Read more about the delegates taking part in the ScreenSkills Series Producer Programme this year. 

Running from June 2025 to January 2026, the Series Producer Programme is designed to support significantly experienced producers and early-stage Series Producers looking to bridge gaps in their experience. This programme will empower new Series Producers based in the Nations and Regions with the confidence and skills needed to establish themselves and succeed on network production, creating the next generation of showrunners for UK television.

This training programme is funded by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.

Ben Sheldon is a multi-award-winning Series Producer and Director known for delivering cinematic, editorially sharp documentaries for Channel 4, Amazon Prime and the BBC. He’s documented the first cries of newborns in “Life and Birth” and the people’s final goodbyes in “Ambulance”, capturing the full spectrum of human life – and considers it a real privilege to be invited into people’s most intimate, defining moments. From securing a world-first in filming Reaper drones on live missions in the Middle East to capturing complex neurosurgery, Ben specialises in sensitive, character led access. He brings rigour, empathy and a drive to push the creative boundaries of documentary storytelling.

Celia Jennison is a BAFTA winning documentary producer known for creating bold, socially-driven films that amplify underrepresented voices and challenge systemic injustice. With a background in investigative storytelling and a passion for human rights, Celia has produced a range of acclaimed documentaries tackling issues from violence against women and girls to institutional scandal. Celia’s collaborative approach ensures authenticity and impact, earning her recognition across UK broadcasters and global streamers. She brings a strong editorial vision, deep sensitivity, and a proven track record of turning complex, sensitive stories into powerful television.

Eleanor is a producer and shooting pd who started her career casting for antique tv programmes in 2007.

During the 2008 economic downturn she took the opportunity to temporarily relocate to Italy to learn the language and after returning worked in London, Cardiff and Bristol working on multiple award winning series like “Hunted”, “Masterchef: the Professionals” and “Escape to the Country”. She relocated back to Wales in 2020 and now works across Welsh and national productions or filming network series abroad. She has cultivated a specialism is working on travelogues (most notably Italian) for multiple channels and streamers and includes the first 2 series of “Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job” for BBC 1 and the new “Tucci in Italy” with Stanley Tucci for Disney+ as some of her most recent credits.

George is a freelance Producer Director & Story/Edit Producer from Yorkshire, who began his career at ITV in Leeds. He has since collaborated with respected indies across Northern England and worked on a wide range of genres. With credits on beautifully crafted series as “The Yorkshire Dales” and “The Lakes, Devon and Cornwall”, and “Fletchers’ Family Farm”, George has established his niche in heartfelt storytelling. Organised, creative and diligent, George brings ideas to life with a strong editorial sense and director’s eye for character-driven films. His recent Development Producer role now means he is attuned to the evolving industry landscape.

Georgina Leslie is an EMMY nominated and BAFTA award winning Producer/Director with nearly 20 years’ experience in high-end documentary, history, arts and specialist factual. With a journalist background and more than a decade spent honing her craft at the BBC before going freelance, she’s worked on critically acclaimed series such as “Who Do You Think You Are”, “The Culture Show”, “Catching Britain’s Killers” and “Lucy Worsley Investigates”.. Taking her films from initial idea to final delivery, she prides herself on her journalistic rigour and creative flair – and is passionate about telling powerful factual stories that connect emotionally with the audience. 

Hollie Smith is a Senior Producer, Edit Producer and Development Producer with more than a decade’s experience across high-profile factual, documentary and factual entertainment programming. She has shaped prime-time programmes from pitch through to post – with strong editorial judgement and clarity. A former journalist, she has led teams across fast-turnaround strands, and is equally at home shooting on location, crafting in the edit, or developing new formats.

Currently based in Glasgow, Hollie is focused on stepping into Series Producing – bringing together her leadership experience, passion for story, and commitment to building inclusive, collaborative teams.

Jonny Smith is a Shooting Producer/Director with over a decade of experience in television, working with major broadcasters and streamers including the BBC, ITV, Netflix and Amazon. Known for his strong editorial judgment, instinctive storytelling and confident self-shooting, he’s filmed across the UK and abroad on complex, sensitive and ambitious productions. He began his career in film before moving into sport, documentaries and formatted factual. Originally from the South Shields, Jonny recently launched his own production company Bonny Lad Productions and is now looking to step up to Series Producer and take the creative and editorial lead on future projects.

