Pact Indie Next Steps Initiative in Scotland Begins Second Year
Pact has launched the second iteration of the Next Steps Initiative in Scotland. The programme provides a step up and training for seven participants, who are all from underrepresented backgrounds, with independent television production companies based in Scotland.
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.
Pact’s Head of Inclusion and Diversity, Anjani Patel, said: “The Pact Next Steps Initiative was developed to retain talent that is already in the industry and to put our resources into developing and training the participants to give them the opportunity to progress and grow. We are grateful for continued support from Screen Scotland and the production companies involved.”
Steven Little, Head of Production at Screen Scotland said: “Pact’s Next Steps Initiative in Scotland enables Scottish production companies to grow a sustainable and diverse local talent pool, which closely aligns with Screen Scotland’s strategy. The programme also provides an invaluable opportunity for new entrants to get their start in the industry.”
Kenny McGuinness, General Manager, Lion TV said: “Lion Television Scotland is delighted to be working with Pact and Creative Scotland on the Next Level Initiative. In such a challenging climate, we’re pleased to be able to give further opportunities to underrepresented talent and support them in their next steps in the industry.”
One of the Initiative’s participants, Sunni Oon commented: “In 2021 the Pact Indie Diversity Scheme was my foot in the door for getting into this industry. The guidance and support I received from Pact and my assigned company, as well as the training sessions we received really helped give a clearer insight as to how the industry really works.
“Now entering into the Next Level Initiative, I hope that the training and experience I will receive will help me confidently take that next step towards my goals.”