Às Ùr | DIGITAL CREATOR CALLOUT

Are you the next Amelia Dimoldenberg?  Can you entertain like the Sidemen? Are you as funny as whatsername1.0?  Most importantly, can you do it with a strong, authentic, Gaelic voice?

MG ALBA is looking for bold new voices, fresh ideas and new Gaelic-language talent.

Our mission? To nurture new and emerging Gaelic creators, help them connect with each other, and grow our youth audience across digital platforms.

If you’re creative, charismatic and have stories that young Gaels want to hear, we want to hear from you.

Up to 20 creators will be selected to join us for an in-person idea development + pitching event in 2x Scottish locations, where you’ll get:

• Hands-on workshops designed to help you develop your idea and pitch
• To Connect with other Gaelic creators from across Scotland
• The opportunity to pitch your idea in front of a select panel of industry professionals

From there, five creators will be chosen for commissioned pieces, including:

• Mentoring from industry professionals
• Training workshops
• A production budget
• Distribution on BBC ALBA platforms, or other digital platforms

We want ideas that feel fresh, contemporary and unmistakeably Gaelic – content that speaks directly to young Gaels, but has the spark to go beyond that audience too.

Content ideas can be one-offs, or a series that sits authentically on YouTube OR TikTok / Instagram / YouTube Shorts.

Your idea could be:

• • Lo-fi, digital-first comedy. Think Michael Aldag ; Short Stuff
  • Youth-focused factual Think A view from the bridge; Meditations of an anxious mind ; Saith tip Nick i ddysgu Cymraeg! Seven controversial tips to help you learn Welsh
  • Lifestyle & Arts content with personality and flair. Think arts, culture, health, food, sport etc. ie Caroline McQuistin ;  Homophobia in 2018 | Time for Love ; Travelling Solo: Van Life in Scotland
  • Fun, escapist, short form entertainment, ie Weather forecast with a Twist ; Marjolein Robertson ; Beadai

• Duration: as per platform / story needs
• All genres welcome
• Platforms / Format: YouTube (16:9) OR TikTok / Instagram / YouTube Shorts (9:16)
• Ideas must appeal to Gaelic speakers and learners aged 18–35, and showcase the diversity of Gaelic culture
• Budget will be based on ideas

This opportunity is open to:

• Aged 18+
• Gaelic speakers – from learners to fluent speakers
• Based in Scotland, with the right to work
• Can demonstrate on-screen experience, i.e. on own social media platforms, or by sending a test tape.

If you’ve got something to say in Gaelic and the creativity to say it your way, we want to hear from you.

1. Create your free SMASH Pitch at app.mysmash.media
2. Build your Snapshot using the required elements above
3. Hit ‘Share Project’ and select BBC ALBA on the Call Out page
4. Submit before 23 January 2026

Your SMASH Snapshot must include:

• Logline
• Format, genre, setting and runtime
• Brief bio and any relevant examples of previous work
• Short synopsis
• Creative vision — why this, why now, why you
• Visual references (Thumbnail mock-up / visual style references)

Applications missing these elements won’t be accepted.

Your ideas stay yours. SMASH automatically timestamps and securely stores everything you upload, giving you a verifiable digital record of ownership. Your pitch is only shared when you choose, with the people you choose. This is Pitch Protection — so you can share your work with confidence.

• Submission Deadline: 23 January 2026
• Shortlist Announced: 6 February 2026
• Pitch Workshop (mandatory for shortlisted creators)
  1. Glasgow: 18 Feb 2026
  2. Stornoway 20^th Feb 2026
• Live Pitch: On day of Pitch workshop
• Location: Scotland

• If commissioned, you agree to attend relevant training workshops (up to 5x days)
• If commissioned, you will be expected to comply with all BBC & MG ALBA policies (under guidance of Mentor)
• If commissioned, you agree to immediately disclose anything you may have done in the past or present which could bring the BBC into disrepute
• You will receive mentorship + support throughout production
• Training workshops will run between Feb – May
• Production period will be between May – Sept
• Commission rate will be between £300 – £800 per piece, depending on idea + scope