Training body TRC has announced a new programme, International Horizons Scripted, for scripted indies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The programme is backed by the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding, Creative Wales, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.
Applications are now open for the programme designed to increase indies’ opportunities in high-end drama in international markets.
Course design has been led by BAFTA nominated producer and executive producer Caroline Levy who has held senior roles at Paramount and BBC Studios. Her credits include “Deadwater Fell”, “A Gentleman in Moscow” and “Hooten & The Lady”.
The successful delegates will get an intensive 6-month programme focusing on sustaining and growing business with access to industry experts. The cohort will learn from those with first-hand experience across legal and business affairs, distribution deals, investment opportunities, financial models and creative solution solving scenarios in music, factually inspired dramas and other areas.
Throughout the duration of the programme, delegates will be given one-to-one support to navigate different broadcaster requirements. Industry networking events will take place in each of the three nations enabling participating indies to forge relationships with industry experts and a wider network.
The programme will also fund attendance to Content London in December and will culminate with an international market visit in 2025.
Claire Scally, Managing Director of TRC said:“Working with the national screen agencies we have developed International Horizons Scripted to champion Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales’s scripted drama companies. Building on the successful International Horizons brand, this programme will aim to expand the companies’ horizons internationally in what we hope will be a gamechanger for scripted drama in the Nations. We are excited to be supporting 9 companies in this endeavour.”
Sara Whybrew, Director of Skills and Workforce Development at the BFI, said: “The BFI is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of indie production companies right across the UK. TRC Media will play a vital role in providing dedicated business development training and support to indies across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with a particular emphasis on supporting those that are led by underrepresented talent. We hope the support on offer here will go some way to helping level the playing field in a competitive market, and subsequently see that a greater diversity of stories are brought to our screens.”
Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales, said:“The quality of home-grown scripted drama coming out of Wales recently is testament to the talent we have here in Wales. In supporting this initiative Creative Wales is joining other UK nations to support our indies to reach new platforms and help them to access new audiences through high quality content.”
Andrew Reid, Chief Content Officer at Northern Ireland Screen commented: “We welcome the launch of the International Horizons Scripted initiative, this programme represents a unique opportunity for our local scripted drama companies to expand their reach and make a lasting impact on the global stage. By partnering with TRC we are collectively investing in local talent and creativity, we are not only boosting the local economy but also showcasing Northern Ireland’s rich cultural narratives to a worldwide audience.”
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland said: “Financing for scripted TV production has never been more competitive and we know equipping our Indies with the tools to secure international partners is key to their success moving forward. It’s fantastic to be able to support this exciting new program from TRC, with their enviable track record of delivering brilliant professional development across the UK. We are confident that under the guidance of Caroline Levy, the companies will gain valuable and practical learning through International Horizons Scripted.”
Jon Creamer
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