Keeley is a versatile Producer/Director and Edit Producer with over 14 years’ experience across factual, obs doc, current affairs, factual entertainment and lifestyle formats. From working with vulnerable contributors with sensitive access to directing feel-good formats, she brings empathy, creativity and integrity to every project.

She’s worked across the Nations and Regions as well as internationally, for all major UK broadcasters, shaping stories both on location and in the edit. With a background in journalism and experience in scripted storytelling, Keeley has a strong instinct for narrative and tone. Whether navigating sensitive access or crafting warm, accessible content, she’s passionate about telling stories that resonate and reflect real lives.

Lloyd began his television career at 16, working on Welsh-language productions before leaving school early to accept a place on a BBC Apprenticeship Scheme. He cut his teeth on live studio shows “The One Show” and “This Morning”, and spent the next 10 years working across a broad range of factual entertainment programmes including “Dragons’ Den”, “The Great British Bake Off”, “First Dates”, and “Race Across the World”. The COVID pandemic brought him back to Wales, where for the past five years he has worked as a producer, leading casting teams on shows such as “Top Gear”, “Only Connect” and “Antiques Roadshow” as well as working on “Wales’ Home of the Year” since its inception. 

Simon Muriel is a highly experienced and super-versatile, RTS and Emmy award winning Producer/Director and Edit Producer with 26 years of experience in the industry and 35 Producer credits. He has a passion for natural history (“Extreme Planet Earth”, ITV”, “Earth At Night”, Apple, “Incredible Animal Journeys”, Disney+) a love of adventurous documentary (“Primal Survivor”, Nat Geo, “A Cabbie Abroad”, BBC2, “Toughest Place to Be ..”, BBC 2, “Airforce Afghanistan”, FIVE, “Japan’s Atlantis with Monty Halls”, Nat Geo) and a zeal for factual entertainment and ob doc (“One Born Every Minute”, C4, “Rescue Dog to Superdog”, C4, “Amir Khan’s Angry Young Men”, C4, “Don’t Tell The Bride”, C4). He prides himself on his ability to distil complex subjects and create compelling heartfelt stories from all aspects of life.

Stephanie is an Emmy-award-winning Producer/Director and Edit Producer with a passion for documenting the natural world. She started her career developing and directing short-form films for the “One Show” before moving into live TV, working on shows such as BBC “Springwatch” and National Geographic’s “Earth Live”. Ten years ago Stephanie began directing and producing blue-chip Natural History documentaries, such as Disney’s “A Real Bugs Life”, Netflix’s “Night on Earth” and National Geographic’s “Super/Natural”, and through this she has become particularly experienced with filming in extreme and remote environments. Stephanie is currently producing both wildlife and human focused episodes for a major new series for a leading SVOD.

Will is an award-winning Senior Producer and Director specialising in creating landmark wildlife films, including the most watched series of 2017 (“Blue Planet II”) and the most watched factual series of 2023 (“Planet Earth III”). Will began his career in TV 20 years ago in London, making children’s wildlife series for Channel five and later as a self-shooting PD on factual entertainment formats for BBC and Channel Four, such as “Wanted Down Under” and “Celebrity Antiques Road Trip”. In 2010 he joined BBC’s Natural History Unit in Bristol, where he produced a wide range of natural history series, before specialising in landmark blue-chip series.

Glasgow-based training provider TRC is pleased to announce the launch of TRC Talent, a dynamic new online resource designed to connect indies with diverse new talent based in Scotland.

This innovative platform, available through TRC’s website, showcases profiles of their alumni, including training programmes such as rad Scotland, making it easier than ever to find the right crew for upcoming productions.

TRC Talent features detailed profiles of skilled emerging professionals, highlighting their availability, most recent roles and credits. Whether they are actively seeking work, in between contracts, or preparing for a career step-up, TRC Talent will help them network with the wider industry. With this resource, hirers can efficiently identify under-represented talent with the right skillset in editorial, production and post-production who are ready for their next opportunity.

This initiative comes as part of TRC’s continued commitment to advancing new voices in the Scottish TV industry, and to supporting diverse talent throughout their traineeships and beyond. Across the past editions of rad Scotland, TRC have trained over 50 Scotland based trainees and have continued to support them with networking opportunities, advanced training and career development.

