New funds for Scots film talent

Over £1.3m will fund seven different schemes to develop Scottish talent

More than £1.3m funding has been announced to develop home-grown talent in Scottish cinema.

The money will finance apprenticeships and advisors and help short film makers progress onto feature-length films.

The scheme is funded by Scottish Screen with support from partners including Edinburgh International Film Festival, BBC Scotland and Channel Four.

The announcement coincides with the launch of the Scottish-funded film, The Awakening, at the Cannes Film Festival.

Carole Sheridan, head of talent and creativity at Scottish Screen, said: "At a time when the market for screen business is tough, it is vital that individuals and companies are as informed and as well-connected as possible.

"Scottish Screen's investment in these programmes guarantees this and ensures that the Scottish screen sector is promoted at major international festivals and events over the next 12 months."

The money will go towards seven distinct projects including an apprenticeship programme for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds, internships for documentary-makers and marketing and finance workshops for film production companies.