BBC Studios Continuing Drama is launching a brand new Training Academy for Scottish drama series River City.
The scheme, which has been created in partnership with Screen Scotland, will offer training and development opportunities for both external and internal talent across two years.
The Training Academy will begin in August 2023. Participants will be given access to classes and workshops, while a filming unit – made up of River City’s technical crew and actors – will work in a no-pressure environment to teach the trainees. Beyond the initial training, on-set opportunities will be offered within their new roles.
Applications to register interest for the January 2024 cohort are now open via the BBC Careers website and will see a new group of entry-level trainees start their careers in storylining, sound, camera, costume, makeup design and more.
Kris Green, Training Executive at BBC Studios Continuing Drama, says: “River City sits proudly at the heart of the Scottish TV landscape and the joint enterprise between BBC Studios and Screen Scotland means we can bring to life an ambitious training academy that not only trains key talent for the show; but also nurtures the wider pipeline of creative talent in Scotland.”
Martin McCardie, Executive Producer of River City for BBC Studios, says: “Since River City began in 2002 it has always been a gateway into the industry for many, from directors, DOPs, Camera Operators, Boom Ops to 1st, 2nd and 3rd ADs, all have passed through the doors of BBC Studios in Dumbarton. The Academy will be a game changer in building on our success rate in giving people an opportunity to come into the industry in Scotland, strengthening the pipeline of production talent and delivering even more award winners of the future.”
Steven Little, Head of Production at Screen Scotland said: “Levels of production for film and TV in Scotland continue to grow. BBC Studios and Screen Scotland are working together here to develop Scotland’s crew and meet that opportunity. The River City Training Academy will provide vital opportunities for people from across Scotland to get their start in the industry whilst at the same time providing invaluable upskilling opportunities for existing crew, supporting Screen Scotland’s aim to build a sustainable, accessible, and diverse screen sector for Scotland.”
River City is a BBC Studios production for BBC Scotland. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Martin McCardie, the Series Producer is Kevin McComiskie and the Line Producer is Margaret Mackenzie.
Pic: Jamie Simpson
Jon Creamer
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