FOCUS Bootcamp: Grow your film or TV startup

FOCUS Bootcamp is a course aimed to equip new screen companies with the skills, knowledge and contacts that they need to grow and thrive.

FOCUS Bootcamp will take place online over four days: Wednesday 4 November, Friday 6 November, Wednesday 11 November, and Friday 13 November. The course will be followed by two follow-up business strategy one-to-one consultancy sessions with Jen Topping in November.

Bootcamp will include in-depth training sessions in key areas of business management. There will be visits from key organisations such as Business Gateway, Screen Scotland and UK broadcasters, as well as conversational sessions with successful Scotland-based production companies.

Those selected to take part will complete a business strategy for their company as they work through the course, allowing them to create notes on their evolving company growth strategy, and highlight areas of business need.

What areas are covered on the course?

Day 1 will focus on thinking strategically about your business. How will you grow and lead your team, and how do you structure your company to allow for the flexibility you will need as it expands? This session will give an overview of the current market, including broadcast, film and SVODs. We also examined planning, strategy and company structures - including SPVs - and look at leadership styles and strategic planning.

The workshop will be delivered by Jen Topping, and participants will take part in a case study session with the leader of an established Scotland-based production company.

Day 2 is all about finance - covering key issues such as tax, accounting, and investment. How do you set up systems for managing your cashflow and keeping track of all your finances? How does a co-production deal work financially, and how can you set about monetising your IP?

The workshop will be delivered by Samuel Ampah (Alliots), and participants will also take part in a case study session with the leader of an established Scotland-based production company.

Day 3 will cover mastering the TV and SVOD market for both scripted and non-scripted, establishing a development process, pitching to commissioners, working the film markets, working with agents, and navigating the FAANGs. This session will help participants better understand the commissioning landscape and how to sell their film or TV project.

Workshops will be delivered by Calum Gray, Clare Thompson, Hattie Burles and Sheryl Crown with a case study session led by Alan Clements, founder of Two Rivers Media.

Day 4 will give participants a chance to meet key organisations such as Business Gateway, Screen Scotland, and UK broadcasters.

These sessions will give companies an opportunity to find out what funding opportunities are available, and navigate broadcaster relationships.

Eligibility criteria

To apply to FOCUS Bootcamp, companies should:

  • Be based in Scotland
  • Be a screen sector company producing film, TV or animation content for broadcast or distribution
  • Be within the first three years of trading, or within three years of a significant shift in company focus
  • Have no access to expert business development support in house or through a parent company
  • Be willing to take part in monitoring and evaluation work
  • Be in a position to accept de minimus aid
  • Be a micro-business or sole trader
  • Be able to commit to attending all four days of Bootcamp

How to apply

Please take a look at the Application Guidelines and Terms and Conditions before you apply.

Applications are open until 9am on Monday 26 October.

Submit your application at www.filmcityfutures.com/focusbootcamp