World Congress of Science and Factual Producers: call out for bursaries for production companies

Screen Scotland is offering six bursaries to attend the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers, being held in Marrakech in December 2024. 

 

About the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers  

The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) is a member-driven organization formed by science and factual producers, broadcasters and content providers from around the world. Members represent a who’s who of factual programming, including Discovery, National Geographic, Smithsonian Networks, BBC, Channel 4, ITV, other international public broadcasters such as PBS, NHK, France Televisions, CBC, ARTE, ZDF and ABC, and streamers such as Netflix and YouTube.  

Each year, members gather for an annual conference in a different country to connect – this year will be in Marrakesh from 9 to 12 December. Featuring a broad programme of sessions and speakers, networking and social events, and The Buzzies (awards for excellence in science, history and factual storytelling), Congress '24 will offer the opportunity to connect with colleagues, hear from international experts, learn about new industry trends, celebrate this year's best in factual storytelling, collaborate and do business. 

 

What is on offer? 

Support to attend Congress ’24 for established Scottish companies with a relevant track record.  

The bursary will include: 

  • Registration for the full World Congress programme 

  • Delegate hotel accommodation (5 nights) 

  • Up to £500 towards travel and subsistence costs  

 

Who is eligible to apply?   

Scotland-based production companies which specialise and have an established track record in history, science, arts, natural history, specialist factual and observational documentary productions, especially those with strong international projects and prospects. 

We will also consider applications to award up to two bursaries for smaller companies who require an extra boost to develop or pivot into these areas, who have a strategy to open up their international activities. 

We expect applicants to be senior level executives/business-winners in the company, such as managing director, creative director, executive producer or heads of department.   

Only one application per company will be considered.

 

What information do we need? 

Submissions must evidence clear and consistent ongoing international strategy and activity, detailing what platforms and territories your company is engaging with. Information about international co-productions (complete or in-development) should include names of co-pro partners and examples of international business won/finance raised. 

If your company is currently evolving its business development plans to grow its international activity, there must be a relevant existing domestic track record, upon which a pivot is strategically based. 

Applications must make a case for support, highlighting relevant projects and what strategic achievements they seek through attendance, both for projects and wider business development. 

 

What happens next and how will my submission be assessed?    

Once we receive your submission, we will check for basic completeness and eligibility. Your submission will be assessed on your company’s profile, track record, your reasons for attending the Congress, including desired outcomes, and an understanding of the benefits to your company’s and your projects’ progression.   

If you are successful, we will confirm your details for event and hotel registration with Congress and advise of next steps for travel and subsistence support.  

 

Key dates   

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 9 October 2024.   

Successful applicants will be informed by Friday 11 October 2024.  

 

How to apply  

To apply, please complete our online form by the deadline date above.  

Complete our online application form


Application details  

Creative Scotland (CS) requires some personal information about you to consider your application. Without this information CS will be unable to provide you with a delegate pass. If you would like to see a breakdown of the personal information CS requires, why it is required, what CS does with that information and how long CS keeps it, please refer to CS’s Privacy Notice