The latest iteration of rad Scotland has launched earlier this month, with applications open until Thursday 5^th June to new entrants who belong to underrepresented groups in the TV industry.

Claire Scally, Managing Director of TRC, commented:

“TRC Talent will be a tremendous asset for our alumni and for companies wishing to hire diverse talent. This new platform will highlight the incredible talent that has come through our new entrant programmes, providing a direct way for indies to connect with emerging TV professionals who will make an impact in the industry. We look forward to continuing supporting our alumni network and building the next generation of Scottish TV talent.”

Further details can be found at trcmedia.org/trc-talent

TRC’s dedication to supporting career progression for diverse TV talent has been ongoing, with ad hoc support to their alumni pool and their most recent pilot of rad+.

rad+ is is a new initiative launched to support career progression for alumni of the rad Scotland programme, developed in response to ongoing industry challenges and high attrition rates amongst Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds (44%) and disabled workers (42%) (BECTU, 2024),

rad+ places alumni in structured, career-advancing roles with Scottish independent production companies, with financial support from TRC. The initiative aims to help emerging talent move up into their next role, for example from Trainee Production Secretary to Production Secretary, or from Researcher to Assistant Producer. As with the rad Scotland traineeship, tailored coaching and support is provided to both participants and employers.

The initiative will run throughout 2025, with company applications currently open. rad+ was piloted in 2024, with BBC Studios – Specialist Factual. 

Shiva Talwar, Production Manager at BBC Studios, who worked closely with our rad+ Alumni remarked:

“In my brief experience with the rad+ initiative, I’ve seen a strong commitment to enhancing the leaning and development of its alumni. rad is more than just a scheme – it’s a pathway to a career, providing the tools and exposure needed for success.”

Radeen Moncrieffe, rad+ Development Researcher spoke about his experience:

“This opportunity provided by rad+ has enabled me to build on the skills I learned through the original scheme that kick started my TV career. Through BBC Studios Specialist Factual, I have honed my ability to find new stories, and I have gained a further understanding into the process of transforming ideas into compelling programmes.”

TRC Talent is funded by

rad+ is funded by

Interested in applying to our rad Scotland traineeship but not sure if this might be the opportunity for you?

Join our lunchtime Zoom session on Thursday 22nd May at 12pm to find out more about rad, what to expect from the traineeship and top tips for your application.

This webinar will give you the chance to hear about our alumni’s experiences on the programme and ask them any questions you may have about the roles.

rad Scotland is a paid 8-month TV traineeship aimed at those who are underrepresented in the TV industry: those who are either deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, from Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Register your interest here if you would like to participate in this online event.

We are delighted to be joined by two of our Reset alumni:

Amanda Ajomale

Researcher

rad Scotland 2022

Amanda Ajomale is a Researcher and Screenwriter, alumnus of We Are Parable’s Momentum, TRC’s rad scheme, and Short Circuit’s Convergence. With both a short and feature film currently in development, Amanda’s TV credits include BBC’s “The Firm”, “Bridge of Lies”, and the current season of “Question Time”.

Marc Harvey

Production Coordinator

rad Scotland 2021

Marc has worked across many unscripted shows since finishing his rad traineeship at Hello Halo in 2021. His most recent credits include: “Money for Nothing” and “Location Location Location”.

Sadie Heather

Production Coordinator

rad Scotland 2023

Sadie worked as a Researcher / Development Researcher for Tern TV during the rad traineeship. She has since moved onto Casting Researcher / Production Assistant at Studio Something, working on a branded online series for Tennent’s Lager.

Moving onto casting editorially, while also getting experience in production, Sadie has loved every moment in the industry and can’t wait to see what this exciting future holds.

Niamh Dillon

Production Assistant

rad Scotland 2024

Niamh has just graduated from the most recent rad cohort – finishing up as a Trainee Production Assistant at BBC Studios – Specialist Factual. She has known from a very young age that she’s wanted to be a Production Manager!

Find out more about the twelve delegates who will be taking part in FutureProof, TRC’s new programme aimed at unscripted production companies in the Nations and Regions.

