FOCUS ON: Screen
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June 2021
Film City Futures' Project Manager, Rebecca Thompson, was appointed as Head of Indie Relations at Channel 4. Scotland’s local independent cinemas and operators began to re-open their doors and welcome cinema goers. Scottish Documentary Institute announced the selected projects and panellists for this year’s Edinburgh Pitch. Ride the Wave, a Screen Scotland funded feature documentary from Blackhouse Films, is due for release in summer 2021.
May 2021
Twelve trainees were selected for TRC’s rad scheme and twelve senior management individuals from across the Nations and Regions are set to take part in a six-month training programme International Horizons with TRC. Nominations for the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards were announced. Indielab Accelerator announced the 2021 cohort for the sixth edition of its growth programme for independent TV production companies looking to achieve scale and develop their businesses.
April 2021
The most recent First Features awardees were announced and will be enabled by Short Circuit to take that career-defining step towards making their debut feature. Eight Trustees were appointed to Scottish Documentary Institute’s Board. The Royal Television Society announced the winners for its RTS Programme Awards 2021. Ten participants took their virtual places as part of the second cohort of SDI’s New Voices mentoring and professional development programme.
march 2021
FOCUS Business Support Co-ordinator, Ashe Hussain, was appointed to Creative Scotland's EDI Advisory Group. Less is More (LIM) - the European development programme for limited budget feature films - selected 12 Development Angels, including Short Circuit Talent Executive - Mar Vila Barcelo. Screen Scotland, BBC Drama Commissioning and BBC Writersroom announced the Scottish Drama Writers’ Programme 2021.
february 2021
Short Circuit announced the participants taking part in Convergence – their new programme for aspiring screenwriters. Council bosses have revealed plans to develop a £11.9 million production facility within Glasgow’s historic Kelvin Hall with substantial support of up to £7.9 million from the Scottish Government. Channel 4 announced it is moving Features, Daytime and More4 from London to its Glasgow Creative Hub.
January 2021
Feature films and television dramas were given the green light to keep running during the heightened lockdown restrictions – as it emerged that "more productions than ever” are looking to shoot in Scotland. GMAC Film announced eight selected filmmakers for Little Pictures, the micro budget film programme funded by The National Lottery through Screen Scotland. 140 independent cinemas in the UK received a share of over £750k from the BFI to support diverse film programming and bring audiences back to the big screen.
December 2020
Short Circuit announced that they are now accepting applications for their feature film development scheme, First Features. Edinburgh-based Film Access Scotland received £40,744 in emergency funds from the Scottish Government’s Youth Arts funding package through Screen Scotland. BIFA announced this year’s long lists in its influential new talent categories, which featured Douglas Cox, Ciara Barry and Rosie Crerar of barry crerar, Eva Riley, Irune Gurtubai and Lucy Brydon.
november 2020
Ten Scotland-based production companies have been selected to participate in FOCUS Bootcamp. BAFTA Scotland announced the nominations for the British Academy Scotland Awards in 2020. Channel 4 and Screen Scotland pledged a £75k investment to fund up to five new developments and one new transmittable pilot from Scotland-based producers and suppliers. Scottish Documentary Institute announced the longlist of filmmakers involved in their Bridging the Gap initiative.
october 2020
Short Circuit's online events programme was announced – including free webinars, monthly networking events and film screenings. BAFTA Scotland has confirmed that this year's British Academy Scotland Awards will take place on Tuesday 8th December as a closed studio. Channel 4 and Screen Scotland pledged a £75k investment to fund up to five new developments and one new transmittable pilot from Scotland-based producers and suppliers.
