and the majority of production, takes place within the region.
Kenny Toal, Signpost said: “Being recognised in this category is incredibly special for everyone connected with Signpost Productions. We’ve won a lot of awards for our production work and our programmes in the past, but the diversity and inclusion element of what we do really is the driving force for all the team. We are extremely passionate about providing opportunities for Deaf programme makers and those with disability. We are constantly looking for ways to grow and enhance what we do and continue to be a beacon for diversity and inclusion in the North East”
The judge from Northumbrian Water Michael Nicholas said: “We were blown away by Signpost’s commitment and work to support the development of the hard to reach but significant deaf community within the North East and nationally. The projects with television programmes, such as Dare Master which supports deaf children and highlights BSL as a form of communication in the mainstream media is also fantastic.”
As well as these achievements Signpost is the driving force behind a new network in ITV – ITV Able and has received the Commitment to Diversity in the Workplace award from sign language organisation Signature.