COVETED MG ALBA TV WRITING SCHOLARSHIP ON OFFER
As part of MG ALBA’s strategy to provide training and support for Gaelic writers, the Gaelic Media Service (MG ALBA) is offering talented Gaelic writers the opportunity to apply for its coveted scholarship to study television fiction writing at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The MA Television Fiction Writing course is the only dedicated one year postgraduate programme of its type in the UK, providing aspiring screenwriters with the tools to embark upon or strengthen their career in television fiction writing, and MG ALBA are supporting a placement on the course for one Gaelic speaker. An option to undertake the course on a part-time basis over 2 years is also available.
The course is taught by a combination of leading TV scriptwriters and academic staff including course lecturer Professor Ann Marie Di Mambro whose credits include EastEnders, Casualty and River City, and Chris Dolan, author and playwright, whose credits include River City, Taggart and taking Inspector Rebus to radio for BBC Radio 4. Students on the course will work intensively on at least two drama series currently transmitting on British television, learning how to story conference, storyline, write scripts and edit these dramas.
Mairead Hamilton, a talented drama director, won the MG ALBA scholarship in 2016, also a talented drama director, we hear first-hand what Mairead thought of the course in this short video.
Seumas MacMillan was the MG ALBA scholar in 2015. He continues to write for BBC ALBA’s Gaelic drama Bannan, and has been successful in having a half-hour comedy pilot commissioned by BBC ALBA, currently being produced by Solus Productions.
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor at BBC ALBA said: “We are ambitious for the development of Gaelic writing for television and the scholarship is one of our key means of ensuring we are developing strong, creative writers in Gaelic. This is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to receiving some great applications.”
The MG ALBA scholarship will be awarded to one person, fluent in Gaelic, who will join the programme in September 2017. Applications need to be submitted before Friday 5th May 2017.
For more information on the MA TV Fiction Writing programme and how to apply for an MG ALBA scholarship visit: www.tvfictionwriting.com or follow @MATVGlasgow on Twitter.
YOUNG ARDNAMURCHAN SPORTS COMMENTATOR AND FILMG WINNER GOES BEHIND THE SCENES AT LIVE GLASGOW WARRIORS MATCH
A budding sports commentator from Ardnamurchan joined the broadcasting team at a recent Glasgow Warriors home game following her prize-winning performance in FilmG 2017.
Kate Bradley, 16 shared the commentary box with the voice of PRO12 rugby, Hugh Dan MacLennan and Warriors’ player, Lee Jones at their sold-out match against Zebre at Scotstoun stadium on Friday (April 14) having scooped the award for Best Sports Commentary at the FilmG ceremony held in February.
Nearly 20 entries from schools across Scotland were submitted for this category and whilst judges Alex O’Henley and Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray were impressed by the high standard of all the entries, Kate’s confident, informative, and effortless coverage of the women’s shinty Valerie Fraser Cup Final at An Aird, Fort William bagged her the top spot.
A trip to Glasgow and access to the commentary box during a live BBC ALBA sports broadcast was the prize for Kate’s efforts and whilst the S5 pupil opted to cover women’s shinty for her entry to FilmG, as a keen rugby fan Kate was delighted to attend the match against Italian club Zebre.
The Warriors, kept Hugh Dan and player analyst Lee Jones on their toes with an action-packed performance where they beat the Italian side 45 to 10, creating an enthralling match commentate on.
For Kate, the experience was even better than she had imagined and she loved seeing the professionals at work: from camera-operators, to the sideline reporter, commentator and the rest of the team. Getting to watch the second half from the gantry was a real treat, which Kate shared with fans of Snapchat, of FilmG’s account, along with other snippets from the day.
Kate said: “I had such a great time at the game, the ground was buzzing. It was just amazing to see the whole production team in action – I had never realised the amount of work that goes into a live sports broadcast. My personal highlight was getting to see how everything was brought together – from the careful preparations beforehand to watching the game broadcast live on TV. It was very impressive – and the result was an added bonus!”
Margot McCuaig of mneTV was in charge of the broadcast on the day, and was hugely impressed with Kate’s enthusiasm, encouraging others to give the competition a go in 2018.
