FormatLab

Do you love entertainment television? Are you full of ideas for new TV shows?

Deadline

Applications for FormatLab are now closed

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Delegates

Meet this years trainees!

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Want to hear more about our FormatLab delegates?

FormatLab is a new 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. 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. 

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 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.

FormatLab is funded by Screen Scotland, BBC, and Channel 4.

Meet the alumni

FAQs

FormatLab is a brand new development training programme. The initiative anticipates the growth in entertainment production from Scotland following 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 will focus on the development of multi-part and returning formats in factual entertainment including reality, talent, game and quiz shows. It will feature training, mentoring and placements for eight 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.

There is no age limit for FormatLab and previous television production experience is not essential. However, to be eligible you will:

  • Have a demonstrable love of television, with a particular passion for game, quiz, talent and/or reality shows.
  • Be an innovative and original thinker bubbling with ideas.

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.

Applications for Friday 17th March 2023Sign up to our mailing list to be notified of new opportunities.

FormatLab will run from May 2023 – January 2024 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. Participants will be paid Living Wage for the duration of the nine-month programme.

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.”

FormatLab is funded by