September 2020
Short Circuit has announced the nine films that will be produced through Sharp Shorts and introduced two Talent Executives – Alice Whittemore and Mar Vila Barcelo. STV Group rebranded its production company from STV Productions to STV Studios in a move it says will reflect the changing focus of the business. Romantic comedy Falling for Figaro starring Danielle MacDonald and Joanna Lumley was picked as one of 30 ‘Industry Selects’ for the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
August 2020
Short Circuit announced the 16 shortlisted films that will be supported through the short film scheme Sharp Shorts. Short Circuit has also announced the appointment of two Talent Executives. Steve Carson was named as the new head of BBC Scotland, taking over from Donalda MacKinnon. The line-up for the 45th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was announced, including the world premiere of Ben Sharrock's Limbo.
JUly 2020
The Scottish Government has announced that cinemas in Scotland will be able to reopen from July 15th, Screen Scotland announced the appointment of respected film and television makers to three new strategic roles and The British Academy of Film and Television Arts confirmed that the BAFTA Awards will go ahead in 2020. Six Scottish filmmakers joined the 49% of people based outside of the United States who are now part of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
JUNE 2020
We announced that Film City Futures is partnering with Glasgow Film to deliver Short Circuit - a new film talent initiative for Scotland, funded by Screen Scotland and BFI NETWORK. The British Film Commission (BFC) and UK Screen Alliance published new guidance for film and TV productions. The Scottish Documentary Institute (SDI) recently announced the selected projects and panellists for this year’s Edinburgh Pitch. RTS Scotland announced this year’s winners.
MAY 2020
We shared details regarding our upcoming webinar, Samuel Ampah from Alliotts who will provide detailed guidance and discuss all elements related to the UK's Film Tax Relief. Screen Scotland announced the appointment of two new roles to support Scotland’s film and TV sector. BFI announced a package of support for the UK film industry, including production and a contribution to the Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund.
april 2020
We announced that we’ll be organising a variety of webinars aimed at supporting those working in the creative industries, which will be announced in our newsletter at the beginning of each month. Screen Scotland announced that First Stage Studios Ltd has been appointed to run a large-scale film and TV studio space in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith. Filmhouse revealed its new vision to create an internationally significant, fully accessible and environmentally sustainable landmark home for film and screen culture in Edinburgh.
MARCH 2020
Six filmmakers based in Scotland recently pitched their project and received feedback from industry experts on how to effectively distribute and market their film during FOCUS ON: Distribution as part of Glasgow Film Festival Industry Focus. BBC Scotland Director Donalda MacKinnon is to stand down as the corporation's Scottish leader after four years in the role. Emilia Beatriz is the eleventh recipient of the Margaret Tait Award and NFTS Scotland announced the launch of the Channel 2 Bursary Scheme.
february 2020
We announced the ten companies that were selected to take part in FOCUS Bootcamp - equipping them with the skills, knowledge and contacts that they need to grow and thrive. Scottish Documentary Institute announced the five filmmakers commissioned for this year’s Bridging the Gap programme and 1917 was the recipient of seven awards at the BAFTAs. Broadcast Magazine has announced the top employers of the year in television - including three Scottish companies.
January 2020
Scottish film and television talent were successful at this year’s Golden Globes, the shortlist for the 2020/21 Margaret Tait Award has been announced and nominees for this year's British Academy Film Awards were announced - including a variety of Scottish productions. Amazon Studios acquired the worldwide rights to Ninian Doff’s debut feature Boyz In The Wood and The Academy announced shortlisted films for the 92nd Oscars - including Aquarela and Wild Rose.
December 2019
We announced FOCUS Bootcamp - a 3-day course to equip new screen companies with the skills, knowledge and contacts that they need to grow and thrive. Glasgow Film announced their new CEO as Allison Gardner, Scottish productions were recognised at the British Independent Film Awards 2019 and Scottish Documentary Institute have launched 50/50+ Women Direct- a campaign aiming for 50% of Scotland's documentaries to be made by women by 2025.
November 2019
We announced our upcoming event - FOCUS ON: Nations and Regions. Channel 4 officially marked the opening of its new Creative Hub in Glasgow. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Scotland honoured the very best talent in film, games and television produced in Scotland over the last year. Scottish Documentary Institute has announced this year’s supported producers, filmmakers and impact producers who’ll be heading to Amsterdam this month.
october 2019
Five companies have been selected to receive business development support through a unique partnership with MG ALBA. We’re partnering with Creative Europe Desk UK to present an information session with Leontine Petit from Amsterdam-based Lemming Films and we announced our BFI's Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF) event for content producers to find out more about the ambitions of the fund from Jackie Edwards.
