FormatLab
Applications for FormatLab are now closed
The deadline for applications was Monday 21st October, 12pm
If you applied for FormatLab, a member of our team will be in touch in due course to let you know the outcome of your application.
FormatLab is a training programme that aims to create the next wave of entertainment development talent for Scotland.
We are looking for creative people from all different walks of life who have a love of non-scripted television, bags of enthusiasm and lots of ideas.
So, what are you waiting for? If you think you can come up with the next Traitors, Pointless or First Dates then we would love for you to complete an application form.
Successful candidates will take part in a nine-month traineeship which will include top flight industry training, expert mentoring from industry professionals and a fully paid production placement.
Please note, this is not a job in production. Rather than making television programmes, a job in development involves participating in brainstorms, coming up with, shaping and pitching new television programme ideas (in this case, Entertainment and non-scripted format ideas). Previous experience in the television industry is welcome but not required.
FormatLab is funded by Screen Scotland, BBC and Channel 4.
FormatLab is a paid development training programme aimed at creative people based in Scotland
Now in its third iteration, the initiative was developed following the growth in entertainment production from Scotland as part of the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council’s investment in a brand new television production studio at Kelvin Hall, alongside the success of the existing studios at the BBC’s Pacific Quay.
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.
The first four weeks will involve classroom based training prior to a production company placement.
Non-scripted or unscripted television is an umbrella term for all programming that does not require a formatted script (drama, comedy etc). Genres within non-scripted include Quiz/Game shows, Reality, Dating, Makeover, Competition/Talent shows and more.
Previous experience in the television industry is not required as FormatLab seeks to recruit ‘ideas people’ from a wide variety of sectors and backgrounds. Individuals who work in other sectors of the TV industry and are looking to transition to entertainment development are also encouraged to apply. However, to be eligible you will:
- Have a demonstrable love of non-scripted television, with a particular passion for game, quiz, talent and/or reality shows.
- Have a good awareness of the television landscape (ie. knowledge of what’s popular at the moment, what has not done so well…)
- Be an ‘ideas person’, full of enthusiasm and bubbling with fresh ideas.
- Be able to participate in and commit to this development training programme for nine months from January 2025.
We encourage applications from under-represented groups in the TV industry, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and returners-to-work.
Yes, you have to be a permanent resident in Scotland to apply.
Applications for FormatLab are now open and can be submitted via this form. The deadline for applications is Monday 21st October, 12pm.
TRC strives to be an inclusive organisation committed to equality and fairness for all. If you require support with your application or if you wish to submit a short video application instead, please e-mail lynne.cowie@trcmedia.org.
FormatLab will run from January 2025 to September 2025 approximately. The first four weeks will involve classroom-based training before joining the development team of an independent production company on a placement.
There is no cost to the participants of FormatLab and participants will be paid for the duration of the nine-month programme (£25k per annum pro rata equivalent).
If you have any further questions, please email lynne.cowie@trcmedia.org
Rhian Campbell, trainee at Tuesday's Child
“To say my experience has been life changing is not an understatement. FormatLab has given me the confidence and knowledge to work in Development. I am so proud to have been a member of the pilot scheme and to have my voice heard and experiences reflected in Unscripted Development based in Scotland.”
Hannah Traynor, trainee at Ricochet
“I can’t believe how lucky I am to have taken part in FormatLab. I was able to take part in amazing and informative training sessions with industry experts that I look up to and respect. It’s genuinely changed my life for the better and I’m so grateful to TRC, Ricochet, and all the other trainees for being part of an incredible nine months and a life changing experience with me!”
Kate Hammer, trainee at STV Studios
“After the trainee programme with TRC, I understand TV on a whole new level. From brainstorming, to entertainment and deck writing, to the roles of production and practical skills with photo and sizzle editing.”
Matthew Keeley, trainee at Bandicoot
“FormatLab has genuinely been life-changing for me. It’s the best professional opportunity I’ve ever taken up. I’m now working in an industry I’d wanted to be involved in for years and had never known how to approach.”
Laura Waddell, trainee at Objective
I will never forget FormatLab! Between the intensive expert training, studio trips and placement in a development team for 8 months, you truly couldn’t ask for a better introduction to the industry.
