MG ALBA CALL FOR GAELIC WRITERS’ VIEWS AS CHILDREN’S DRAMA FILM IS SHOWCASED AT THE MÒD
Current and aspiring Gaelic writers are being asked for their views on developing their TV writing talent by MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service.
A survey, which is available through the MG ALBA’s website and is being supported by HIE Emergents, is asking for opinions from writers on the sort of work they currently undertake, and what resources would encourage them to write more or embark on different forms of their work. The questionnaire has already had nearly 50 responses and MG ALBA are appealing for other writers to make their views known.
The call for further responses was made as a new European Broadcasting Union Children’s Drama Scheme short film, commissioned by MG ALBA, has been showcased at the Mòd in Stornoway.
Na Saboteurs was filmed on location in Ness, Isle of Lewis, and has an original Gaelic script written by acclaimed writer Catriona Lexy Campbell, who is also making her directorial debut. It is produced by BBC ALBA presenter, Fiona MacKenzie and Kirsty Hines-Mackay.
The new production also features two exceptional young talents in the lead roles: Zoe Mustian and Daniel Macleod. Completing the cast are Artair Donald and Donna Morrison, two of Gaelic’s most well-established performers. Original music was also commissioned for the drama by Ross B. Wilson of Tidelines – his first TV commission. The short film will be shown on BBC ALBA as part of the channel’s Christmas schedule.
Na Saboteurs, and the survey, forms part of MG ALBA’s pursuit to develop Gaelic writing talent.
Writers of all ages and experiences are encouraged to complete the short questionnaire which will then inform MG ALBA’s strategy in this area over future months and years.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnership at MG ALBA, said: “Developing talent across our creative sector is an intrinsic part of MG ALBA’s work and we are committed to ensuring that writing talent is nurtured as part of this strategy.
“For that reason, we want to learn about the experiences of those who already write in Gaelic – whether for personal enjoyment or professionally. Similarly, we want to hear from those who may want to start writing or write more but feel they are unprepared to do so, maybe through a lack of training or confidence.
“Knowledge of the Gaelic language, and writing skills in particular, can also affect a person’s ability to put pen to paper. We want to know if and where barriers exist and what MG ALBA can do to help overcome these, so we create the foundation for the very best of Gaelic writing to be seen on screen.”
Catriona Lexy Campbell, writer of Na Saboteurs, said: “Na Saboteurs provides an opportunity for young Gaelic talent to get involved in production and we are thrilled with Zoe and Daniel’s performances and how well the film has turned out.
“I was pleased to have the chance to write the script for Na Saboteurs and we need to equip more people with the skill and confidence to develop their Gaelic writing. I have already completed MG ALBA’s survey and would encourage everyone to do so no matter what their level of writing experience is. Only by knowing what needs to be achieved can resources and expertise be directed in the most effective way possible.”
The survey can be accessed via https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MGALBA_sgriobhadh
MG ALBA ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC TEAM REINFORCING ITS COMMITMENT TO GAELIC BROADCASTING
MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service has strengthened its team with the announcement today (Wednesday, 5 October) that it has made a key strategic move as well as creating a post for a new commissioning editor.
Director of Development and Partnerships, Iseabail Mactaggart, will take responsibility for the strategic development of BBC ALBA programming and MG ALBA’s Gaelic digital media engagement. This will see Iseabail assume management of MG ALBA’s channel team and oversight of content budgets. Working in close partnership with BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, Iseabail’s principal role will be to increase, amongst other things, the scale and the value of content collaborations with the BBC and with other broadcasters, producers, funders and agencies.
MG ALBA is also pleased to announce the creation of a new post for a commissioning editor, which will go to recruitment shortly.
The new arrangements take place with immediate effect and follow the departure of Alan Esslemont, former head of content for BBC ALBA for the past eight years, who leaves on 7 October to take up the post of Director-General of TG4 later in the month.