September 2019
David Smith, Managing Director of Glasgow-based TV production company Matchlight, was appointed as Director of Screen at Screen Scotland. Scottish Film Talent Network (SFTN) has announced the six short films commissioned for the New Talent Scottish Shorts 2019 programme. Screenwriter-coaching and talent development firm Script Angel opens a base in Scotland.
august 2019
We announced that we are working with MG ALBA to offer five BBC ALBA suppliers the opportunity to access fully-funded commercial affairs support and mentoring from industry experts. Screen Scotland launched a new collaboration with the world’s largest arts festival - The Edinburgh Festival Fringe - to secure new film and TV content. A new blended whisky from the homeland of Robert the Bruce has been crowned the official dram of Netflix’s Outlaw King.
July 2019
Additional FOCUS Bites opportunities were announced. TRC launched CrossCreative:Immersive - a training and development programme for companies throughout Scotland’s digital sector. Edinburgh International Film Festival revealed the Award Winners for this year’s festival, with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje winning the Michael Powell award for his directorial debut, Farming. The festival’s most sought-after films included Balance, Not Symmetry, Scheme Birds, The Amber Light, and Boyz in the Wood.
June 2019
We announced upcoming FOCUS Bites opportunities, as well as our upcoming event in partnership with EIFF Industry on how to build a sustainable film business. BBC Scotland announced their new documentary scheme: Right Here. Margaret Tait 100 announced the recipients of ten new short film commissions that celebrate her life and sixteen established and NFTS Scotland celebrated a successful first year with over 22 courses completed and over 170 course participants.
MAY 2019
We announced that FOCUS has been extended until December 2019. Edinburgh International Film Festival revealed that Boyz In The Wood will open their 73rd edition. SFTN confirmed the 12 projects selected to participate in the 2019/20 Scottish Shorts programme. Glasgow was selected as the host city for next year’s Creative Cities Convention, and Wild Rose and Yuli, were released in cinemas across the UK.
April 2019
Screen Scotland announced the first recipients of their £3million Broadcast Content Fund. BBC Scotland issued a debut tender worth just shy of £1m for its in-house coverage of Hogmanay Live. Edinburgh International Film Festival have announce the 6 teams that will be part of their new initiative, Talent Lab Connects. Boyz In The Wood wins the Midnighters Audience Award at this year’s SXSW Film Festival.
MARCH 2019
Harry Birrell: Films of Love and War - narrated by Bodyguard star Richard Madden, directed by Glasgow-based Matt Pinder and produced by Hopscotch Films - wins this year's Glasgow Film Festival Audience Award. Screen Scotland launched a recruitment process to appoint a Director of Screen. The BBC commits to broadcast at least 27 BBC Scotland shows across its network over the next three years.
FEBRUARY 2019
Channel 4 has announced the location of its new Creative Hub in Glasgow and five filmmakers are commissioned through this year’s Bridging the Gap programme. A variety of Scottish production companies feature on the Broadcast Magazine's annual Best Places to Work guide. Mary Queen of Scots receives its Scottish Premiere in Edinburgh and BBC Scotland gears up for the launch of the new channel.
january 2019
A plan to build a major studio in Scotland is in the works, this year's BAFTA nominees feature a variety of Scottish productions and Glasgow Film Festival announces their opening and closing screenings with Brian Welsh’s Beats closing the event. The shortlist is selected for the 2019/20 Margaret Tait Award and BBC Scotland announced the three new personalities that will be the voice of its new channel.
