Factual Fast Track, TRC’s development programme for factual producers, has announced its 2023 cohort.
The year-long development programme, delivered by Glasgow-based training organisation TRC, supports senior producers and series producers with a proven track record in accelerating their series producing careers on network.
Delegates will benefit from top-flight industry training, paid production placements, commissioner and industry mentors, exclusive access to commissioners, insight into commissioning processes and priorities as well as one to one support.
The successful delegates for the second iteration of Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland are:
- Bernadette Morris, Northern Ireland
- Denise Glass, Scotland
- Jane Magowan, Northern Ireland
- Jon Morrice, Scotland
- Jude McCaffrey, Northern Ireland
- Linda Sands, Scotland
- LJ McRae, Scotland
- Richard Weller, Northern Ireland
- Ruth Mulcahy, Scotland
Factual Fast Track was originally conceived to boost the careers and opportunities of the next generation of factual creative leaders across the UK and it has been welcomed by independent production companies working in these sectors.
Jeannot Hutcheson, Raise The Roof said: “Factual Fast Track is hugely valuable to the independent sector in Scotland. Finding the right talent with all the key skills and experience we need for senior roles on productions is challenging. FFT aims to alleviate these issues and hopefully has produced a new raft of senior, experienced, and trained talent that we can work with in future.”
The first cohort to complete this programme in Scotland and Northern Ireland have benefitted from exceptional opportunities. Some have secured their first network series producer credits while others have spearheaded development for major international indies and all have seen their careers move ahead by leaps and bounds
This programme is funded by BBC, Channel 4, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.
Find out more about this year’s cohort
Claire Scally, Managing Director of TRC said: “Following the success of the first Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are so pleased to announce the participation of such a talented cohort of factual Producers in this year’s edition of the programme. We look forward to continuing our support for the development of key roles for the industry in Scotland and Northern Ireland through this reputation and career building programme.”
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, BBC said: “The BBC is committed to backing brilliant Factual talent right across the UK and so I’m delighted that the Factual Fast Track is returning for a second year. This initiative will give talented producers the opportunity to accelerate their careers and work on stand out content that reflects the lives of our viewers across Britain.”
Jo Street, Channel 4’s Head of Daytime and Factual, said: “Factual Fast Track is a brilliant initiative which champions factual production talent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It enables us to work more closely with production talent and identify the next generation of factual creative leaders and I’m delighted to support this fantastic programme.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Screen commented that: "We are delighted to support the next edition of Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland. With so many close connections across the two regions, the scheme is a fantastic fit for talent wanting to gain experience and support with their careers. We look forward to the programme continuing to boost the careers of the next generation of talented producers and bring the next level of factual content to the sector.”
Dani Carlaw, Head of Unscripted at Screen Scotland commented that: “Factual Fast Track 2023 continues to build on the ongoing strategic development of Scotland’s senior creatives. I am tremendously excited about this year’s cohort - through close nurturing of these up-and-coming factual creative leaders, the programme encourages the continued expansion of top-level productions from Scotland, increasing the range of our factual offering, and its potential for screen sector growth.”
More information
TRC is one of the UK’s leading training providers for Broadcast and Digital. TRC is a registered charity based in Glasgow, funded by The National Lottery and Scottish Government through Screen Scotland and BBC Nations and Regions and Channel 4.
Channel 4 is a publicly-owned yet commercially-funded public service broadcaster and has a remit to be innovative, experimental and distinctive. Its public ownership and not-for-profit status ensure all profit generated by its commercial activity is directly reinvested back into the delivery of its public service remit.
Screen Scotland is the national body that drives development of all aspects of Scotland’s film and TV industry, through funding and strategic support. Screen Scotland is part of Creative Scotland and delivers these services and support with funding from Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Find out more at screen.scot and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Northern Ireland Screen is the government-backed lead agency in Northern Ireland for the film, television and games industries, driving global growth through boosting our economy, celebrating our culture and enhancing our children’s education. www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk.
Media contact
Claudia Detomaso, Marketing Executive at TRC: [email protected]