FutureProof aims to equip unscripted TV production companies in the Nations and Regions with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in the digital-first landscape by looking at emerging technologies, platforms, and business models.

Naomi is the Creative Director of family-run Welsh indie, Afanti Media. Naomi has worked across production and development for the last 13 years, with a particular focus on factual, entertainment and digital propositions. During her time in development, she has secured competitive access, built strong on-screen talent relationships and developed internationally selling returning formats, securing some of Afanti’s most highly acclaimed commissions such as “World’s Biggest Cruise Ship” for Channel 4 (Lifestyle), “The Perfect Pitch” for Channel 4 (Daytime) or “Life Drawing Live!” With Joe Lycett for BBC2 and 4 (Music & Arts). Of late, she has turned her hand to the digital landscape, developing and producing live watchalong’s for the Euro’s 2025 streamed on YouTube, high profile talent led podcasts for BBC Sounds and even nabbing the award for Best Social Format at Edinburgh TV’s New Voices Award for our welsh-language digital format “Tisho Fforc?!” on S4C / Hansh.

Alison is an Executive Producer with over 20 years’ experience in TV, branded content, and digital production. At Afro-Mic Productions, her recent credits include “Will & Ralf Should Know Better” (U&Dave) and “If Walls Could Talk” (BBC NI). She has led development teams, shaped strategy, and secured commissions—often with small regional indies. Originally from Merseyside, Alison is passionate about championing regional production and amplifying working-class voices, and she’s really excited by the creative potential of digital storytelling.

Louis is the Managing Director of Button Down, a factual indie based in York. Specialising in documentary and factual entertainment, most recent commissions include “Will You Marry Me?” for E4, a series in which lovestruck Brits go to extreme lengths to pop the question, and the returning series “Brickies” for BBC Three. He is the Executive Producer of a forthcoming feature documentary for BBC, about a public health scandal, made by Button Down in partnership with Keo Films. Previously Louis has been a Producer and Director working for the likes of VICE, IMG and BBC.

Katie Lander set up Finestripe Productions in 2005, establishing it as a Glasgow-based, non-scripted fully independent production company. Over the past 19 years it has produced acclaimed documentaries and series for major broadcasters in both the UK and US, including “Shrink Rap with Pamela Stephenson”, “The Day John Lennon Died”, “Inside Dior”, and “The Mysterious Mr Lagerfeld”. In 2012, Katie created “Bank of Dave”, the BAFTA and RTS award-winning Channel 4 series that made Dave Fishwick a household name. The story went on to inspire two hit Netflix feature films starring Rory Kinnear and she was an executive producer on them both.

Katie continues to executive produce a wide range of Finestripe’s content including two series of “Sophie Grigson’s Slice of Italy” for Discovery’s Food Network that won the Fortnum & Mason award in 2024 and Davina McCall’s landmark Channel 4 films on the menopause and the contraceptive pill  — programmes that not only sparked a national conversation but also helped drive legislative change.

Emma Curtis started her TV career as a runner on the first series of “Big Brother” in 2000, she then went on to work on a number of large scale reality TV shows, live TV events and entertainment shows through to 2010, steadily working up to Production Manager, where she circled back round to “Big Brother”, re-joining the team as Task and Design PM on series 8 through to series 11. In 2010, a move to Scotland then saw a career shift into factual output where she worked with the BBC specialist factual unit for 6 years, following which, Emma joined Firecrest Films as PM in 2017, moving swiftly up to Production Executive that year and then to Head of Production in 2019. In January 2024, Emma moved into the newly created Role, Director of Business for Firecrest Films where she is across all production output, distribution, strategy and company business.

Joff is a television producer and showrunner known for crafting inventive factual formats. As Head of Factual at Hello Halo, he splits his time between Glasgow and London, having previously led Popular Factual at Remarkable Television. His credits include the BBC’s much-loved “Animal Park” and the creation of the mind-bending “Your Home Made Perfect”. Joff has a particular passion for blending emerging technology with strong storytelling, which is reflected in the slate he oversees. He’s just wrapped “Game of Wool”, a new competitive knitting show, proudly made in Scotland for Channel 4, fronted by Tom Daley.

