Scottish documentary scheme unveiled for filmmakers

Aspiring filmmakers have the chance to produce their own documentaries for broadcast on the BBC Scotland channel thanks to a new collaboration.

Published: 29 May 2019
Scotland already has some great documentary makers but we hope that this scheme will help support those who would like to build a career in factual programme-making for themselves, but who don’t yet have a wealth of experience, while also providing our viewers with great stories from across the country.
— Tony Nellany

An exciting tie-up between Screen Scotland, the Scottish Documentary Institute and BBC Scotland will see six original 30-minute programmes broadcast over the next two years.

Aimed at directors who already have some film-making experience, the Right Here initiative will provide mentoring and production expertise which will enhance Scotland’s existing documentary and factual programme-making community.

The successful applicants will receive professional production assistance and a budget to make half-hour films reflecting the richness and diversity of life in modern day Scotland. All six programmes will be aired on the new BBC Scotland channel over the next few years.

Noé Mendelle, director of Scottish Documentary Institute, says: “We are delighted to launch Right Here , a new collaboration with BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland to nurture local documentary talent in exploring the richness and diversity of contemporary Scotland. It is a great opportunity for up and coming film-makers to share their storytelling talent with a wider audience.”

Leslie Finlay of Screen Scotland, says: “This exciting new collaboration will help to discover and develop new filmmaking voices and stories that will have the power to engage, connect and change the way we see Scotland. The BBC Scotland channel has already proven to be an important new platform for Scottish documentaries with Nae Pasaran and Last Breath recently airing, these new commissions will be in great company.”

BBC Scotland channel manager, Tony Nellany, says: “Scotland already has some great documentary makers but we hope that this scheme will help support those who would like to build a career in factual programme-making for themselves, but who don’t yet have a wealth of experience, while also providing our viewers with great stories from across the country.”

Would-be applicants for the first round of three commissions can get full details of how to apply at www.scottishdocinstitute.com/opportunities/righthere and they have until July 8 to submit their proposals.

RT