Margot said: “It was great to meet Kate and I hope she continues to show such a keen interest in commentary. She’s definitely one to watch out for. Who knows, we could even end up working alongside each other one day! I would encourage anyone with an interest in playing or watching sport to enter the competition this year and it may lead to a whole host of new and exciting opportunities.”
Budding commentators and filmmakers should keep a close eye on FilmG’s social media channels as well as filmg.co.uk, for news of the latest developments as the team prepares to launch the 10th FilmG competition.
MG ALBA ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES WITH KEY LONG-TERM PRODUCTION CONTRACTS
MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, has today announced key production contracts that will deliver a wide range of programming for the channel over the next four years.
Seven production companies will provide content for the channel including entertainment, music, children’s programmes, documentaries and sport.
The contracts have been awarded to companies located across Scotland, including Stornoway, Aberdeen and Glasgow, and mark a further significant investment in Scotland’s creative industries.
A three-year heads of agreement on sports production has been reached with Nemeton Scotland Ltd, a new company which has been established by the highly regarded Irish production company Nemeton TV. Nemeton TV has provided sports to Irish broadcaster TG4 since 1996, as well as to RTÉ, TV3 and Setanta Sports. In addition to sports production, Nemeton TV also produce factual programming in Ireland, including documentaries, health and entertainment programming. Its wholly-owned Scottish subsidiary will employ the staff of the outgoing BBC ALBA sports provider, mneTV.
Agreements have also been made in principle with the following companies:
The four-year model for these companies enables security of supply for the channel and also creates a stable foundation for growth for the companies, including through international co-productions and sales of programmes.
Donald Campbell, MG ALBA’s Chief Executive, said: “These decisions lay the foundations for the future development of BBC ALBA. The decision to work with Nemeton Scotland Ltd offers the potential of creating an exciting new international partnership. All of BBC ALBA’s content must be highly distinctive and this new relationship for sports content creates many opportunities for more collaboration with Ireland.
“We are delighted to strengthen our very close relationship with the creative industries and this will be very important as we continue to secure resources that will enable us to produce more original programming for the channel that is necessary for it to prosper in future.”
John Swinney, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, whose Education brief includes responsibility for Gaelic said: “‘I have been very impressed with the way MG ALBA works with Scotland’s independent TV production sector and it is fantastic to be able to welcome the signing of seven new contracts with Scottish firms.
“These agreements will not only ensure the continuation of quality output on BBC Alba, they will bring important economic and employment benefits for Scotland’s creative industries, broadcasting and Gaelic.
“I want to commend MG ALBA for their innovative way of working, congratulate the independent companies that have secured the contracts and look forward to the continued impressive performance of BBC ALBA.”
Irial Mac Murchú, Nemeton TV’s CEO said: “We are delighted to have won this contract. Producing sport for BBC ALBA in Scotland is an exciting challenge and one we relish. This new relationship cements many of the creative strands that resonate between Ireland and Scotland – language, sport and television. Whilst it is an international contract it feels like an extension of home to be working with our Celtic partners. We look forward to working with MG ALBA and BBC ALBA and developing the opportunities that lie ahead.”
GAELIC MEDIA APPRENTICESHIP OPENS FOR APPLICATIONS
Applications from aspiring media professionals are now being accepted for the next BBC Gaelic Apprenticeship programme.
Operated by BBC Scotland and Glasgow Kelvin College – and supported by MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service – the 2017/2018 course will be the second time the Gaelic apprenticeship has been offered alongside the BBC Scotland apprenticeship, which is about to enter its seventh programme.
The successful candidate will be supported by MG ALBA and will have the opportunity to work across Gaelic platforms such as BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.
In doing so, the candidate will have the chance to gain experience in many of the departments providing content to the channel, including children’s, news-gathering, factual and sport.
With BBC ALBA also accounting for around 50% of the total programme making output from Scotland’s independent production sector, there will also be the opportunity for the apprentice to spend time working with a number of the channel’s independent programme suppliers.
The busy schedule will also see apprentices spending two days per month at Glasgow Kelvin College learning many of the technical and vocational skills they might require in the broadcast media industry, as well as personal development and core skills.
There will also be the opportunity for the apprentice to spend time on placement at the Creative Industries Media Centre in Stornoway – home of MG ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.