Tammy cofounded Little Bird Films in 2017. Since setting up Little Bird, Tammy has worked as a producer director for their popular BBC Wales and BBC3 series “Hayley Goes”, before becoming Creative Director and overseeing their development slate and winning over 30 hours of commissions for BBC Wales, BBC3, C5, S4C and C5 ranging from award winning docs, to popular factual and factual entertainment formats. Her latest S4C format has been picked up by ITV Studios and Tammy’s focus in now on working closely with distributors and digital producers to develop highly returnable formats that can travel and sit on any platform. With the commissioning slowdown, Tammy has embraced the digital landscape and with her co-founder they have pivoted their business plan to be more digital focussed as well as developing a soon to launch carbon calculator app and website for greener productions. Tammy’s passion at Little Bird is to help create a greener and more sustainable industry and make content that has impact and broad appeal with purpose.

Jackie is an exec producer with extensive experience developing and producing factual Natural History and children’s content. Co-founding Maramedia in 2010 she has jointly overseen the company’s growth into an award winning Scottish Natural History production company with an international reputation.  She was a lead producer on the company’s Emmy-nominated “Highlands”. Other notable credits include “Chasing the Rains” narrated by Adjoa Andoh and the “Stormborn” trilogy narrated by Ewan McGregor along with recent Feature Doc – “A Life Among Elephants”.

With a prior background as a conservation biologist Jackie has extensive specialist natural history expertise and a real passion for nature storytelling.  She began her TV career at the world-renowned BBC Natural history Unit and has worked on 100 + hours of successful award-winning natural history productions.  Jackie is excited by new ideas and collaborations and is passionate about inspiring, entertaining, and educating all about the natural world.

Linsay has been Head of Development at RTR since 2018. The huge variety of subjects that being in development brings with it (quite often all at the same time) is one of her favourite things about the job. One minute you’re creating a series set on a farm, the next writing a documentary on homelessness; exploring the work of high-end florists or working out how to travel around Europe in the most fun way possible.

Linsay has created formats, series and singles for C4, C5, BBC, BBC Scotland, and Discovery+, such as “Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas” (C4 Daytime), “Escape to the Farm with Kate Humble”, “A Country Life for Half the Price” (both C5), “Billionaire Blooms” (C4), and “Holiday Homes in the Sun” (C5) amongst many others.

Award-winning producer, writer, executive producer, founder of Scottish film and television label Storyboard Studios.  Across an almost three decade career, Natalie has created and delivered ratings and acclaim at home and around the world for directing,  innovation, craft and reaching new and underserved audiences.  Current projects Natalie is producing include “Molly Versus the Machines”, an arresting story about the rise of surveillance capitalism and filming is also underway in Africa on a landmark environmental story of our times, plus we are producing a major cinematic project that will allow us inside a confronting WWII photographic archive for the first time. Recent on-air projects include “Michael Mosley’s Wonders of the Human Body”, “Cu Leis Thu?” which follows Paddy MacQueen travelling the country in search of a new puppy. Before launching Glasgow’s Storyboard Studios, Humphreys held a number of senior roles including leading factual for BBC Studios and controller of factual for BBC Television.  She was in charge of a £100M+ portfolio which included the world-renowned BBC Natural History Unit, Science and Documentaries and was editorial lead for the BBC’s partnership with PBS.

Norma brings over twenty-five years of television production experience to her role as CEO at Leeds based, True North Productions. True North’s broad slate includes high volume lifestyle, premium access documentary series, talent led formats and true crime.

True North are always exploring Futureproofing the business and are therefore very pleased to be on this new digital focused TRC course.

Previously Norma was at Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund where she invested in a successful portfolio of companies. Prior to C4, Norma held senior finance roles at Optomen Television, where she helped grow the business and sell it to All3Media and at Talkback Productions (Fremantlemedia). She is originally from South Africa and is a CIMA qualified accountant.

Edwina is a development executive and series producer at Tuesday’s Child Scotland. She splits her time between development and production – spending half the year series producing “The Hit List” and getting involved in whatever other projects she can get her hands on. The remainder of the year she works in development and loves interrogating new formats.  She is happiest in a studio and loves a glossy ents format or a good quiz. She moved to Glasgow in 2011 for a 6 month contract and hasn’t left since. She has previously worked with indies across the UK including Firecracker, Hungry Bear and IWC Media.

