Screen Scotland has launched 4 film talent development initiatives to help new and emerging filmmakers develop their first feature.
The programmes have a combined annual budget of £1.2m and include:
Short Film Development and Production
Early Development Shorts
Community Engagement Workshops
Feature Film Script Development
“Recent Scottish film successes – including The Outrun written by Scottish writer Amy Liptrot and starring Saoirse Ronan, On Falling from Laura Carreira and Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun – have shone a spotlight on Scottish film and Scotland-based filmmaking talent,” said Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland.
“Short films are where filmmakers such as Laura and Charlotte hone their talent. It’s an essential part of any thriving filmmaking culture, which is why we are doubling down on our support.
“Through these four new initiatives, Screen Scotland is working to ensure that there’s a clear pathway in Scotland for filmmakers to realise their talent and create more bold and ambitious work, which makes a real impact on the world.
“This major increase in investment expands opportunity and takes direct action to strengthen the diversity of Scotland’s screen sector, bringing more distinct and diverse voices to our screens and better representing Scotland.”
The aim is to create a pathway to identify and support new and emerging talent across Scotland and the package includes the return of First Feature, and new short film production programmes across Scotland.
“The Scottish Government is committed to investing in Scotland’s filmmaking potential, building on the remarkable growth it has seen in recent years to create thousands of new jobs and economic opportunities across the country,” added Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.
“Screen Scotland’s support for the sector has been critical to that success and I was pleased to be able to increase its funding by £2 million, as part of an overall £34 million uplift for culture funding in the draft 2025-26 Scottish Budget – the largest increase in culture funding in Scotland since devolution, outside of emergency Covid funding.
“These film development initiatives will ensure the next generation of Scottish filmmakers can benefit from that investment and continue a proud legacy of inspiring audiences around the world.”
The programmes will cover the next 5 years, with applications for the 4 initiatives closing on Monday 20 January 2025.
