FOUR Glasgow-based TV production companies have been invited to work with the BBC to improve their chances of winning commissions.
As part of a BBC initiative to strengthen the UK’s TV production sector outside London, Hopscotch, Keo North, Matchlight and Raise the Roof are among the 25 UK-wide independents set to take part in the XM25, aimed at developing companies’ insights into how the Corporation’s Knowledge, Entertainment and Daytime commissioning departments operate.
The scheme, which involves four, day-and-a-half-long sessions – running from September this year to next July – also intends to introduce the companies to the likes of scheduling, marketing and audiences.
David Smith, managing director of Matchlight, told allmediascotland: “The inclusion of four strong and ambitious new independents from Scotland in this year’s XM25 scheme is a clear indication of both the BBC’s commitment to growing its Scottish supply base and the increasing importance of Glasgow as a centre of excellence in factual production for all of the UK’s Public Service Broadcasters.
“Matchlight starts from a strong position – we are currently filming series commissions for BBC1 and BBC2 as well as single films for BBC1, BBC2, BBC3 and BBC Scotland – and the Corporation’s investment in our success via the XM25 programme will doubtless be vital to our continued development. It’s up to us now to make the most of the opportunity they have provided.”