Calum Ferguson has been undertaking the BBC Gaelic Apprenticeship since September, the first person to do so. Calum has gained a wealth of experience, spending placements with leading independent companies such as Bees Nees Media, as well as time within various BBC departments. In the near future, Calum has placements organised with BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
Calum said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on BBC Scotland’s Gaelic apprenticeship scheme. I have experienced an incredible range of opportunities in such a short period of time and I am looking forward to the rest of my time here. It is a unique chance for keen young Gaelic speakers and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
In addition to the Gaelic apprenticeship, 10 BBC Scotland apprenticeships are also available and by September this year, 61 young people will have already completed this exciting apprenticeship over the previous six programmes. The apprenticeship has provided a springboard to careers in TV production and journalism, with some of the former young students going onto degrees in higher education and others moving onto further work at the BBC or other media production organisations.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnership at MG ALBA, said: “This is our second year of supporting a Gaelic apprenticeship within the BBC Scotland apprenticeship programme and we are pleased once again to enable training for the next generation of media professionals.
“The apprenticeship provides an excellent route into the industry and the successful candidate will learn skills across a wide range of departments, helping to produce a well-rounded professional by the conclusion of the course.”
To apply for the apprenticeship, visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 18 April 2017.
INNOVATIVE GAELIC THEATRE AND FILM PROJECT DEBUTS AT GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
The première of a new Gaelic short film, Briseadh na Cloiche (The Breaking of the Stone), will take place at this month’s Glasgow Short Film Festival.
Filmed at Webster’s Theatre in Glasgow, where the play was performed as part of last year’s West End Festival, the production features Iain Macrae and Mairi Morrison, with music by Alex Neilson. It will be shown, with English subtitles, at the CCA Cinema in Glasgow on 17 March.
The Breaking of the Stone (Briseadh na Cloiche) is widely regarded as one of writer John Murray’s finest short stories and holds a central position in contemporary Gaelic literature. Adapted for stage and screen by actor Iain Macrae and directed and filmed by Duncan MacDonald, the production follows the progression of a post-war romance to its harrowing conclusion.
The dynamic blend of drama, dance and mime is heightened by a thrilling interactive percussion performance by Neilson.
The theatre and film project was commissioned by Gaelic arts organisation Ceòl’s Craic and funded by MG ALBA and Creative Scotland.
Project director Ishbel Murray said: “John Murray’s story is widely recognized as a seminal piece of contemporary Gaelic literature and we knew we could present the stage play successfully, but we also felt it had tremendous potential as a piece of filmed theatre.
“So, our aim here was to produce an original Gaelic film for a dedicated arts audience and to begin to address the absence of art house films featuring Gaelic language. The support of MG ALBA and Creative Scotland made this possible.”
Drama is viewed as a key element in the resurgence of Gaelic and is strongly supported by those who see it as an art form that puts the language at its forefront. Briseadh na Cloiche brings the best of Gaelic literature, drama and cinema together in one small but effective package.
Creative Scotland & Bòrd na Gàidhlig Gaelic Arts & Culture Officer, Brian Ó hEadhra added: “It is excellent to see this contemporary Gaelic work progress from the West End Festival to this year’s Glasgow Short Film Festival and ultimately to BBC ALBA in the future. This powerful work demonstrates that Gaelic drama is growing and reaching out to audiences via stage and screen. This is one of a number of Gaelic drama initiatives currently coming through and we look forward to seeing more quality productions over the coming years.”
BBC ALBA Channel Editor Margaret Cameron said: “Briseadh na Cloiche adds to the diversity of Gaelic drama available and I’m delighted it will have a small screen life on BBC ALBA in the future. I wish the film every success at the Glasgow Short Film Festival and welcome its inclusion in the GSFF programme.”
Briseadh na Cloiche (20 mins) will be screened, with English subtitles, on 17 March at 9pm in the CCA Cinema, Glasgow. It will be preceded by Away with the Land (13 mins), a lyrical documentary by Joya Berrow on the life of Harris crofter Donald John Macinnes, and followed by a Q&A session with Iain Macrae, Mairi Morrison and Duncan MacDonald, hosted by Gaelic broadcaster Derek MacKay. Guests are invited for a complementary drink at 8pm.
Briseadh na Cloiche will be broadcast on BBC ALBA later in the year.