TRC Administrative Co-ordinator

Our team needs an admin aficionado who thrives in a busy creative atmosphere.  TRC is a well-respected training provider to the screen sector.  A full time (negotiable) role based in our Glasgow office, you’ll help support the team to deliver top class training and development. 

What’s the role?

Reporting to the Senior Management team you will provide comprehensive administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the team and senior management with a focus on accurate report writing, thorough copy proofing, attention to detail, and effective diary management.

This role will suit a highly organised individual who has demonstrable experience in a similar role.  You’ll be a self-starter with an interest in working with creative individuals and companies.  You’ll be a hands-on team player always willing to share knowledge and learn new things.

Our Culture

We expect our team to deliver their very best and in return we offer flexible working and generous holiday allocation. Importantly, we also invest in your career giving you the support you need to develop and thrive.

We need you to be (work):

• Highly organised and able to juggle multiple priorities efficiently
• Passionate about what you do
• Great at time management
• Have exceptional writing skills
• Highly proficient in admin software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Flexible in approach and attitude

We need you to be (personally):

• Friendly
• A proactive team player and a positive, respectful member of the team
• Prepared to muck in – no job too small
• Passionate about learning and trying new things
• Adaptable and able to problem solve
• Graceful under pressure
• A good communicator
• Focused on accuracy – have a strong attention to detail

What will you be doing?

• Organisation – keeping fantastic records and proactively manage timelines and deadlines.
• Report Writing – preparing high quality reports and supporting the preparation of proposals
• Ensuring efficient systems are created and maintained
• Diary and Schedule Management – organising and maintaining diaries of senior staff and co-ordinating logistical details

Applicant requirements:

• Previous experience in a similar role
• No university degree or qualifications necessary but you must be able to demonstrate relevant experience and results
• Fluency in Word and Excel essential,
• Super communication skills in person, by email and phone
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently when required

Salary: c£28,000 commensurate with experience

Term: 12-month contract initially

If you think you’re up for the challenge and are looking to join a fun, dynamic team, send your cover letter with referees outlining why you’re right for the role and accompanying CV to apply@trcmedia.org

Closing date: Friday 30^th May 2025, 12 noon

Interested in applying to our Reset traineeship but not sure if this might be the opportunity for you?

Join our lunchtime Zoom session on Wednesday 23^rd April at 12pm to find out more about the Reset Trainee Roles.

This webinar will give you the chance to hear about our alumni’s experiences on the programme and ask them any questions you may have about the roles.

Reset is a paid 8 month traineeship is aimed at new entrants to the Animation, Visual Effects (VFX) and Games industry with transferable skills from all walks of life. 

Register your interest here if you would like to participate in this online event.

Please note this is info event is aimed at applicants for the Reset Traineeship. If you are interested in the Reset: Level Up Junior roles, you can book in a 1-to-1 meeting with the Project Manager here

We are delighted to be joined by two of our Reset alumni:

Kieran Docherty

Junior Producer/QA at Blazing Griffin

Reset 2021/22

Kieran Docherty is a Glasgow-based producer and writer. While at Blazing Griffin, his initial projects were games such as Takenoko and Catan on Tilt Five/PC, as well as the sequel to the studio’s Scottish Bafta-winning game (Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The First Cases), Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The London Case. Kieran was also the motion capture performer for all male characters in The London Case, including young Poirot himself.

Heather Allan

Junior Motion Graphics/ VFX Artist at Serious Facilities

Reset 2023/24

Heather studied Graphic Design in Glasgow. After completing her degree, she began to look for a job within the industry. This is when she started expanding her portfolio and taught herself the basics of animation. Off the back of this, she secured a job at a small design agency. This was short lived due to expense cuts, and she began working full time in a restaurant. After two years of working in hospitality, and juggling the odd freelance job, she decided to pursue the passion she had found at the very start of her career.

As part of their final month on the programme, our International Horizons: Scripted delegates travelled to Lille to attend Series Mania.

This follows a six month advanced industry programme across Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow and London (kindly hosted by BAFTA and Lee & Thompson). The delegates benefitted from insight from top industry figures including Amazon, Disney, All3Media, Sony and Fremantle alongside many others, and a visit to Content London in December, all of which has supported the nine indies in raising the profile of their business.

