Screen Fringe programme gears up to connect Scottish creative talent

Screen Scotland and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are this month relaunching the Screen Fringe project, building on the success of its initial pilot in 2019. The programme is focused on supporting producers, commissioners, and Film & TV executives in their engagement with the festival, the discovery of new talent and encouraging the drive of stage-to-screen adaptation. 

With notable past Fringe-to-screen achievements such as Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, Our Ladies, Beats, Big Boys, Expensive Shit and many more, Edinburgh Fringe offers an exciting international marketplace for discovering original voices and IP rich with potential for screen development and adaptation. 

The Screen Fringe programme will support delegates from the film and TV sector with festival programme navigation, show curation, introductions to talent, signposting to targeted opportunities and access to ticketing throughout August. There will also be a programme of additional activity during 12 – 22 August, including industry advice panels, networking and social events.

Accredited delegates will have access to a dedicated Screen Fringe Manager, recently recruited freelance producer Sophie Ellwood, and a Screen Fringe Assistant, who will offer bespoke support and recommendations, to help meet inspiring talent and make the most of Fringe opportunities. 

To register as a Screen Fringe delegate, please sign up for accreditation by visiting the Fringe Arts Industry webpage.  

For more information on any of the events, including registration, ticketing, and show-related queries, please contact Sophie Ellwood, the Screen Fringe Manager, at: [email protected] 

Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said: “As Edinburgh plays host this month, Screen Fringe is there to offer a great experience and enhanced access for the many film and TV producers, development execs, talent seekers and show makers who are here to find new voices, stories and ideas – and to open the door to the film and TV industry for that exciting new talent.   We can’t wait to see the sparks fly as new connections are made, and new projects are born.” 

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Festival Fringe said: “We’re delighted that Screen Fringe is back for 2022.  Over the next few weeks, as artists from Scotland, the UK and the world congregate in Edinburgh for the Fringe, many look to capitalise on the industry opportunities available to them.  Supporting artists in understanding how the screen industries operate is key to making sure their work and approach is aligned to opportunities. The events programme which has been developed will allow participants to gain a good knowledge of core elements, such as financing, legalities and how to pitch. It is exciting to see Screen Fringe back and live this year, and to see how it develops in the years to come.” 

Screen Fringe Manager Sophie Ellwood said: “I’m so excited by the sheer number of shows showcasing diversity, disability, and other communities at the Fringe this year. There is so much undiscovered talent out there, as well as a wealth of shows on offer for everyone, and we’re really looking forward to connecting performers and playwrights with producers and commissioners they might not have access to otherwise.” 

Screen Fringe’s programme of events offering advice and guidance on aspects of developing work for film or TV will take place at Fringe Central, St James Quarter between 15th and 22nd August. These events are open to all Fringe Arts Industry delegates. Information regarding each of these events can be found at on our dedicated Screen Fringe page.

There will also be further events, roundtables, drop-in clinics, and 1-2-1s planned for industry professionals, and information made available closer to the time. 


Background

Screen Fringe 2022 was awarded £19,900 from the National Lottery through Screen Scotland targeted funding.  

Screen Scotland is the national body that drives development of all aspects of Scotland’s film and TV industry, through funding and strategic support. Screen Scotland is part of Creative Scotland and delivers these services and support with funding from Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Find out more at screen.scot and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.    

Media Contact 

Eilidh Walker
Media Relations and PR Officer, Screen Scotland
T: 0131 523 0019
M: 07545 402 064  
Email: [email protected]