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 2017.
A total of five places at this year Celtic Media Festival are up for grabs for candidates demonstrating a keen interest in pursuing a career in Gaelic screen 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 Douglas on the Isle of Man from 3rd – 5th 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 to have the opportunity to learn from events such as this one will help in providing insight into the industry as well as offering an understanding of the importance of an international outlook for indigenous productions and channel content.”
Among the successful applicants last year were writer and script editor, Laura MacLennan and PhD ‘Television and Language Policy in Families’ student, Carrie MacNeil.
Reflecting on her attendance at the Celtic Media Festival last year, Laura said: “The bursary from MG ALBA was really helpful for my own professional development as I met many people who all work in different areas within the media, in all the Celtic corners. This was especially helpful when it came to attending drama sessions, hearing first-hand from experts who have been creating continuous drama in other Celtic areas and how they have not only established a voice on their own channels but internationally as well.
“The festival gave me a lot of encouragement in my own line of work and renewed vigour in creating more interesting and appealing content using our Gaelic identity. I now firmly believe there is a platform for our own stories to be told and that we should be rightly proud of them.”
Carrie, whose PhD research examines the role that children’s television has in the use of Gaelic in the home, said: “It’s a great scheme, which gives people the opportunity to network with those in the media sector, from Ireland and even to Norway! It’s important that those from the academic world see how the industry works from a practical stance, and that we observe and think about it from a wider perspective.
“At the festival, there were opportunities to ask experts questions and gain information regarding the context of other minority languages. It also gave me opportunities to speak with those who work at MG ALBA, which was very useful for my own research studies.”
MG ALBA is requesting a short two to four minute video in Gaelic 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 kerryanne.macleod@mgalba.com. Deadline for applications is 10pm on Sunday 9th April. More information on the festival is available at www.celticmediafestival.co.uk.
TWELVE GAELIC NOMINATIONS AS CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL SHORTLIST PUBLISHED
A total of 12 Gaelic award nominations for BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal have been received in the 2017 Celtic Media Festival awards.
Among the BBC ALBA nominations were Hamish, a documentary film about the renowned Scottish cultural icon, Hamish Henderson, and Jimmy Johnstone, a film telling the life of the Celtic and Scotland footballing great a decade on from his death.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal has been nominated for station of the year, whilst programmes including Mac ‘Ille Mhicheil and Spòrs na Seachdain are shortlisted for awards.
The Celtic Media Festival takes place from May 3 to May 5 this year and will be hosted by Douglas on the Isle on Man.
Donald Campbell, MG ALBA Chief Executive said: “Pitched against some fantastic productions from across the Celtic regions and nations, it is pleasing to once again see Gaelic media recognised at the forefront of the creative sector.
“The nominations for BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal programmes are just reward for both the imagination and effort that our sector professionals demonstrate on a consistent basis, and we look forward to the awards ceremony on the Isle of Man when we will hopefully see some of our programmes featured on the shortlists then going onto pick up awards.”
The BBC ALBA programmes which have been shortlisted in 2017 are:
Current Affairs
Eorpa Irish Babies (Produced by BBC Scotland Gaelic)
On 19th February 2015, the Irish Minister for Children announced the establishment of an independent enquiry into Mother and Baby Homes throughout Ireland in the 20th Century, with a three-year deadline and which would cost €21 million. Eòrpa reported on the alleged misconduct at 3 Mother and Baby Homes. The report focussed more on Tuam which spurred the Murphy Commission, after revelations of an alleged mass grave where supposedly 796 infants were buried between 1925 and 1961. Claims made that the homes had been at the centre of clinical drug trails, an illegal adoption ring and controversial disposal of infant’s bodies.
Factual Entertainment
Port (Produced by Bees Nees Media)
This landmark music series – part documentary; part travelogue; part spellbinding music performance – returns for a second series and continues to chart the musical landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. With two bona-fide tradition bearers leading the way, TG4 and BBC ALBA audiences accompany Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh to bustling urban centres and sleepy townships to record a cast of musicians, raconteurs and characters. The musicians respond with an explosion of music; ancient folk songs re-ignited; polkas married to jigs; ballads floated on snaking musical arrangements and all built on the adrenaline rush of improvisation.
