IT’S no secret that the screen industry in Scotland and beyond has been in crisis for a long time. Cataclysmic shifts caused by streaming and now digital platforms, the global economic situation, the aftershocks of lockdown and strike action are still affecting budgets and stability.
It’s fair to say it’s been a lively old time for folk trying to make telly. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The scorched-earth nature of where we find ourselves – particularly in Scotland with the catastrophic cancellation of River City and closure of Dumbarton Studios – means we have the chance to build a fresh industry, one that works better for audiences and creatives alike – we just need the country to get behind us.
One of the biggest weaknesses in the current TV landscape is risk aversion. And I get it. I don’t envy the commissioners their jobs. Trying to pick the next Taggart or Still Game is like playing pin the tail on the donkey, but with millions of pounds at stake.
Once upon a time, the powers that be could peek around the blindfold by commissioning afternoon plays or low-budget pilot versions of bold ideas from untested writers. That’s how we got Chewin’ The Fat, which started on radio. However, over the past few years, those lower-risk avenues have dried up. Getting your first commission for TV now is like asking to headline Glastonbury for your first gig.
READ MORE: Sky News called out for suggesting Israel's war crimes 'just in protesters' minds'
This has caused a dire lack of opportunities for creatives and, as a nation, we’re haemorrhaging talent from the industry, but it also means that audiences are losing out on brilliant, weird and wonderful ideas that never see the light of day.
Trainspotting, with its moral ambiguity and unapologetic Scottish dialect, was considered a risky prospect at the time – today it would be almost impossible to make. Then there’s a whole other cultural layer added in Scotland. Too often, execs worry so much about appealing to international audiences that they dilute the Scottishness right out. Anyone remember that comedy, very clearly shot around the West End, in which they never once admitted they were in Glasgow?
We need to find a way of taking the blindfold off, to open accessible pathways to anyone with a great story to tell, and build low-risk spaces to let wild ideas flourish.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing with Glasgow Tellyfest.
We open submission windows several times a year for One Minute Pilots that can be made with just an idea, an actor and a phone. They’re deliberately designed to be rough and ready.
Basically, if you can make a TikTok, you can make a One Minute Pilot – and the next submission window will be open from May 6-14.
Those we’ve already seen prove the wealth of talent and thrilling stories out there just waiting for a shot. They’re reviewed blind by our neutral committee – they don’t work for us, they are creatives, including stars of Still Game and Taggart, who know good TV ideas when they see them and are passionate about supporting Scottish talent.
We hold weekly Pick of the Pilots events at Bunker Bar. Anyone who fancies it can come along, view the shortlist and vote in teams for the one they think should be commissioned for our new channel, No Mean Drama.
This means we don’t commission blindfolded – we’re led by what real audiences tell us they want (often quite passionately, they are lively wee nights!). They’re also a great way to meet other people who care about Scottish culture and storytelling.
No Mean Drama, launching next month, will be a celebration of Scottish stories, characters and talent from the iconic to the emerging. It will be an anthology telling us the authentic, bold stories we’ve always wanted to see about Scotland, spanning every genre you can think of.
You’ll be able to watch on YouTube and other digital channels, and there will be audio versions too, so there’s something for everyone.
All we need to pull this off the way Scotland deserves is support. Come along to a Pick of the Pilots event and have your say. Dig up that story idea and submit it as a One Minute Pilot. Brands and investors should talk to us about getting involved in pioneering a global revolution from Scotland.
And, just maybe, the traditional industry will be ready to get on board one of these days ...
Share