A CHANNEL 4-backed hub for filmmakers is coming to Keighley.

Initially The Unit, as it is known, will be based in the Little Germany area of Bradford for six months.

But then it will move to Keighley Creative, in Hanover Street, for the remainder of the year.

The Unit is a partnership between Bradford Council, Channel 4, The Impact Hub and Keighley Creative.

"There is a free working space which is about developing and supporting new talent across the Bradford district," said Nic Greenan, head of cultural partnerships at the council.

"We heard when doing our research that space and equipment was something filmmakers and content makers struggled to get hold of – either because of costs or accessibility, or knowing what’s the right kit to have.

"We’ve just finished doing a screen strategy for Bradford and one of the things that came out was the need for a home for content makers to be able to try to create a space that really starts to put the district on the map as a place where talent lives, so that commissioners and people in the industry know the talent is here."

A series of regular workshops is also planned, at which industry professionals will share their knowledge.

Kevin Blacoe, head of partnerships and skills at Channel 4, said: "We're really excited to be supporting The Unit. Bradford has some amazing creative talent and this will be a fantastic resource for content creators in the district, providing them with the space to hone their filmmaking skills.

"The Unit will provide an environment where creative content makers can collaborate, learn from professionals and harness the necessary skills for their careers."

At the launch, an announcement was also made of a £50,000 short film content fund – split into four awards of £10,000 and 10 awards of £1,000 each.

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said the initiative was a “tangible” example of Channel 4 investing in the district's young talent.

And West Yorkshire mayor, Tracy Brabin, said: "Initiatives like this make a real difference to real people and it’s another fantastic example of how the region can strengthen its position as a creative and cultural hub."

The Unit is the first major milestone in the delivery of a ten-year vision for further developing the screen sector in the Bradford district.

Further information about The Unit and workshops can be found at theunitbradford.com.