Factual Series
An Lot (Produced by MACTV)
In this six part series a Lewis crofter tries to make a go of crofting full-time. The first lambs appear, and Donald MacSween or ‘Sweeny’ sells his first eggs. But there are some unwanted visitors in the hen house.
Single Documentary
Hamish (Produced by Bees Nees Media)
Documentary film about Hamish Henderson, a colossal figure in Scottish culture and a man of endless passion and curiosity, whose poems continue to elevate and inspire a nation. This documentary pays tribute to the many contrary forces and diverse facets of Henderson’s life as a poet, soldier, intellectual, activist, songwriter and leading force in the revival of Scottish folk music. From an English orphanage and the draughty corridors of Cambridge to overseeing the capitulation of the Italian army in WWII and penning the most celebrated Scottish ballad in contemporary folk music, Freedom Come Aa’ Ye, this is Henderson’s life as told by those who knew him best and loved him most.
Sports Documentary
Jimmy Johnstone (Produced by purpleTV)
A decade on from his death, Jimmy Johnstone examines the life of a phenomenal Scottish sporting talent, telling the story of the highs and the lows of an unforgettable working class footballer, Celtic legend, husband and father who lost his life to motor neurone disease age 61.
In addition to its nomination in the Radio Station of the Year category BBC Radio nan Gaidheal also has a number of programmes shortlisted across the 23 categories:
MG ALBA STATEMENT ON BBC COMMITMENT TO GAELIC BROADCASTING
Maggie Cunningham, chair of MG ALBA – which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC – issued the following statement in response to the BBC’s announcement regarding support for Gaelic broadcasting.
She said: “Lord Hall’s declaration of support for Gaelic broadcasting recognises the integrity of BBC ALBA and reflects the views of both the UK and Scottish Governments which have stated unequivocally that our channel should have sustained support given the success it has enjoyed.
“We welcome the commitment to providing a weekend news service on BBC ALBA, something which viewers have sought. We also welcome the stated aim for the new BBC Scotland channel to ‘support the delivery of extra programmes for BBC ALBA’.
“What we need to do now is work constructively and collaboratively with the BBC to clarify how this extra programming will materialise. We consistently asked the BBC for a contribution of ten hours per week of programming as part of the Charter Review so further discussions with the BBC will be necessary to ascertain what exactly is being proposed and how it will be funded.
“The channel needs new original programming and a significant reduction in repeats in order to thrive. BBC ALBA has proved to be a Scottish broadcasting success story over the last eight years and we are committed to building on that success.”
STAR-STUDDED NATIONAL GAELIC FILM AWARDS INCLUDING KEVIN GUTHRIE, LEWIS MACDOUGALL AND OUTLANDER’S GARY LEWIS
Scottish stars turned out in Glasgow this weekend to present awards at the ninth annual National Gaelic Film ceremony.
FilmG is MG ALBA’s (the Gaelic Media Service) prestigious Gaelic screen talent awards, which this year attracted a record number of entries and was streamed live to audiences around the world.
The ceremony was held at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow and hosted by Fiona MacKenzie, face of BBC ALBA, and Niall Iain Macdonald, TV & radio presenter. Live entertainment on the night was courtesy of four-piece band, INYAL, fresh from performances at Celtic Connections and The Highland Annual.
Guest presenters at the event included renowned Scottish actor Gary Lewis who is currently gracing television screens in crime drama, The Level and has featured in Gangs of New York, Billy Elliot and Outlander. Joining Gary on stage was Lewis MacDougall, the 14yr old Edinburgh schoolboy and star of the new movie A Monster Calls.
Actor Kevin Guthrie, best known for his roles in Sunshine on Leith, Sunset Song and The Legend of Barney Thomson was also in attendance, with BBC weather presenter, Kirsteen Macdonald also presenting a number of awards.
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, with ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, was in attendance and presented the Best Film in the youth category.
Isle of Lewis born actress, Dolina MacLennan known for her role in The Queen, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle and Barney Thomson was also on hand to present some FilmG awards, as well as Mairi MacLennan who stars in BBC ALBA’s drama Bannan.
Gary Lewis, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to return to the prestigious FilmG awards and an honour to be in a room full of such talented youngsters. It’s imperative to encourage as many young and aspiring filmmakers as possible, and initiatives such as FilmG offer a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to be creative both in front of and behind camera and gain the confidence required to pursue a career in the Scottish creative sector.”
