Indie Next Steps Initiative in Scotland Underway

We've launched the second iteration of our Next Steps Initiative in Scotland, providing seven participants from underrepresented backgrounds with placements at Pact member companies and industry-standard training.

08 Jul 2025

Launched last year as a result of the downturn in programme commissioning, Pact - together with independent production companies in Scotland - developed the Next Steps Initiative which looks to provide employment for participants with existing industry experience for a six-month period, which will run from June until November this year.

Raise the Roof Productions, STV Studios, Firecrest Films, Lion TV/All3Media, BEEZR and Storyboard Studios will be supporting the participants with a role in production, and training will be provided through Pact by NFTS Scotland.

Screen Scotland fully supports the programme, providing 50% match funding for salary costs and training. The training will cover both technical and soft skills, including: Hit the Ground Running, Sustainable Resilience, Researchers Survival Guide, TV Development Bootcamp, Camera Training, Production Management Bootcamp, CV Workshop, Finance for Freelancers, Networking & Social Media Skills Masterclass and Career Mapping.