DECEMBER 2018
The final cohort of 20 companies participating in FOCUS were announced. Scottish talent wins at this year’s BIFA awards. Indies including FOCUS participants Matchlight Productions and Hopscotch Films are to take part in TRC’s training scheme to develop diverse talent. The new BBC Scotland TV channel is to launch on 24th February next year and will feature the first episode of the final series of comedy Still Game.
November 2018
Glasgow was selected as a location for one of Channel 4’s new Creative Hubs and the British Independent Film Awards announced their nominations - featuring a variety of Scottish talent. The new Fast and Furious spin-off starring Idris Elba used Glasgow as a location for filming and Limbo commenced filming in the Outer Hebrides. Rachel Maclean’s Make Me Up is also set to broadcast on BBC Four.
OCTOBER 2018
FOCUS is collaborating with SDI to deliver a panel event focusing on long form documentary, BAFTA Scotland announced their nominees for this year’s Awards, seven Scottish films will screen at BFI London Film Festival 2018, the new cast of Jamie Adams’ Balance Not Symmetry (which the director is making with Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro) was announced and new cast members join Black Camel’s Marionette.
september 2018
Screen Scotland was revealed along with the launch of a new £3 million fund for broadcast content. Outlaw King, produced by Sigma Films, opened Toronto International Film Festival. STV gears up to use its ‘unique broadcaster shop window’ as a breeding ground for pilot shows and Channel 4 expanded their nations and regions team.
august 2018
Fiona Hyslop announced the appointment of Elizabeth Partyka, David Strachan and Ewan Angus as Members of the Board of Creative Scotland. Glasgow is now officially out of the running for the new Channel 4 HQ, but is still being considered for a creative hub along with Bristol and Cardiff. Janet Archer announced stepping down from her role as Chief Executive at Creative Scotland.
July 2018
Isabel Davis was appointed as Executive Director, to lead the delivery of Scotland’s new Screen Unit. The Scottish Government's Culture, Tourism and External Relations (CTEER) Committee have released their report on the Scottish Screen Sector. The BBC pledged £4m into a 110-staff Scottish digital hub at Pacific Quay. 13 projects have been shortlisted to participate in SFTN's 2018 Scottish Shorts programme.
JUNE 2018
Glasgow was shortlisted for Channel 4's HQ and dozens of jobs were lost after STV announced it is to close its second channel. The BBC announced that the new Scottish channel will go live in February 2019, with a budget of £32 million. A Scottish Parliament committee called for a radical rethink on Scotland’s new Screen Unit to ensure it can help Scotland’s dynamic screen sector reach its full potential.
May 2018
We revealed our new consultants for Stage 1 of FOCUS and Film City Glasgow declared their backing of Glasgow's bid for a Channel 4 HQ. Creative Scotland introduced targeted funding, the new BBC Scotland channel was given a provisional go-ahead, GMAC announced Beth Armstrong as their new director and both the BBC and Channel 5 pledged to work closely with the Nations and Regions.
april 2018
In April we announced our next event - FOCUS ON: Digital. Film City Glasgow's Tiernan Kelly joined the CTEER Committee in the Scottish Parliament to discuss infrastructure for Scotland’s film & TV industry and the Pentland Studios. Our application portal closed, NFTS Scotland opened their Glasgow hub, STV hired their first head of factual development and Glasgow announced their pitch to become the new Channel 4 hub.
march 2018
In March the Director of Film City, Tiernan Kelly, was announced as a Member of the Creative Industries Federation Council 2018. Robert Wilson was appointed as Chair to the Creative Scotland board, barry crerar were selected for the prestigious Torino SciptLab Projects 2018, Jo Street was hired as Commissioner for Popular Factual and Formats at BBC Scotland and a variety of Scottish festivals reveal their programmes.
FEBRUARY 2018
In our first issue of FOCUS ON: Screen we published the details of our Stage 2 consultants available to FOCUS participants. The FOCUS application deadline was also announced as the 29th March 2018. Natalie Usher stepped down from her position as Director of Screen at Creative Scotland, Glasgow Film Festival announced their full programme and BBC Scotland revealed their second multi-platform commissioning brief.