This year’s competition theme was ‘Strì/Endeavour’ which inspired an array of fun and engaging films and scripts by promising filmmakers, schools, and community groups from all over Scotland. In total 105 entries were submitted across the various categories.
The quality of film entries this year has been exceptional making it a very tough decision for judges to choose a winner in each category.
The stand out film in the youth category was Faigh WiFi produced by a group of children from the Gaelic Drama Summer School (An Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma) which won Best Film. The film follows students at the summer camp on a mission to find WiFi.
Also scooping a top award was Kate Bradley of Ardnamuchan High School, whose commentary on the women’s shinty Valerie Fraser Cup Final won her the new youth Sports Commentary award title. Kate received her award from Gemma Fay, Scottish international footballer and actress who made her TV acting debut in the Sky Living drama Rubenesque.
Uilleam MacDhùghaill from Barra received the Best Performance award from young actor Lewis MacDougall for his role in Eilean an Dòchais, a drama set in Mingulay in 1907 dealing with the struggle for land.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney said: “It is clear that after nine extremely successful years that FilmG has a winning formula. FilmG not only attracts Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike from across Scotland, it also provides opportunities for our young people to develop skills and develop their talents. I am delighted for all the award winners and nominees and I am proud that the Scottish Government continues to work with MG ALBA as a sponsor of these awards.”
Kirsty Scott and Class7 of Inverness Gaelic School took home the Best Drama and Best Community awards for their film Latha Spòrs which covers the most competitive day of the year – P7 Sports Day.
The competition allows entries to be made on mobile phones, highlighting the importance and quality of digital content that can be produced without the need for full production kit, particularly aimed at material for online platforms. Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness won this year’s Best Mobile Short for his entry FilmG no Die Trying, which sees one man’s struggle to find his muse.
The award for Best Comedy went to Alannah Pheutan from the Isle of Skye for her entry Gaidheal Gu Luath which sets out to create a treatment to generate the perfect Gael. And the much-anticipated People’s Choice award also went to Alannah.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “This year’s FilmG has been bigger and better than any year yet and we have been truly impressed with the level of entries across every category. We’d like to extend our congratulations, not only to this year’s winners but to all who dedicated a lot of time and effort in creating a short film entry.
“The competition has evolved greatly since the inaugural award ceremony nine years ago, and we are delighted to see the level of engagement in digital media, in Gaelic. The new sports commentary category was also a welcome addition this year, allowing those behind camera with a passion for sport to get involved.
“The competition continues to attract new and aspiring Gaelic filmmakers, actors and scriptwriters to participate, and we are delighted that more and more young people are using Gaelic to tell their own stories using digital media. This is an exciting time and it is right that we are hearing and seeing more Gaelic voices and it’s important we build on this momentum.”
All 2017 winners are listed below, with every film entered in this year’s FilmG competition available to view online at www.filmg.co.uk.
MG ALBA has appointed Bill Macleod, the highly respected and multi award winning television professional, as Commissioning Editor, a move which marks significant investment in the creative team behind BBC ALBA.
Bill Macleod has had a long and successful track record in delivering bold, original and high-quality programming for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Scotland and CBBC. He began his television career in Gaelic programming, where he directed some of the BBC’s most popular and critically acclaimed Gaelic titles including Na h-Eilthirich, Ran Dan and the multiple award-winning Gruth is Uachdar. More recently he has worked on a wide range of programming including landmark series such as A History of Scotland.
Iseabail Mactaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership said: “Bill is rightly highly regarded and recognised as a hugely creative individual with an outstanding track record. To date, BBC ALBA has been incredibly successful. Maintaining that success will require increased levels of innovation and creativity from the team that deliver the channel’s content. The creation of this position, and the addition of someone of Bill’s calibre to that team, will help in ensuring the future success of BBC ALBA.”
Bill Macleod said: “I’m very excited about taking up this new role with MG ALBA. I began my career in Gaelic TV and it’s wonderful to be able to return to an area that’s bursting with so much talent and creativity. This is a true privilege and I look forward to helping bring fresh, bold content to television screens up and down the country.”
