MG ALBA LAUNCHES ITS COVETED CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL BURSARY SCHEME

Current and aspiring Gaelic media industry professionals are being offered the chance to apply for MG ALBA’s coveted bursary scheme, as it launches its Celtic Media Festival scholarship for 2018.

A total of three places at this year Celtic Media Festival are up for grabs for candidates demonstrating a keen interest in pursuing a career in Gaelic media, or for individuals who are at the beginning of their career either as a freelancer or with an independent production company producing Gaelic programmes for BBC ALBA.

This year, the Celtic Media Festival is taking place in Llanelli, Wales from 2nd – 4th May. It is an annual three-day celebration acknowledging excellence in broadcasting and film talent throughout the Celtic countries of Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany.

Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at MG ALBA, said: “The Celtic Media Festival is a key event, both for networking and for understanding the trends that affect how viewers are watching and using media content. Our bursary scheme has been extremely popular and is testament to the level of enthusiasm from young talented individuals seeking a career in Gaelic media to grasp every opportunity available.

“Our aim is to support and encourage the next generation of Gaelic media professionals, and the opportunity for participants to learn from events such as this one will give industry insight and offer an understanding of the importance of an international outlook for indigenous productions and channel content.”

Among the successful applicants last year was presenter Calum Maclean. Reflecting on his attendance at the Celtic Media Festival last year, Calum said that “the scheme was a great opportunity to meet people working in the industry, to share ideas and open up new opportunities.”

MG ALBA is requesting a video in Gaelic, up to four minutes long to accompany all online applications, providing the opportunity for each applicant to showcase their skills, talent and creativity as well as outlining their desire to attend the festival.

MG ALBA are offering a full support package covering the entry fee, travel and accommodation. For more information and to apply, follow this link or contact sandra.corbett@mgalba.com. Deadline for applications is 10pm on Monday 16th April 2018. More information on the festival is available at www.celticmediafestival.co.uk