TRC to help indies crack America

Nine UK indies have been selected to take part in an international development programme to help them develop knowledge, make contacts and win new business in the North American TV market. [ALL]

Nine UK indies have been selected to take part in an international development programme to help them develop knowledge, make contacts and win new business in the North American TV market.

The programme is run by The Research Centre (TRC) - a UK charity that champions the development of TV indies.

It will see key staff from the indies travel to Hollywood, New York, Washington DC and Toronto to meet broadcasters and co-production partners and learn how best to pitch to broadcasters in these markets.

The companies chosen for the programme are: Tern Television, Finestripe, MnE Media, Synchronicity Films, Yo Yo Media, True North, Yap Films, Double Z Enterprises and Icon Films

The scheme, which was first launched three years ago, provides advice on rights exploitation, co-productions, distribution and pitching to the top five international territories.

Agnes Wilkie (pictured) heads up the international programme for TRC.

She said: 'With so much overseas interest in original British formats, we are helping UK indies capitalise on this. The programme affords them the crucial opportunities in these traditionally hard-to-break markets.'

Tern TV managing director David Strachan believes the programme will be extremely beneficial.

'The North American market is a tough nut to crack, so we are hoping that the experience will offer the exposure Tern needs in order to break this market,' he said.