Following two successful editions, TRC has announced the next FormatLab, a training initiative supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and Channel 4.
FormatLab is an intensive training programme designed to nurture the next generation of entertainment development talent in Scotland. The nine-month programme will offer expert mentoring, top level industry training, several studio visits and a paid placement within a Scottish TV production company.
Designed for creative individuals from all walks of life who have a passion for entertainment formats, FormatLab aims to create the next wave of entertainment development talent who will come up with bright ideas that could become the next Traitors, Pointless or First Dates. Participants from previous editions of the programme have gone on to work on hit formats such as Richard Osman's House of Games, Celebrity Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal and Britain’s Got Talent and have developed shows recently commissioned by BBC, CBBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Discovery, ITV, Really and Sky Arts.
While prior experience in the television industry is not required, individuals who work in other sectors of the TV industry and are looking to transition to entertainment are encouraged to apply.
Trainee Matthew Keeley, who completed a placement in last year’s edition of FormatLab and has since continued working at Bandicoot as a Development Researcher said: “FormatLab has genuinely been life-changing for me. It's the best professional opportunity I've ever taken up. I'm now working in an industry I'd wanted to be involved in for years and had never known how to approach.”
Applications are now open and can be submitted on the TRC website.
The deadline for applications is Monday 21 October, 12pm.
David Smith, Director of Screen, Screen Scotland said: “TV is changing rapidly. Screen Scotland recognises this and we worked with TRC, the BBC and C4 to develop and deliver FormatLab to strengthen the development teams within Scotland’s successful entertainment/unscripted production companies. At its heart, FormatLab exists to draw clever, talented people from non-TV backgrounds into television. Their original ideas will, we hope, become new programmes that entertain audiences around the world and support careers in Scotland’s growing screen sector.”
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, BBC stated: “The BBC is committed to providing opportunities for talent from across the UK and we are delighted to be supporting this fantastic initiative for the third time. This is a really exciting opportunity for the next generation of creative talent in Scotland and I can’t wait to see what big ideas are developed.”
Kevin Blacoe, Channel 4’s Head of Partnerships & Skills, Nations & Regions said: "Channel 4 is dedicated to supporting and raising the profiles of creative talent throughout the UK and we are proud to support FormatLab once again. This programme offers excellent opportunities for entertainment development talent in Scotland. We're excited to collaborate with this new group and see the amazing ideas they bring to life."
Key Dates and Criteria:
There is no age limit for FormatLab and previous television production experience is not essential. However, to be eligible applicants must:
- Have a demonstrable love of television, with a particular passion for game, quiz, talent and/or reality shows.
- Be an innovative and original thinker, bubbling with ideas.
- Be able to participate in and commit to this development training programme for nine months from January 2025
In line with TRC’s mission of being fully inclusive and accessible, the programme actively welcomes applications from the widest talent pool irrespective of background, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, disability status, sexual orientation.
Applications are now open and will close on Monday 21 October, 12pm.
Full details can be found on the FormatLab webpage.
Background
TRC is one of the UK’s leading training providers for Broadcast in the Nations & Regions. TRC is a registered charity based in Glasgow, funded by Screen Scotland, BBC Nations and Regions and Channel 4.
Press contact: Claudia Detomaso, Marketing Executive at TRC. [email protected].
Screen Scotland 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 LinkedIn and Instagram.