Training in television and digital media has been boosted in Scotland with the announcement of a funding package in excess of one million pounds.
The 'Creative Edge' scheme is being funded to the tune of £1.4 million from the Scottish Government and includes providing emerging talent shadowing established practitioners, visits to Silicon Valley companies such as Pixar and Facebook, training in developing formats for TV and online, and 'business breakfasts' involving leading TV and digital media experts.
The funding package has been announced by Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop. There are four partners in the scheme: Channel 4, Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and TRC media, the Glasgow-based training specialist.
Says Hyslop: “Television and digital media support 42,000 jobs in Scotland and make a valuable contribution to the success of our world-leading creative industries. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting Scotland's creative economy by working closely with the sector as well as relevant public sector agencies to ensure the appropriate support is in place.
“I am particularly pleased to see a major broadcaster such as Channel 4 working together with TRC and public sector organisations on this initiative. Partnership working of this kind is vital to promote the creative industries sector as a whole. By nurturing Scottish talent and offering opportunities for international collaboration, the Creative Edge partnership will enhance this dynamic sector while reinforcing Scotland's global reputation for creative excellence.”
There are six main strands to the Creative Edge project, some aimed at emerging digital talent and others designed for established industry leaders:
• Gen Up: An intensive immersion programme in which hand-picked emerging digital talent will learn from leading industry practitioners in all aspects of creative digital media.
• Cross Creative: A nine month initiative enabling creative leaders from Scottish digital companies to expand their knowledge and their networks. Delegates will visit world-class Silicon Valley companies including Pixar, Ideo and Facebook.
• Format Developers Programme: A specialist training scheme in developing new entertainment and factual formats for television series and online content.
• International Access: Field trips by Scottish producers to the US and Canada to meet top broadcasters and potential production partners in international territories.
• Emerging Creative Leaders: A leadership development scheme for emerging creative professionals who can lead teams in all aspects of broadcast and digital production.
• Creative Breakfasts: A portfolio of events with guest speakers that provide content creators with the latest thinking across TV and multimedia.