Iseabail Mactaggart said: “It is a privilege to take on this role. BBC ALBA is a demonstrable success, and that has been due to the leadership behind the channel. I look forward to working with colleagues within MG ALBA and the BBC, with suppliers and all our stakeholders to build on that remarkable foundation and realise our ambitions for BBC ALBA.”
Donald Campbell, chief executive, added: “Our new arrangements offer us an opportunity to build on the success of BBC ALBA and on the significant progress Iseabail has achieved in the two years since she joined us, working with great success with our creative sector and agencies to help build the capability to realise our shared ambitions for Gaelic media and for the creative sector in Scotland.
“In December 2015, Iseabail led on the publication of our Vision strategy for the next five years – Lèirsinn 2021. The extension of Iseabail’s role and the creation of a new commissioning post reinforces our commitment to realising that vision.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Esslemont for his leadership, his strategic vision and his immense contribution to making BBC ALBA the success it is. We wish him every success in his new post and look forward to collaborating closely with him and with TG4.”
Alan Esslemont said: “The past eight and a half years working with MG ALBA as BBC ALBA Head of Content have been the most enjoyable of my working life. I was privileged to work with such highly committed and professional colleagues and to have been a part of the success story that is BBC ALBA from its inception. I look forward to maintaining a close relationship with BBC ALBA in my new post.”
A flagship Gaelic drama filmed on the Isle of Skye is to be exported to international audiences through a new distribution deal.
Bannan is screened on BBC ALBA and the new set of episodes start tonight on the channel.
The series is also now poised for broadcast internationally, having been signed up by DRG, one of the leading independent distributors of programmes in the world.
The news about Bannan’s international distribution comes as BBC ALBA channel partner, MG ALBA, set out the economic impact of Gaelic broadcasting at the Scottish Parliament.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA said: “The story of Bannan is part of the growth of BBC ALBA and the new distribution agreement is another landmark step in the development of the channel.
“It was important that BBC ALBA could embrace the drama genre in order to serve our Gaelic audience yet, the drama – and the channel – also needed to ensure that we could make an important contribution to the creative sector in Scotland.”
Figures to be published shortly by consultants Olsberg SPI demonstrate the economic impact of MG ALBA’s investments, particularly in the Western Isles and Skye. The international consultants found that the “114.4 FTE jobs created directly or supported by MG ALBA are equivalent to just under 11,000 in the Central Belt”. There were similar effects in additional economic value, as measured by GVA, and in equivalent value in wages generated.
Donald Campbell continued: “These figures demonstrate the enormous economic impact of investment in Gaelic broadcasting, and the stimulus such investment can generate for growth in Scotland’s creative industries.”
Young Films’ new agreement will also cover further programmes and material produced by Young Films, the independent production company formed and headed by producer of The Inbetweeners, Chris Young.
Chris Young, producer of Bannan, said: “When we first embarked on producing Bannan, we were clear that the drama should be appealing not only to a Gaelic and Scottish audience but to have strong storylines that would resonate across borders.
“We knew that the production talent existed within Scotland to make such a drama, and the wonderful location of Skye is unrivalled – all that was needed was the platform and resources to make it a reality.”
BBC ALBA is operated as a partnership agreement between the BBC and MG ALBA.
MG ALBA is pressing the BBC to make an increased commitment to the channel in order to increase the amount of original programming and reduce the number of repeats.
Donald Campbell added: “We are ambitious for Gaelic and for BBC ALBA – our ambition for the channel includes increased BBC commitment as part of a consistent, supportive policy by the BBC towards its minority language services. Following the provisions in the Charter and Framework Agreement published last week, we will be working with the BBC in the months ahead and making every attempt to secure increased BBC commitment for the channel.”
CHARTER REFERENCE TO GAELIC BROADCASTING WELCOMED BUT MORE BBC ALBA INVESTMENT STILL NEEDED
MG ALBA today welcomes the express reference to Gaelic broadcasting set out in the new draft BBC Royal Charter while urging the BBC to build on the success of BBC ALBA with increased investment in the channel.
