Documentary film series among 2014 highlights announced by STV

A SERIES of documentary films – made by up-and-coming Scotland-based filmmakers – is among the highlights of next year’s programming schedule from Glasgow-based broadcaster, STV.

This is Scotland is being produced in association with the Scottish Documentary Institute.

And among the other highlights announced today for 2014 by STV is a new quiz show, The Lie – hosted by comedian, Susan Calman, and made by STV Productions – where two teams compete to win a cash prize by identifying the lie from a set of otherwise true statements.

Says a media release from the broadcaster: “STV continues to provide a platform for debate ahead of the independence referendum, with Scotland Tonight specials and major live peak time debates in 2014. STV will also broadcast the final of The Referendum Schools Debate, a partnership between STV and Debating Matters to give secondary school pupils the opportunity to discuss the big issues in the run up to the referendum.

“Too Good to Waste: Passing it On rifles through the rubbish of the Scottish celebrities from series one, including Fred MacAulay, Kaye Adams and Stephen Purdon, and challenges them to help their friends and family stop wasting resources, time and money.

“The STV Appeal Update 2013: Your Money, Well Spent (Saturday January 4) celebrates the success of the STV Appeal which raised £2.5 million for Scotland’s children this year, and visits some of the projects that are benefiting from funding. STV will also broadcast a week of dedicated STV Appeal programming later in the year to highlight fundraising efforts in 2014.

“Film review series, Moviejuice, returns in January, presented by Grant Lauchlan.

“A new series of Animal 999, made by independent production company Demus, goes behind the scenes of the Scottish SPCA to highlight the fantastic work carried out by Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity.”

The company adds: “In June, STV will launch STV Glasgow, a brand new city-focused TV channel. More details about the schedule and presenters will be unveiled in due course.”

The release quotes Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, as saying: “Our viewers expect a great mix of entertainment, drama, news and current affairs, and in 2014 we will continue to deliver just that. 2014 is a big year for Scotland and our schedule will combine the very best from the network with some excellent new Scottish productions, the big issues and discussions ahead of the independence referendum, and the launch of a brand new city channel.”

Pic: Graeme Hunter.