Factual Fast Track returns to Scotland and Northern Ireland
Date Posted: October 24, 2022
Following the success of Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland’s first edition, the programme supported by BBC, Channel 4, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland is returning to Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2022.
The year-long development programme will be delivered by Glasgow-based training organisation TRC and is open to senior producers and series producers with a proven track record in network or regional series production. The programme is specifically designed to accelerate the careers of Scotland and Northern Ireland’s most talented and creative factual producers.
Successful candidates will benefit from top-flight industry training, paid production placements, commissioner and industry mentors, exclusive access to commissioners, insight into commissioning processes and priorities as well as one to one support.
Factual Fast Track was originally conceived to boost the careers and opportunities of the next generation of factual creative leaders across the UK and it has been welcomed by independent production companies working in these sectors. Companies who have supported the scheme this year have commented:
“Factual Fast Track is hugely valuable to the independent sector in Scotland. Finding the right talent with all the key skills and experience we need for senior roles on productions is challenging. FFT aims to alleviate these issues and hopefully has produced a new raft of senior, experienced, and trained talent that we can work with in future.” Jeannot Hutcheson, Raise The Roof
“It is vital that careers and talent develop in our industry. It is all the more important in a production community like Scotland/Northern Ireland where a critical mass of skills is required to make bigger and bolder productions viable and ensure sustainable, significant growth in the sector.” Gerry Costello, IWC
The first cohort to complete this programme in Scotland and Northern Ireland have benefitted from exceptional opportunities. Some have secured their first network series producer credits while others have spearheaded development for major international indies and all have seen their careers move ahead by leaps and bounds.
Margaret Scott and Claire Scally, TRC’s Joint Managing Directors said: “We have been delighted with the success of the first Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland and are so pleased our funders have recognised this and are supporting the return of the programme. We look forward to continuing our support for the development of key roles for the industry in Scotland and Northern Ireland through this reputation and career building programme.”
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, BBC said: “The BBC is committed to backing brilliant Factual talent right across the UK and so I’m delighted that the Factual Fast Track is returning for a second year. This initiative will give talented producers the opportunity to accelerate their careers and work on stand out content that reflects the lives of our viewers across Britain.”
Jo Street, Channel 4’s Head of Daytime and Factual, said: “Factual Fast Track is a brilliant initiative which champions factual production talent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It enables us to work more closely with production talent and identify the next generation of factual creative leaders and I’m delighted to support this fantastic programme.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Screen commented: “We are delighted to support the second edition of Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland. With so many close connections across the two regions, the scheme is a fantastic fit for talent wanting to gain experience and support with their careers. We look forward to the programme continuing to boost the careers of the next generation of talented producers and bring the next level of factual content to the sector.”
Dani Carlaw, Head of Unscripted at Screen Scotland commented that: “Factual Fast Track 2022 has delivered above and beyond expectations. Returning for 2023 it continues to build on the ongoing strategic development of Scotland’s senior creatives. Through close nurturing of factual creative leaders, the programme encourages the continued expansion of top-level productions from Scotland, increasing the range of our factual offering, and its potential for screen sector growth.”
The deadline for applications is Monday 5th December. Click HERE to apply.
