Matchlight launch unique Internship Programme

Creative Scotland, Channel 4, HIE and Matchlight have teamed up to launch an innovative internship scheme. The Matchlight Documentary Internship Programme, which launches today, will equip a new generation of Scottish based television producer/directors with the skills they need to win network television commissions.

The year-long, paid professional development programme will help four producer/directors devise, develop and pitch TV programme ideas for their first UK network commissions. There are four 12-week placements available for budding documentary-makers based in Scotland, with one of the four places ring-fenced for talent working specifically in the Highlands & Islands.

Interns will receive ongoing training and support from leading Glasgow-based production company Matchlight (part of the DCD Media Group) to help launch their careers as documentary film-makers. Jacqui Hayden, Matchlight’s Head of Development, and Ross Wilson, the company’s International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning Creative Director, will act as mentors for the interns throughout their 12-week placement. DCD Media’s rights divisions (DCD Rights and DCD Publishing) will advise internees regarding the complex but increasingly important international television markets.

Interns will also benefit from participating in development meetings and pitching sessions with leading industry figures, including Stuart Cosgrove, Channel 4’s Director of Nations and Regions and Sam Anthony, the BBC’s Knowledge Commissioning Executive Producer for Scotland.

“Scotland needs more producer/directors with network credits. They are key to winning the business that brings employment for everyone else involved in making programmes,” said Matchlight’s Managing Director, David Smith. “Thanks to the support of Creative Scotland, Channel 4 and HIE this exciting new training programme will give a significant career boost to the successful internees and benefit Scotland’s wider independent production community by increasing the number of network ready producer/directors resident within Scotland.”

Creative Scotland’s Becky Lloyd said: “Creative Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with Matchlight, Channel 4 and HIE to develop the documentary sector in Scotland. Our support for the Matchlight Documentary Internship is a key part of a wider strategy to provide a comprehensive ladder of opportunity for emerging talent working across the screen industry.

Channel 4’s Stuart Cosgrove said: “One of Channel 4’s core values is to identify and nurture new talent, so I am delighted to announce our support for the internship. Created by one of Scotland’s most successful factual indies, it is a truly valuable opportunity for budding producers and directors to get a foot in the door of a competitive industry. I look forward to working with the interns in the months ahead.”

Development Producer for Highlands and Islands Enterprise Amanda Millen said, “One of HIE’s aims is to nurture and develop creative talent from the Highlands and Islands for the network broadcast world. I can’t think of a better way to do that than enabling aspirant network producer/directors from across our region to work with Matchlight, who are some of the most prolific and successful documentary talent currently working in the UK. HIE is delighted to be working with Matchlight and DCD in what we hope will be the first of many creative collaborations for the future. HIE is also delighted to be working in partnership again with both Creative Scotland and Channel 4.”

The Matchlight Documentary Internship Programme has grown from the success the company recently enjoyed in securing a first hour long network commission for Glasgow film-maker Anne-Claire Pilley. Matchlight engaged Anne-Claire to work within the company’s development team in the Autumn of 2009. Working with the support of Jacqui Hayden she devised and developed a documentary entitled “My Soldier” for BBC Three which she is currently filming. She has since secured a second hour long commission, “Proms”, for BBC Scotland.

Anne-Claire Pilley said: “Thanks to the help and support of Matchlight I secured a commission to produce and direct my first hour long network documentary, My Soldier. Throughout both the development and production of this film, Matchlight have been incredibly understanding and supportive. They are a fabulous team of experienced film makers and industry professionals who clearly remain firmly committed to encouraging a new generation of film-makers in Scotland.”

The Matchlight Documentary Internship is for producer/directors resident within Scotland who have produced and directed at least one non-network broadcast documentary or a network documentary of less than 60 minutes duration.

For more info visit www.matchlight.co.uk