MG ALBA has urged the BBC to make a formal commitment to increasing the amount of original programming made for BBC ALBA from 4.5 hours per week to 10 hours – to achieve parity with the Welsh TV channel, S4C. At present MG ALBA commissions work from over 20 independent production companies based in Scotland.
The need for a stronger BBC commitment to Gaelic broadcasting has achieved widespread political and industry support, with motions in both the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments, questions of ministers, Select Committee endorsement , an online video campaign led by the author Peter May, an online petition and many, many letters to the BBC in support of MG ALBA’s request , including from Scotland’s Deputy First Minster.
BBC ALBA, which is operated by a partnership between the BBC and MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service, has attracted audiences of around 700,000 and enjoys widespread support. The performance of the channel exceeded all expectations of the BBC Trust which set the remit for the channel.
MG ALBA wants to reduce significantly the number of repeats on BBC ALBA.
Donald Campbell, MG ALBA Chief Executive said: ”This Charter and Framework Agreement set out an explicit commitment to Gaelic broadcasting and say the BBC should continue to support the provision of output in Gaelic in Scotland, and should provide a television service through its partnership with MG ALBA. We welcome this reference to Gaelic broadcasting and the Secretary of State’s statement that the UK Government wishes to ensure that BBC ALBA has the resources it needs.
“The next step for us is to secure increased BBC investment. We are clear that the BBC needs to significantly increase its commitment to the channel for BBC ALBA to thrive and strengthen its offering of original and creative programming to its audiences. We look forward to working with the BBC to achieve that and believe added investment will benefit the creative industries in Scotland as well as serving the needs of our audience.”
BBC ALBA HEAD OF CONTENT SET FOR NEW ROLE AT TG4
MG ALBA today paid tribute to Alan Esslemont, BBC ALBA’s head of content, who has been appointed Director-General of TG4, the Irish language TV channel.
Donald Campbell, chief executive of MG ALBA, said: “Alan has made an outstanding contribution to MG ALBA and BBC ALBA over the last eight years and we wish him well as he takes on an exciting new challenge with TG4.
“From BBC ALBA’s first night on air, Alan and his team have implemented a strategy that has been carefully devised in order that our channel would appeal to our core audience of Gaelic speakers and also attract a wider audience that would experience and enjoy the language and Gaelic culture.
“We are delighted that such a strategy has made BBC ALBA the success it is today and we thank Alan who played an important part in making it happen.
“We look forward to building on that strong foundation, and ensuring that with our partner the BBC, the channel continues to go from strength to strength.”
Ken MacQuarrie, the BBC’s Director, Scotland said: “Alan was central to the launch and subsequent successful development of BBC ALBA and he has been a passionate supporter of Gaelic broadcasting. His drive and enthusiasm have brought BBC ALBA viewers a wide variety of high quality programmes across Factual, Music, Drama and Sport over the past eight years. He’s been instrumental in forging an excellent working relationship between BBC Scotland and MG ALBA and we’ll miss him as he heads off to lead the Irish language broadcaster TG4. We wish him well for the future.”
BBC ALBA PRESENTS RICH AUTUMN SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMMES
BBC ALBA has unveiled its new schedule of programmes for Autumn 2016, featuring entertainment, factual and current affairs programmes plus music, children’s shows, sport, live events and new drama from Bannan.
Agnes Johnstone, wife of Scotland and Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone, and much-loved Gaelic broadcaster, Cathy MacDonald, were among the attendees at the launch event held today (Wednesday 7 September) at BBC Pacific Quay, Glasgow, which was hosted by popular BBC ALBA presenter Fiona MacKenzie.
A wide range of exciting new commissions will be brought to the screen complementing the channel’s popular factual documentary series Trusadh, hard hitting current affairs series, Eòrpa, music series Seirm and kids’ favourite, Dè a-nis?.
