Making a dramatic difference Back

4th October 2007

Highland film company Move On Up is to train and develop local writing talent as part of PILOT, in a major drama writing initiative, from 4Talent Scotland.

Supported by Scottish Screen through the National Lottery and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, PILOT is aimed at writers with some experience and offers the unique opportunity to write and develop an idea for broadcast on Channel 4.

The 12 writers will take part in industry masterclasses with the creators of hit Channel 4 series Skins, The Book Group and Shameless. They will then be hothoused in production companies, where they will write a treatment for a six-part drama series and a script for a pilot episode under the guidance of producers and Channel 4 script editors.

Production companies taking part in the scheme are Glasgow-based Synchronicity Films and Brocken Spectre, and Highlands and Islands company Move On Up. Four writers will be based with Cromarty-based Move On Up, who are currently in production with a TV drama series, and previously produced feature film American Cousins, written by Sergio Casci. Casci will work with the company again to train and develop the four winning writers, who will also benefit from input from a Channel 4 script editor.

Three of the writer and producer teams - one from each production company - will then be given the opportunity to pitch their idea to C4 commissioning editors in London to win a £90,000 commission to create their pilot episode for broadcast. The winning pilot will be filmed and broadcast on Channel 4's 4Talent slot in August 2008.

Don Coutts, Producer at Move On Up, said: "As a company Move On Up have spent a lot of energy and time making themselves accessible to young people in the Highlands, so that they can more than imagine a career in film and televsion. This project gives us a chance to actively encourage and mentor some talented young people, and try hard to make their creativity and dreams bear fruit."

Amanda Millen, screen and broadcast industries development manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: "Highlands and Islands Enterprise is very excited to be part of this fantastic initiative and is looking forward to discovering and developing some strong screenwriting talent from the Highlands and Islands."

Sophie Gardiner, commissioning editor for Drama, said, "Channel 4 is constantly striving to find new and exciting writers to create its drama output, and PILOT is a great way to discover and develop this new talent. With a guaranteed commission on offer, this is a unique opportunity for the right person to develop their skills, get their talent noticed, and hopefully establish a writing career with Channel 4. I'm expecting to hear some very interesting proposals from the shortlisted writers."

Leslie Finlay, development executive at Scottish Screen, said, "Scottish Screen's aim is to support individual talent and companies. The Pilot initiative fulfils both these goals. The three companies who have been selected to hothouse the new writing talent are very exciting and creative companies. They have an opportunity to increase their profile and demonstrate they can be long term providers of quality and original drama for Channel 4."

The Pilot initiative will be launched at 29 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow on Tuesday, 9th October 2007 by Sophie Gardiner, Stuart Cosgrove, director of Channel 4 nations and regions, Leslie Finlay of Scottish Screen and Amanda Millen. Potential applicants will find out what the drama department is looking for, get advice on pitching and writing, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Entry to the event is by invitation only. Writers wishing to attend should contact Victoria Allison on vallison[AT]channel4.co.uk - tel: 0141 568 7162.

Guidelines and application details for the initiative are now available at www.channel4.com/pilot

The deadline for application is Friday 23rd November 2007.