Tuesday, August 23, 2011

£1.4m initiative announced by Scottish Government to aid TV and digital media development

The Scottish Government has announced a £1.4m funding package for training and developing in television and digital media.

Announced this morning by culture secretary Fiona Hyslop, the Creative Edge partnership will run over three years, through partners Channel 4, Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and TRC Media with the aim of strengthening the talent pool in Scotland.

"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,” said Hyslop.

"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."

The Creative Edge project will have six main strands, including creative breakfasts offering insight guest speakers, field trips to the US and Canada to meet broadcasters and potential production partners, a leadership development scheme, a training scheme to develop new content formats, a programme involving digital talent working alongside creative industry practitioners and a nine month initiative enabling creative leaders to expand their networks and knowledge, visiting companies such as Pixar, Facebook and Ideo.

There are six main strands in the Creative Edge project, some aimed at emerging digital talent and others designed for established industry leaders:

Linda McPherson, director of creative industries for Scottish Enterprise commented: "The creative industry sector is already a major contributor to Scotland's economy. However with technology changing the way TV content is produced, delivered and viewed, there are many opportunities for business growth and collaboration across different sectors, opening up new avenues of revenue and new markets. We want to ensure our companies are equipped to take advantage of these opportunities and that's what Creative Edge will provide."

Earlier today it was announced that the BBC was to move production of its drama serial Waterloo Road, produced by Shed Productions, to Glasgow resulting in the creation of 230 new jobs in Scotland.

(Source : The Drum, UK)

No comments:

Post a Comment