BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland are partnering in a drive to support emerging talent pipelines into the creative industry by searching for the next generation of Scotland’s unscripted television directors.

The joint initiative will see eight candidates offered the opportunity to produce and direct their first documentary for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. For the duration of the project, the successful applicants will be based at the leading Scottish production companies that won the commissions on which the candidates will work.

Each participating prodco will oversee the development, filming and post-production of the documentary while also providing training, guidance and support to the applicant throughout the process.

BBC Scotland and network commissioners will provide support in the development and production of the documentary, and master class sessions will be offered by leading industry experts and practitioners through the duration of the project.

“The central focus of this initiative is to support Scotland’s independent production community by attracting and supporting the best emerging non-scripted directing talent based here in Scotland,” Tony Nellany, BBC Scotland channel manager and commissioning executive, said at a briefing announcing the launch.

“From suppliers we are looking for ideas that will connect with 16- [to] 34-year-olds on both linear and digital services in ways that feel both authentic and distinctive. Once we have commissioned the films, we will match the eight successful candidates with the production companies and support them as they bring the ideas to life.”

Applications for the initiative are now being accepted, with a closing date of July 12.

Photo: Screen Scotland