Some of the new programmes featuring in the autumn line-up include:
Home from Home, a poignant documentary following some of the children and families who attend Scotland’s two children’s hospices, Rachel and Robin Houses. One of their visitors is five-year-old Eilidh from Alloa, who has a life-shortening illness – Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction with intestinal failure. Eilidh was referred to the children’s hospice Robin House in Balloch when she was only two years old. Eilidh and her whole family love it at Robin House and all go there around four times a year for respite care.
Hamish, a compelling and heartfelt tribute to the leading poet, intellectual and songwriter Hamish Henderson which has been co-funded by Creative Scotland. Scottish filmmaker, Robbie Fraser, directed the film which provides an insight into Henderson’s journey from orphan to cultural hero – as well as being cited as the catalyst for the folk revival in Scotland.
Folk-singer, musician and writer, Steve Byrne, who has been published in two volumes of the life and work of Hamish Henderson, was in attendance to perform one of Henderson’s best known songs ‘Freedom Come all Ye’.
For sporting viewers, Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Johnstone, a feature length personal profile of the legendary Scotland and Celtic football player which includes tributes from his wife, children, friends and fellow team mates.
Sàr-sgeoil / Outlander explores the locations across Scotland which are the backdrop for the Outlander novels and the popular TV drama. Cathy MacDonald meets Diana Gabaldon, the multi-million-selling author of the Outlander novels, to understand how Scottish history provided the inspiration for the chronicles and travels to some of the locations that are attracting Outlander fans from across the globe.
Musician Dougie MacLean was also present to highlight BBC ALBA’s music offerings including the return of the popular Perthshire Amber series. Dougie MacLean developed the Perthshire Amber Festival as a way to share his inspiring music as well as to celebrate the history and culture of his Perthshire home, and BBC ALBA will be bringing viewers highlights from the festival.
BBC ALBA’s original Gaelic drama Bannan will return in the autumn with its third series and filming in Skye for the fourth series already underway.
The channel also welcomes two new presenters, Kim Carnie (age 22 from Oban) and Mark Smith (age 19 from Shawbost, Lewis) who will be making their debut when they join the team on the ever-popular children’s programme Dè a-nis?, now in its 24th series.
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “We hope our new schedule will surprise and delight viewers of all ages across Scotland with the range and quality of new programmes from drama to factual documentary, sport, music and children’s delivered by some of the best programme producers and finest independent companies in Scotland.”
Among the highlights for this season are:
Factual
Music
Sport
Drama
Children’s
BBC ALBA is delivered through the partnership set up between the BBC and MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service, a unique broadcasting partnership providing a successful public service.
WIDE-RANGING POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR GAELIC BROADCASTING WELCOMED BY MG ALBA
MG ALBA, the Gaelic media service, said today that political support for Gaelic broadcasting remains wide-ranging and strong and is vital during the BBC Charter Review process.
Parliamentary motions paying tribute to the success of Gaelic broadcasting are being submitted in the House of Commons and in the Scottish Parliament this week and include support for efforts to secure a commitment to increasing the amount of original programming made for BBC ALBA.
Donald Campbell, chief executive of MG ALBA, said: “It is clear that our request for increased BBC investment in BBC ALBA as part of the new BBC Royal Charter is gaining support from across the political spectrum and it is greatly appreciated and welcome.
“Gaelic and Gaelic broadcasting has a history of enjoying cross-party support and it is gratifying to see that support remain so strong at a crucially important time.”
MG ALBA has urged the BBC to make a commitment to increasing the amount of original programming made for BBC ALBA from 4.5 hours per week to 10 hours – to achieve parity with the Welsh TV channel, S4C. At present MG ALBA commissions work from 20 independent production companies based in Scotland.
Donald Campbell added: “Put simply, we need the additional programming for BBC ALBA to thrive and progress. It is our belief that the BBC are listening – we hope that the parliamentary support being demonstrated through the Early Day Motion at Westminster, and the Motion at Holyrood, will help the BBC further understand the case for increased BBC investment in Gaelic broadcasting, as part of a consistent, considered approach to the UK’s minority languages.”
