Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund inaugural networking lunch
Date Posted: May 3, 2023
Over eighty people from the Ulster-Scots and Northern Ireland independent production sectors came together for the first Northern Ireland Screen Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund (USBF) Networking Lunch.
Held at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 19th April, and in partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency, the event was an opportunity for people to make new connections and develop USBF-funded ideas for TV, radio and digital output.
“It was fantastic to see such an enthusiastic turn-out,” said Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund Executive, Heidi McAlpin. “The positive feedback has confirmed the need for everyone to get to know each other and work together to deliver the best and most authentic Ulster-Scots content.”
Among the attendees were recent graduates from the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund Trainee Scheme, established in 2016 to help people from the Ulster-Scots community get into local television production. USBF Committee members including Chair Richard Hanna, consultants, writers and presenters were also there to share their skills and knowledge.
Representatives from the Linen Hall Library, National Museums NI, PRONI and Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive discussed how their rich Ulster-Scots collections could be used in USBF-funded productions. While Rory Clifford, Northern Ireland Screen’s Interactive Manager, talked about opportunities for interactive Ulster-Scots projects.
The event also marked the launch of the next USBF Digital Call, with Northern Ireland independent production companies invited to submit ideas by Friday 26th May. “Hopefully connections will have been made and new ideas generated,“ added Heidi. “The USBF looks forward to seeing what emerges from today’s event for this and future TV, radio and digital calls.”
As well as thanking the Ulster-Scots Agency for co-hosting the Networking Lunch, Heidi also thanked the Ulster-Scots Community Network for facilitating the event at Belfast’s Discover Ulster-Scots Centre.
The USBF was established in 2011 to promote Ulster-Scots heritage, culture and language through the funding of high-quality Northern Ireland TV, digital and radio productions.
For more information, click on this link: Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund – Northern Ireland Screen
