rad is a paid eight-month traineeship within a Scottish independent television production company which includes full training throughout the placement.
The programme is 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.
The programme is funded by Screen Scotland, BBC Nations and Regions, Channel 4 and BBC Studios.
Niamh Dillon
Production Assistant Trainee | BBC Studios – Specialist Factual
Niamh has been passionate about working in Film and TV from a young age. She graduated UWS with a BA (Hons) in Filmmaking and Screenwriting in 2022. Throughout her studies she made many short films, specialising in producing in her final years. Her final university short film was recognised globally winning 10 different awards across many categories and being part of the official selection for the Hollywood Gold Awards. In her pursuit for success, Niamh gained a traineeship at Hopscotch Films where she was able to hone her skills gained at university, as well as grow her knowledge and gain valuable experience in TV and Film production. This opportunity allowed her to immerse herself in the industry that she always dreamed of being a part of. Niamh is enthusiastic to promote the power of storytelling to showcase her country, diversity and exhibit important voices, and is eager to contribute her talent and dedication to our team.
Alaska Scott
Production Researcher Trainee | BBC Studios – Science Unit
Alaska has been passionate about the film and television industry from a young age and has found it difficult to break in to. From studying English and Journalism at the University of Stirling to working in customer service roles to sales in marketing roles in the tech industry, it was difficult making the leap to being in the industry. With a passion for writing and researching and a great enthusiastic personality, Alaska’s past roles were able to give her the skills required for a young diligent and focused worker. Alaska is interested in all things tv and now has the opportunity to use her skills in the sales and marketing and management field to fuel her dreams of working in television.
Ash Mills
Edit Assistant Trainee | Firecrest Films
Born and raised in Aberdeenshire, Ash moved to Glasgow to pursue Television Production. From a HND through to his MA Film degree, Ash chose to specialise in post-production in his higher education. Through a mix of self-teaching the Adobe Suite, taught theoretical practices and Avid Media Composer certification, he has dedicated his journey to learning new technology and practices to adapt to the ever-evolving world of post. With this opportunity thanks to TRC Media, Ash is excited to champion disabled voices within post-production.
Lucy Cosslett
Development Researcher Trainee | Lion TV Scotland
Lucy (she/they) is an emerging talent in the screen industry. Working in film, television, and unscripted content Lucy graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2023. After graduation Lucy was the recipient of the 2023 Grierson Doclab with The Grierson Trust. Lucy has since worked as a junior researcher at the BBC NHU for a National Geographic series, and she continues to follow her interests in film and television working on commercials and feature films in Glasgow. Lucy hopes to be a leader in cultivating a more diverse media landscape, bringing a unique perspective to unscripted content.
Daniel Fury
Production Assistant Trainee | STV Studios
As a photographer, Daniel has a strong interest in the visual and technical aspects of television production. Graduating from the University of Stirling with a degree in Film and Media, he also has a strong interest in live music, and aims to capture, through photos and video, local bands in his home city of Glasgow. Through his university’s television society and his documentary dissertation, Daniel hopes to put his experience to good use and utilise his passion for television to find new stories to tell and new ways of telling them.
Lauren Hollinsworth
Production Assistant Trainee | Sunset + Vine
Lauren has been passionate about working in film and tv for as long as she can remember. After completing a BA Hons Film & Media and History at the University of Stirling and an MLitt Film and Television Studies at the University of Glasgow, she volunteered with ADI TV at the UCI Cycling championships 2023 to gain experience in live events as a camera assistant and assistant floor manager. As well as this, she got a job with Sports Recording Scotland filming amateur football games. Lauren is passionate about football and has made two short documentaries on the subject: one on amputee football, which won best factual and creative craft in editing at RTS Student Awards 2023 and was nominated for the RTS awards 2023 and Learning on Screen Awards 2023.; the second on 150 years of Rangers combining her love for history with football and film which was posted on YouTube. .During this, she was also given the chance to interview Derek Johnstone and Gordon Smith.
Abbie Freeman
Production Assistant Trainee | Hello Halo
Abbie has always loved TV and film and it has been her dream to work in the industry. Whilst studying film and Journalism at Stirling, Abbie worked at the local arts centre and became involved with their documentary festival as a curator. She has worked as a runner on a number of productions including BBC at the Fringe Festivals and Debate Night to help up her CV. Most recently in a collaboration project with Stirling University and BBC Disclosure, Abbie reported on illiteracy levels in Scotland by sharing her personal experience and meeting others who have struggled, and the people trying to help them (short documentary expected on iPlayer end of August). Abbie believes that in sharing powerful stories on our screens, we can evoke conversations and inspire change.
Ruaridh McGurk
Production Researcher Trainee | IWC
A television fanatic from an early age, Ruaridh has long aspired to make the leap from viewing to creating television. After graduating with an MA English Literature & Film/TV Studies from the University of Glasgow, Ruaridh secured a place on the TV foundation’s coveted ‘The Network’ talent scheme for new entrants to the television industry. Since then, Ruaridh has been working as a freelance researcher in the publishing industry, providing background research for articles and books with a focus on UK politics. He hopes to utilise and hone these research skills during his placement at IWC, with his long-term ambition being to work in unscripted development.
Scarlett Reid
Production Assistant Trainee | Hopscotch Films
Scarlett is a recent graduate of the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where she earned her degree in Journalism, Media Communications, and Social Policy. Originating from Ireland, Scarlett’s work is enriched by her multicultural background. From an early age, Scarlett was captivated by the performing arts, which fostered her
profound appreciation for storytelling. This initial interest expanded into a broader passion for film and documentary making, recognising the significant impact that media can have on educating, inspiring, and influencing audiences.
Scarlett has gained practical experience in the media industry through work at Erica Starling Productions, where she was involved in everything from general administration to assisting with post-production editing. Scarlett also had the opportunity to be mentored by industry professionals at BBC Belfast, further enhancing her skills and understanding of the field. Committed to making a meaningful impact, Scarlett continues to leverage her skills and voice to contribute to media projects that promote diverse perspectives and enhance understanding and dialogue among viewers.