Our producers also spoke to Broadcast about their experience as indies based in the Nations – the following is an excerpt from the N&R indies take glass-half-full approach to Series Mania Broadcast article:

Nine labels from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales head to Lille for final part of BFI-funded International Horizons: Scripted programme

After a week of doom-ladened warnings of the deepening crisis in British drama, one might expect that most UK execs heading to Series Mania will do so feeling downbeat.

But for at least one cohort of Lille-bound indies, the historically optimistic market and conference looks likely to be just that – somewhere that a sense of opportunity overrides the gloom currently pervading the drama landscape.

Series Mania is the culminating event of the inaugural six-month training programme International Horizons: Scripted (IH:S), which supports scripted drama companies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to scale up their skills, knowledge and networks to enable them to compete in the international scripted arena. The programme intends to return for a second iteration next year, with partners keen on collaborating.

You can read the full article on Broadcast’s website.

This programme is funded by the BFI awarding National Lottery funding, Creative Wales, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.

Find out more about the six trainees who will be taking part in the third iteration of FormatLab, a paid development training programme aimed at creative people based in Scotland. 

FormatLab focuses on the development of multi-part and returning formats in entertainment and factual entertainment including reality, talent, game and quiz shows. It will feature training, mentoring and placements for candidates over nine months.

After studying Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, Anjeli went on to publish poetry with SPAM, Embassy Gallery, Gutter and The Edwin Morgan Trust. She began her own zine exploring a long-held love for Rom-coms, Meet Cute Zine. She then transitioned into the world of scripted television, working at Pulse Films where she assisted Executive Producers with their slates and supported writers’ rooms. Her passion for reality television – particularly “The Real Housewives” and the Bravo-verse -comes from a fascination with the psychology of real people in high-stakes environments. Anjeli is captivated by how contributors’ authentic personalities and motivations unfold on screen. This interest drives her to focus on format development, where she aims to create character-driven narratives for future reality projects.

Having studied Computer Science at the University of Cape Town, Chris very quickly realised he wasn’t meant to create code, but excellent TV. After moving to the UK, Chris was an intern at several film companies before moving to Scotland for a Masters degree at Glasgow Caledonian University. Over the past few years, he has worked on sets, made short films and sketches, and been employed as a carer. He was a part of the John Yorke NFTS course (2024) and has written several films for daytime television. Most importantly, he has spent a lot of time watching amazing television and is extremely excited to be a part of making it with Beezr.

Eilidh loves stories. She studied English and Scottish Literature at Glasgow University, writes theatre reviews for Binge Fringe Magazine and spent the summer working in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society’s Artist Development team – helping connect artists to further storytelling opportunities. As a delegate of The Television Foundation’s talent scheme The Network, she spent four days at this year’s Edinburgh Television Festival learning how to develop and pitch unscripted television formats. She fell in love with this form of storytelling and cannot wait to explore it in more depth.

After graduating with a degree in Broadcast Production a bright-eyed Matthew looked forward to getting his foot in the shiny world of TV.  This unfortunately didn’t go quite as planned and he secured a role working in a cinema where he timidly told family “Well, I technically work in the screen industries”. Eventually he landed himself a position as a post-production runner and found his footing in the world of television. When he’s not making (above average) coffees, Matthew spends his time writing sketch comedy and performing improv. His work has been nominated for a RTS Scotland Student Television Award.

Mhari graduated from the University of Dundee with a Masters of Arts in Creative Writing. She’s always been passionate about great storytelling especially in the world of Entertainment. Recently she developed, wrote and performed a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival titled ‘Bedtime Stories’ incorporating audience participation, musical comedy and short stories. Mhari is excited to bring her love of TV, production and creative skills developed through her previous work in publishing, marketing and PR, and recruitment to the television industry.

Zara always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the arts since acting at a young age. Her love for drama led her to study an undergraduate degree in Theatre and Film and Television studies at the University of Glasgow. Zara then moved to London to pursue a masters in TV Journalism at City University. Zara was keen to gain as much practical experience as possible and interned at ITV’s Lorraine show and This Morning. Zara also gained work experience at Wall to Wall production company and it was here where she discovered her real passion for working in unscripted TV development. With her favourite programme being Strictly Come Dancing and having a huge love for entertainment television, Zara can’t wait to work on new exciting entertainment formats!