Factual Fast Track returns to Scotland and Northern Ireland for third iteration – Northern Ireland Screen

Factual Fast Track returns to Scotland and Northern Ireland for third iteration

Date Posted: June 12, 2024

On the back of two successful editions, the reputation-building development programme Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland is returning to Scotland and Northern Ireland in May 2024.

The year-long development programme is supported by BBC, Channel 4, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland and will be delivered by Glasgow-based training organisation TRC.

Factual Fast Track is now open for applications from senior producers and series producers with a proven track record in network or regional series production.  The programme is specifically designed to accelerate the careers of Scotland and Northern Ireland’s most talented and creative factual producers by raising profiles, enhancing skills, and expanding networks.

Successful candidates will benefit from top-flight industry training, paid production placements, commissioner and industry mentors, exclusive access to commissioners, insight into commissioning processes and priorities.

Participants on last year’s edition benefitted from paid placements on productions such as BBC series Surgeons: at the Edge of Life for Dragonfly Film and TV which provided valuable and rewarding experience of award-winning network television.

In addition, the cohort were provided with exceptional opportunities, such as exclusive commissioning insights with broadcasters Apple, Netflix, Amazon, Channel 4, BBC and Channel 5, as well as one to one support via assigned mentors.

Series Producer Jane Magowan, who joined last year’s edition of Factual Fast Track and has since received her first network Series Producer credit working for Alleycats on Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Road Trip, commented on her experience on the programme:

“I had the most wonderful experience taking part in the FFT programme. The training we received was of such high quality and I came away from each session with new tools and new insights that I have applied to each job I’ve had this year.”

Applications for Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland will open on Thursday 16^th May via the TRC website. The deadline for applications is Thursday 20^th June.

Claire Scally, TRC’s Managing Director said:

“Responding to direct feedback from industry about the continued importance of developing local SP talent, we are delighted to announce the return of Factual Fast Track. We are grateful for the continued support of our funding partners and their ongoing commitment to the programme. We look forward to giving a new cohort of Scottish and Northern Irish producers the opportunities, experience, skills and confidence to help expand their networks and raise their profiles.”

Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted says:

“Factual Fast Track is an important part of our commitment to nurturing off screen talent at all stages of their careers and so I’m delighted that it is returning for another year.  As we continue to increase our commissioning spend outside London, this initiative will help grow our talent pipeline and give them the opportunity to work on great content that reflects the lives of viewers right across the UK.”

Jo Street, Head of Lifestyle and Head of Channel 4’s Glasgow Hub, said:

“It’s vital to identify and nurture talent but it’s equally important to generate opportunities so the next generation of factual leaders can harness their skills, particularly those based in the nations. This Factual Fast Track programme which champions talent in Scotland and Northern Ireland resonates which Channel 4’s priorities and we’re really proud to support it.”

Dani Carlaw, Head of Unscripted at Screen Scotland commented that:

“Factual Fast Track returns for 2024 to further build the ongoing strategic development of Scotland’s senior creatives. It’s vital to support the nurturing of factual leaders, in a programme dedicated to expanding top-level productions from Scotland. We want to see an increased range of factual offering from Scotland and the growth it can bring to the screen sector.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented:

“Factual Fast Track continues to go from strength to strength in supporting the next generation of factual creative leaders and we’re delighted to sponsor its third edition. I strongly encourage local talented producers to apply for this year’s Factual Fast Track, as the tailored programme promises to elevate careers and deliver innovative factual content to the sector.”

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