GROWING DEMAND FOR STRENGTHENED BBC ALBA CAN REAP AUDIENCE AND ECONOMIC DIVIDENDS
Meeting the growing demand for increased resources for BBC ALBA can deliver for both audiences and the Scottish creative economy, MPs were told today.
MG ALBA – which operates the BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC – said the opportunity to achieve parity for the Gaelic language channel with Welsh counterpart S4C had the potential to unlock substantial benefits for independent production sector as well as secure the future success of the channel amongst its core audience.
At a parliamentary event held at Westminster today (Monday 18 July), MPs were told about the desire from Gaelic audiences for the new Royal Charter to enshrine a commitment from the BBC to commit to 10 hours of new programming for BBC ALBA per week – up from the current level of 4.2 hours.
This commitment would bring BBC ALBA into line with S4C, which has enjoyed 10 hours of new programming per week from the BBC for the last 30 years.
It would also have a positive knock-on impact for the creative sector, which continues to benefit heavily from BBC ALBA. During 2015-16, BBC ALBA commissioned 454 hours of content from 26 different production companies.
MG ALBA chairperson, Maggie Cunningham, said: “Since the publication of the White Paper on Charter Renewal, we have seen growing momentum gathering behind a fairer deal for BBC ALBA.
“I’m pleased and grateful that MPs from across the political spectrum attended today to hear the compelling reasons why that deal is needed: to serve our audience properly and to boost the production sector in Scotland.
“BBC ALBA is currently allocated 3p of the £12.13 monthly licence fee. By comparison, the BBC spends more than 10 times that on S4C. However, we are not simply asking for more money. Existing BBC resources could and should be used more effectively to deliver for Gaelic audiences.”
Ms Cunningham highlighted last week’s publication of the Scotland Annual Review 2015-16 by the BBC Trust as evidence for the growing demand for improved BBC ALBA content.
Maggie Cunningham continued: “BBC ALBA has been an outstanding success since it launched in 2008 but it is clear that the channel has now reached a juncture where it needs more resources to continue its development. We have a repeat rate of 74% and it needs to be tackled.
“The recent BBC Trust Annual Review report acknowledged that whilst the channel is continuing to outperform viewership targets, it suffers from under-funding which may not be sustainable in the longer term.
“It is our firm belief that one mechanism to address this issue is by increased sharing of content from other BBC departments. We have seen excellent examples such as the Hebrides series that was successful across both BBC ALBA and BBC Scotland.
“This is not to say that BBC ALBA simply requires more content handed down from the main channels – a more responsive system of programme-making within the BBC may allow us to collaborate far easier across a range of genres including children’s programming, music and documentaries. Increasing original content to 10 hours per week does not have to mean a hugely increased pot of cash.”
The success of BBC ALBA’s Gaelic drama Bannan is one of a number of productions to provide a boost to the Highland & Islands creative economy and Ms Cunningham added its success could be built upon if BBC ALBA was strengthened with more original programming.
Ms Cunningham added: “The channel has had a very positive impact on the independent production sector: around half of all independent production commissions in Scotland are made by BBC ALBA and a recent economic impact report confirmed that almost 300 jobs result from MG ALBA’s activities, 40% of which are based in the Highlands and Islands. This includes BBC ALBA drama Bannan which has undertaken the majority of its production on the Isle of Skye.
“We are determined to improve even further on that and we are determined to ensure the next generation of creative talent has a platform to flourish. With a better base of original programming from the BBC for the channel – some of which may be conceived in cooperation with independent producers – there is more scope for enhancing Scotland’s creative sector and the economic benefits that brings.”
BBC ALBA BUILDS ON SUCCESS WITH NEW DRAMA EPISODES
Filming of Bannan a major boost for independent TV production sector
A new series of episodes of the popular BBC ALBA drama Bannan has been commissioned, it was announced today.
The filming of a further five episodes of the programme will give a significant boost to the creative industries in Scotland.
Funded by MG ALBA – the Gaelic Media Service – Bannan is filmed on the Isle of Skye and is produced by The Inbetweeners’ Chris Young and directed by Tony Kearney.
