The last few years have seen a seismic shift towards the nations and regions, with Channel 4, Sky Studios and Pact opening new hubs and offices outside of London, a renewed commitment to regional quotas from the broadcasters, and a new BBC channel for Scotland. Ofcom’s review of their regional production and programming guidance aimed to further strengthen the position of regional indies.

But what do these changes in infrastructure and policy mean for independent production companies? This event brings together broadcasters and policy makers to dig deep into the changing face of the nations and regions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing companies in Scotland today.

If you have a question about the nations and regions that you would like our panel to discuss, please send it by email to hello@filmcityfutures.com.

SCHEDULE

16:00: Doors

16:15 - 17:00: Panel Discussion

17:00 - 17:30: Audience Q+A

17:30 - 18:00: Networking drinks

CHAIR

Ruth Pitt, Director at Creative Cities

Ruth is currently director of the Creative Cities Convention and has previously run documentary departments for the BBC, Granada Television and Tiger Aspect Productions as well as her own independent television production company Real Life. A former reporter and presenter at Yorkshire Television, she has been advisory chair of the Edinburgh International Television Festival, chair of the Nations and Regions Media Conference and is a former executive director of Screen England. Ruth most recently helped shape Leeds City Region’s ground-breaking campaign to host Channel 4’s new National HQ.

PANEL

Geraldine McCartney, Head of Business for Commissioning at BBC Scotland

Geraldine is responsible for leading the financial and business aspect of the multi-platform commissioning team, encompassing the introduction of a multi-platform commissioning process and the business management of BBC Scotland’s new channel. A qualified accountant, Geraldine has extensive experience within the media sector and was previously responsible for the overall management of BBC Scotland’s financial position, as well as working across BBC Scotland within commissioning, production and on a number of pan BBC projects.

Jo Street, Head of Daytime and Head of Glasgow Hub at Channel 4

Jo currently oversees Channel 4’s UK-wide daytime commissioning team and leads the broadcaster’s new creative hub in Glasgow. At the BBC, Street was the network commissioning editor for entertainment and daytime, as well as commissioning popular factual and features for the Scotland channel. She has most recently been responsible for series including The Hit List, Who Dares Wins, Homes Under the Hammer, HeadHunters, Eggheads and Antiques Road Trip.

Stefan Webster, Regulatory Affairs Manager at OFCOM

Stefan is a public policy professional with an interest in all things broadcasting. As part of the Ofcom Scotland team, he leads on broadcasting matters in Scotland across TV and radio. This includes fulfilling Ofcom’s duties in relation in to Gaelic-language broadcasting, the promotion of their publications to interested parties and managing their stakeholder relationships with both policy makers and Scotland’s creative sector.

Tris Payne, Head of Nations and Regions at Pact

Tris Payne's main role at Pact is working with commissioners to bring them out of London, and to help indies with business development and access to support and investment. An experienced Broadcast Development Director and Executive Producer, Tris most recently worked for Denham Productions in Plymouth where he was responsible for developing and winning commissions including Paul Goes To Hollywood for UKTV and a new peak-time show for ITV1. Having developed and won commissions for a regional indie, Tris has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by production companies based in the Nations & Regions.

FOCUS ON: Nations and Regions