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BBC and Screen Scotland Launch 'ents' Programme to Boost Scottish Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 16:16 GMT by BBC

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BBC and Screen Scotland launch the “ents” programme – a new boost for Scottish film, TV and digital‑media companies

In a move that underscores the United Kingdom’s commitment to regional creative economies, the BBC and Screen Scotland announced today the launch of the “ents” programme – a five‑year, £25 million investment designed to strengthen Scotland’s emerging media sector. The programme, unveiled on the BBC Media Centre’s 2025 press release and supported by a dedicated page on Screen Scotland’s website, will provide financial backing, mentorship and access to the BBC’s world‑class distribution network to a select group of Scottish companies across film, television, gaming and interactive media.

The partnership that powers the programme

The announcement highlighted a new partnership framework between the BBC and Screen Scotland, the national screen agency responsible for the development, funding and promotion of Scottish screen talent. According to the BBC’s press release, “Screen Scotland’s deep‑rooted knowledge of the local ecosystem, combined with the BBC’s global reach, will create a virtuous cycle for the next generation of Scottish storytellers.”

Screen Scotland’s Director of Enterprise, Dr. Fiona MacDonald, added: “The ent programme is a natural evolution of our support strategy. We are delighted to work hand‑in‑hand with the BBC to help emerging companies reach audiences beyond our borders, while keeping the creative control firmly in Scottish hands.” The BBC’s Head of International Development, Sir Tom Parker, echoed the sentiment, noting that “the BBC has always championed diverse voices, and the ent programme is a tangible step toward amplifying Scotland’s unique cultural narratives on the world stage.”

What the “ents” programme actually delivers

Funding and grants
The core of the ent programme is a tiered grant system. Companies can apply for either a seed‑stage investment (up to £50 k) to cover pre‑production costs, or a larger growth‑stage grant (up to £500 k) aimed at scaling production values, hiring talent and securing distribution deals. In addition, a “growth‑matching” fund will allow participating companies to raise private capital, with the BBC and Screen Scotland matching a percentage of any private investment secured.

Mentorship and training
Selected companies will be paired with seasoned BBC producers, Screen Scotland mentors and industry specialists from the UK’s leading film schools. The programme will host quarterly “boot‑camp” workshops that cover everything from pitch deck development to post‑production workflows. All training modules will be recorded and made available on the programme’s dedicated learning portal, accessible to all applicants regardless of their status in the selection process.

Distribution and audience reach
One of the programme’s most appealing aspects is its built‑in distribution pipeline. BBC Television will offer guaranteed slots for pilot projects on BBC iPlayer and BBC Studios’ international distribution arm. In addition, partnerships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ – all of which have committed to showcasing at least 30 % of their content from the UK – will be explored on a case‑by‑case basis.

Networking and co‑production opportunities
The ent programme will host an annual “Ents Summit” in Edinburgh, bringing together broadcasters, distributors, investors and creative talent. The summit will include pitch sessions, panel discussions on emerging media trends and a matchmaking lounge that encourages cross‑border co‑production deals.

The first cohort of Scottish companies

The BBC and Screen Scotland announced the inaugural cohort of 12 companies that have been selected for the ent programme. These companies represent a broad spectrum of the Scottish creative landscape:

A brief profile of each company is available on the BBC Media Centre’s ent programme page, where links lead to their own websites and recent projects. Many of the companies already boast high‑profile collaborations, and the ent programme will be the catalyst that propels them into global markets.

Funding, timelines and application process

The ent programme will roll out in stages, with the first tranche of seed‑stage grants released in Q4 2025. The growth‑stage phase will begin in early 2026, once the initial projects have proven viability. Companies are encouraged to submit their proposals by the end of January 2026, with an online portal that guides applicants through eligibility criteria, budget templates and required documentation.

The BBC’s media‑centre release also announced a public consultation on the programme’s structure. A link to the consultation form is embedded on the press release, and stakeholders can comment on the draft guidelines. The consultation will close on 30 April 2025, allowing the BBC and Screen Scotland to refine the programme’s parameters before the official launch.

The broader impact on Scotland’s creative economy

By investing in local talent and infrastructure, the ent programme is poised to create a multiplier effect across Scotland’s creative sector. According to recent data from the Scottish Government’s Creative Industries Unit, the film, TV and gaming industries contributed £3.2 billion to Scotland’s GDP in 2023, employing over 30,000 people. The BBC and Screen Scotland’s joint statement emphasises that the ent programme will not only increase output but also enhance skill development, retain talent, and encourage collaboration between established studios and start‑ups.

The programme also dovetails with the UK government’s “Future of Film” strategy, which seeks to diversify the industry’s revenue streams and strengthen regional hubs. By aligning the ent programme with this national agenda, the BBC and Screen Scotland aim to position Scotland as a leading creative economy in the digital age.

Next steps for interested parties

Companies and creative professionals who wish to explore the ent programme should:

1. Visit the dedicated ent programme page on the BBC Media Centre (https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/ents) for full eligibility criteria.
2. Download the application guide and fill out the online portal before 31 January 2026.
3. Engage with the consultation by submitting comments on the programme’s draft structure by 30 April 2025.
4. Attend the upcoming Ents Summit in Edinburgh (dates TBA) to network and learn more about partnership opportunities.

With the BBC’s global reach and Screen Scotland’s local expertise, the ent programme promises to become a cornerstone of Scotland’s media renaissance, offering a clear path for emerging companies to secure funding, refine their craft, and reach audiences worldwide. As the programme unfolds, stakeholders across the industry will watch keenly, knowing that this partnership could very well reshape the future of Scottish storytelling.