To date, 18 episodes have been filmed and the drama has proved to be one of the most watched programmes on BBC ALBA.
Announcing the new episodes at a preview screening at the Edinburgh Film Festival today (Sunday), Chris Young said: “As we host the premiere of the latest series of Bannan at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, there is no better way to celebrate the show’s continuing success than with this tremendous news. With these new episodes Bannan will be heading in an exciting new direction. Shooting starts in August so watch this space.”
As well as the new Bannan episodes, MG ALBA said today its vision remains to ‘build on the success of the channel’.
Launching its annual report in Edinburgh, chairperson Maggie Cunningham, said: “We’re delighted the channel enjoys very high levels of awareness in Scotland, offering both Gaelic speakers and non-Gaelic speakers unique programmes of interest and value.
“We continue to work on increasing our already significant impact on the independent production sector in Scotland, as we increase our expenditure on the sector and help create a culture of ambition and aspiration in our creative community and nowhere is this most evident than in our commitment to Bannan.”
However, Ms Cunningham said the channel needs further investment to develop.
She said: “Our audience is over-reliant on repeat material and this is the most serious deficit in our service on BBC ALBA. In our discussions with the UK Government and with the BBC, we have made clear that an increased level of content is essential in service development and it is vital that elements of our content are a “must watch” for the younger Gaelic demographic. We need a greater number of original programmes and a wider variety of content.
“This is an ideal time to invest in BBC ALBA, with the renewal of the BBC’s Charter at the end of this year. We have made strong representation to both the BBC and the UK Government over the past year. We believe that the BBC must make the same core commitment to BBC ALBA as it has done to S4C in Wales for the past 30 years, that is, a minimum of 10 hours per week of original BBC programming. For BBC ALBA, that means a commitment of an additional five hours per week.”
Donald Campbell, chief executive of MG ALBA, said: “In 2015-16 we made a significant investment in high quality new or original Gaelic production, with a spend of £9.9m generating 454 hours from 26 different production companies. Of that, £8.6m was spent with the independent production sector. An economic impact report confirmed that almost 300 jobs result from MG ALBA’s activities, 40% of which are based in the Highlands and Islands.
“Over the last year the channel has maintained a very strong performance. It is continually evident that the greatest demand is for new or original programmes. With only 13.3 hours of first-run programmes on average each week – a repeat ratio of 74% – it was significant that the core audience increased their average weekly viewing time from 4.4 to 4.8 hours and the national audience from 1.7 to 1.8 weekly hours.
“BBC ALBA was not exempt from the wider trends affecting linear television viewership, with average weekly reach in Scotland falling slightly to 15%, still well ahead of the benchmark expectation of 10%. Online viewing of our Gaelic media content continued to face the double challenge of discoverability on a densely populated iPlayer and poor broadband provision in many areas of core viewership. Many Gaelic-speaking communities still do not enjoy the necessary bandwidth or reliability required for the streaming of audio-visual content on the iPlayer.”
Read the annual report here
COVETED MG ALBA TV WRITING SCHOLARSHIP UP FOR GRABS
Talented Gaelic writers are being given the opportunity to apply for a coveted MG ALBA 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.
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, 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.
Seumas MacMillan was the MG ALBA scholar in 2014 and is now one of the writers on BBC ALBA’s Gaelic drama Bannan.
Reflecting on the course, Seumas said: “The MA in TV Fiction Writing is unique in that tutors are TV writers themselves and their guidance and support allows students to develop the craft skills necessary to pursue a screenwriting career.
“The course provided me with not only the skillset but the mindset to take my profession forward and I have been fortunate to work on BBC ALBA’s first drama series Bannan which has been a huge development in my career and I would encourage all talented Gaelic writers to apply.”
The MG ALBA scholarship will be awarded to one person, fluent in Gaelic, who will join the programme in September 2016. Applications need to be submitted before Thursday 26th May.
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.
