An opportunity to broaden horizons

International Horizons: Scripted is an advanced industry programme from training provider TRC aimed at supporting scripted drama companies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to build skills, knowledge and networks enabling them to thrive in the competitive world of international high-end television drama.

With direct access to major markets including Series Mania and a focus on high-level relationship-building, the programme positions participants to form partnerships, secure co-productions and operate confidently on the world stage.

Born out of a collaboration of the three national screen agencies, the BFI, and TRC, the programme brings together shared expertise and nation perspectives, and creates a unique cross-nation network with the scale and visibility to compete globally, aiming to raise the profile of the producers on an international stage and facilitate co-productions.

At this year’s Series Mania Forum, participants from the first two cohorts of International Horizons: Scripted share how it has contributed to their creative and professional growth.

“I was attracted to International Horizons through how well I knew that TRC was brilliant at training. The opportunity to get a broader perspective on the international market beyond the UK felt like too good an opportunity to pass up.

“I have a really good relationship with Tally Garner at Mam Tor, and we’re doing Richard Gadd’s Half Man together for BBC1, and I’m looking to expand my horizons and my knowledge of the market beyond the editorial, which is my wheelhouse.

“Additionally, the fact that it was Scottish-based, along with the other nations – the Northern Irish and Welsh cohorts – was great. That’s one of the biggest things I’ve got out of it: the connection with other indies in the nations.

“What I’ve really drawn from is hearing from financiers and distributors outside the Banijay group, how they see the market, but also international commissioners, such as Stan in Australia, to paint a picture of the industry and what people are looking for in terms of content, and you can then match that with the creative.

“After Half Man we’ve got Open Water coming up on the BBC, that’s the biggie. And from an International Horizons perspective as head of development at Mam Tor, what this has given me is the opportunity to be introduced to Channel 5 and Sky and get one-on-one time with them to help develop our slate further and forge relationships with broadcasters.”

“I wish I’d had the chance to do this 20 years ago. One of the main things I took from the programme, and it might seem obvious, is just how important personal connections are in this business. It was fantastic to meet fellow producers from Scotland and Northern Ireland and share our experiences – many of which are very similar.

“But also, making those connections face-to-face, from the streamers and broadcasters to the distributors and financiers. All those chances to get to know those people is a huge help, because it is a people industry. So much is based on relationships.

“Those opportunities have been more limited for nations and regions indies. You have pockets of connections, which you build up, but you’re not part of the London scene, not so visible.

“Ending the programme in Series Mania is also extremely useful. I came last year for the first time with International Horizons and I really enjoyed it. It feels more relaxed than some of the other markets, everybody feels more accessible.

“We’ve got a slate of ideas that are in early development, so I’ve been talking about them with people at Series Mania. At the moment we’re developing an ambitious project with a company from Canada and London. We are also close to signing off a big partnership with a UK broadcaster on a Welsh-language drama.

“This all stemmed from conversations at Series Mania, which came via International Horizons. We’d like to co-produce more in Europe and everyone on International Horizons is very excited about co-producing with other Celtic countries. It feels like a no-brainer.”

“It’s been invaluable in understanding the financing of television, especially in 2026 and beyond, and how that model has changed significantly over the past few years. We’ve just had the most amazing exposure to distributors, sales agents, and some of the huge indies. “And then we’ve had incredible access to the UK broadcasters.

“We’ve had that opportunity to sit down with them and find out what their tastes are. When you’re developing your own slate, it helps tailor it. That’s not escaped me, but having a renewed sense of focus on that has been crucial.

“What I feel I have is a very exciting slate with some really incredible projects. But I know I could not deliver that single-handedly to a streamer. So, International Horizons has been so vital for talking to the streamers and broadcasters and hearing case studies from other companies who might have started where we were.

“My goal is that first full broadcast commission. I’m developing a slate of scripted comedy and drama at the moment, and I’m positive I’ll get that commission soon. I’m very positive, How To Get To Heaven From Belfast delivered and was well-received, that’s a good jumping off point – the work’s just starting.”

“International Horizons has given me more confidence in myself. It made me realise that I am good enough, that I do have something to offer this industry. Within that, my understanding of the industry both locally and internationally has been broadened.

“Besides the industry insights, meeting the other producers and creatives in the cohort and making friendships with them, our mentors and the TRC team has been deeply rewarding.

“Creatively, it has realigned my focus. I now have a clearer understanding of what broadcasters and streamers are looking for. It’s all good reading about what they want in commissioning briefs, but to have that one-to-one time with them in this setting was extremely useful.

“Getting to sit in a room together was really productive for us all. Looking to my slate, my network of peers has been enhanced. I plan to stay in touch and am already working with some of our mentors in a private capacity on projects.”