International Horizons: Scripted
Monday 2nd September 2024, 5pm
Applications for International Horizons: Scripted closed on Monday 2nd September at 5pm. A member of our team will be in contact in due course to let you know the outcome of your application.
International Horizons: Scripted is a new advanced industry programme aimed at supporting scripted drama companies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to build skills, knowledge and networks enabling them to thrive in the competitive world of international scripted content.
The programme will take place over six months and will focus on how each indie can reach their commercial and international potential focusing on different strategies to sustain and grow their business. Modules on a range of topics will give participants face to face access with leading industry experts, deal makers and creatives. Building connections and creating new relationships with a range of partners will be key components within the programme enabling every indie to raise the profile of their business.
Each participating producer will benefit from one-to-one consultancy and business planning sessions which will help them identify and reach their business goals and ambitions set out at the beginning of the programme.
The programme will culminate in an international market visit to meet senior representatives from the major broadcasters/streamers, distributors and potential co-production partners.
This programme is funded by the BFI awarding National Lottery funding, Creative Wales, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.
Please see the full list of FAQs about the programme below.
International Horizons: Scripted is an intensive industry programme designed to foster the next generation of high-end drama producers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The programme will feature a combination of in person and online sessions, covering topics led by key players within the industry covering:
- global markets
- business development strategies
- international sales and distribution
- management and retaining IP & rights
- positioning and marketing your show
- building the identity brand of your company within the complex world of multiple investors, technology and innovation and pitching techniques.
Additionally, delegates will have the unique opportunity to attend regular networking sessions, industry events such as Content London, and take part in an international market visit in 2025.
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a producer with a track record in producing scripted content within the last 5 years
- Be based in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales
- Have a production company registered in the UK.
As this is a highly competitive programme, we encourage all applicants to be as expansive and detailed as possible when submitting this application. We will prioritise applicants that can demonstrate the following:
Criteria for Selection
- Have a slate of ambitious projects in development with a production strategy, for how they will get this slate realised internationally, including approximate overall budget
- Be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Be committed to supporting and developing talent in your nation
- Be committed to environmental sustainability.
- Be committed to fair work and promotion of wellbeing.
- Be able to participate in all aspects of this programme fully, including market trips, for the duration.
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 producers with:
- A clear understanding of the current financing and distribution market
- Improved market knowledge and guidance as to the best markets for your production slate
- Clear understanding of financing models and how to work with sales agents, distributors, and financiers, at all levels
- Improved skills, knowledge, and confidence in packaging, pitching, negotiating, selling, understanding, and closing deals
- Insights into how to produce for streamers and international studios – what to always do, what not to do and how to avoid the pitfalls
- Expanded networks within the international community, providing exposure for your shows and your company.
- One to one expert advice and bespoke support
Applications for International Horizons Scripted are now open and can be submitted using this form. The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd September, 5pm.
Shortlisting and selection will be undertaken by a rigorous high calibre selection panel.
CAROLINE LEVY
Caroline is a BAFTA nominated highly experienced, versatile producer and executive producer who has worked in scripted and non-scripted for a range of broadcasters including Paramount, BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, FX and Showtime. During her most recent role as the in-house Creative Producer at Paramount International Studios she worked on several high-profile shows including Ewan McGregor’s “A Gentleman in Moscow” and the international thriller “Band of Spies”. Prior to that role Caroline was the Senior Production Executive for all UK Paramount+ and Channel 5 scripted shows, negotiating commercial and financial terms, extending to over thirty productions including “Insomnia”, “The Killing Kind”, and “The Inheritance”.
Previously Caroline held the role of Director of Current High-End Drama at BBC Studios where she collaborated, or executive produced all shows in production from “Silent Witness” to “Doctor Who”. As an executive producer for “The Break,” Caroline championed and mentored new disabled talent, highlighting her dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
Prior to this role Caroline was a freelance producer/executive producer who had worked on a range of shows including Channel 4’s “Deadwater Fell” with David Tennant, Sky’s “Hooten & the Lady” and “Inspector George Gently”. Caroline started her career as a journalist in BBC News working on “Newsnight”, “Rough Justice” and “Correspondent”.
With an extensive background filming in over fifteen countries, Caroline brings a global perspective to her work. Her career reflects a blend of rigorous editorial focus, strategic financial and business acumen, and a deep understanding of media dynamics ensuring that productions are not only artistically compelling but also financially viable.
The programme will be divided into six modules or “episodes,” each designed to enhance your international appeal and unlock opportunities for growth. Running from October 2024 to March 2025, the training sessions will be held both online and in person (with in person dates taking place in the three Nations).
OCTOBER 9th and 10th (Glasgow, in-person)
Episode 1: Taking Stock
Understanding your Business Strategy in an International Landscape with industry experts; case studies and success stories from leading producers and commissioners
NOVEMBER (online)
Episode 2: Coping with Curveballs
A leading HR expert and top industry PR exec will share their experience of dealing with the tricky stuff and leveraging your company’s profile in an international market
NOVEMBER Date TBC (Cardiff, in-person)
Episode 3: Capturing your Creative Edge
Identifying the qualities that help you stand out in a crowded market. We will hear from indies, commissioners, distributors and award winning craft practitioners on how to shine, how to deliver at scale and how to crack ambition versus budget when delivering for streamers.
DECEMBER 2nd to 5th (London, in-person)
Episode 4: Law and Order
Top media lawyers bring clarity on areas ranging from AI, IP, talent deals and co-pros. An international distributor will share case studies of how they work with indies to close finance. Streamers and international broadcaster will give insight on process and expectations and reveal why they love to work with UK producers.
Attendance at Content London
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH (Online)
Case-studies
Throughout the programme, a range of industry experts will provide real life examples of project highs and lows including themes such as:
Fact to Fiction – Exploring factually inspired dramas with award-winning producers
The Scripted Model – Understanding the UK scripted model and plugging into international finance with leading international distributors
Mastering Talent Management – Crewing up and working with talent with a leading talent agency
Technology and Innovation – Exploring the impact of emerging technologies on content creation and distribution
Clean Slate – promoting sustainable practices
FEBRUARY (online)
Episode 5: Crossing Borders
Exploring new avenues and ways of working with commissioners and representatives from a range of European and American streamers and broadcasters
FEBRUARY (Belfast, in person)
Episode 6: Market Ready
Preparing for international markets with impact and influence and driving tangible growth for your business with advice from a leading commercial director
MARCH
International Field Trip
Group trip to a major international market, destination to be confirmed
Alongside the training programme, you will benefit from one-to-one consultancy and business planning sessions which will help to identify and reach your business goals and ambitions set out at the beginning of the programme.
Travel and accommodation costs to training and markets is included in the course fee of £925
*Please note this timetable is subject to change.
International Horizons: Scripted is heavily subsidised by our funders. The programme fee for 2024/25 is £925.
All accommodation required to attend the in person sessions, attend Content London and the International Trip is included.
A contribution towards travel costs for the above, is available for all delegates.
TRC is committed to sustainability and will encourage delegates to travel by train where possible.
If you have any further questions about the programme, please email projectmanager@trcmedia.org
TRC is one of the UK’s leading broadcast training providers. TRC is a registered charity based in Glasgow, funded by Screen Scotland, BBC Nations and Channel 4.
