Film FastTrack

Film FastTrack is a development programme designed to accelerate the careers of Scotland’s most talented Film Producers.

The programme will feature a combination of in person and online masterclasses, including script development, finance, business coaching, and negotiation sessions, as well as bespoke mentoring and monthly check-ins to support each Film Producer.

To apply, you must be a Producer based in Scotland who meets the following criteria:

• Have a Lead Producer credit on a minimum of one funded short with one feature in funded development with a recognised public funder and a maximum of three feature films that have received a theatrical release (as determined by FDA)
• Have a slate of at least 4 exciting and ambitious projects in development
• Have a clear strategy for how you will get this slate realised
• Be based in Scotland full-time and have a production company registered in Scotland
• Be ambitious and entrepreneurial
• Be a stand-out producer with business and creative flair
• Be an innovative and original thinker
• Be passionate about developing internationally successful features
• Have the potential to be a strategic leader with the skills and resilience to lead collaborative and creative teams
• Be an excellent communicator and networker
• Be able to secure a supporting statement (200-300 words) from a senior industry representative
• Be able to participate in this development programme fully for up to two years, not working on other productions, but concentrating entirely on your own development slate. Please note, if you are currently a lead producer on a film that is closing finance and shooting you may not be eligible at this time. Please contact projectmanager@trcmedia.org if you would like to discuss further.

TRC is committed to equality and fairness for all irrespective of race, colour, creed, or national origin, gender, gender reassignment, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age.

The programme will provide participants with:

• Bespoke nurturing and development for yourself and your company
• Mentoring and expert support ​
• Insight into how to develop and maintain key talent relationships as well as building great habits on uncovering new talent
• Skills to support the best creative outcomes from your project, from inception through development, production and post
• Clear understanding of the current financing and distribution market
• Help in developing and identifying the most suitable projects and market for your film slate
• Improved market knowledge and guidance as to the best markets for your film slate
• Clear understanding of film financing models and how to work with sales agents, distributors, and financiers, at all levels
• Improve skills, knowledge, and confidence in packaging, pitching, negotiating, selling, understanding, and closing deals

Applications for Film FastTrack closed on July 18th 2023. Sign up to our mailing list to be notified of new opportunities.

Interviews are expected to take place in Glasgow over two days on Tuesday 8^th and Wednesday 9^th August 2023.  Shortlisting and selection will be undertaken by a rigorous high calibre selection panel.

JULIA SHORT

Julia started in the film industry in the early ’90s working in marketing in film distribution before moving to PolyGram where she became responsible for running the theatrical marketing and publicity department in the UK, releasing such films as TRAINSPOTTING, FARGO, TWELVE MONKEYS and PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT.  After PolyGram closed in 1999, Julia moved to Redbus (now Lionsgate) and Film Four Distribution. In 2003 Julia set up VERVE PICTURES  with Colin Burch, which focussed on films by first time filmmakers such as Andrea Arnold, Clio Barnard, and Yorgos Lathimos. She has worked in international sales in acquisitions and marketing roles before getting actively involved in delivering several high-profile training courses for both Screen Ireland, Creative England, the highly regarded Inside Pictures programme and the FDA as well as exec producing.

Film FastTrack will begin in September 2023 for an initial one year period, with the opportunity to extend for a further year.

Training will be tailored to each individual producer; however initial sessions will include:

5^th-7^th September       Introduction Days; building your business and personal development plan

10^th-12^th October        Production Finance Market in London & Finance Masterclass

16^th October               Script Development Submission & Monthly Check In

1^st November             Script Development Group Session

20^th November           Project Submission & Mentoring & Monthly Check In

5^th-6^th December        Business Coaching Session & Script Development 1-2-1 & Monthly Check In

Additional bespoke sessions will take place throughout the rest of the year, including attendance to a Meet the Agents session and the NFTS Graduation Show in London (travel bursaries are available for London sessions if required).

There is no cost to the participants for Film FastTrack. Successful delegates will receive a non-recoupable grant up to a maximum £30,000 in year one, with the opportunity to extend this agreement into year two, subject to achievement of agreed KPIs.

Due to the nature of the grant, successful participants will be expected to prioritise their development with full commitment to the programme. The grant should negate the need for producers to take lengthy freelance contracts, however any additional career advancing opportunities may be discussed with TRC and the course leader in advance.

If you have any further questions about the programme, please email projectmanager@trcmedia.org