BBC, Screen Scotland and Glasgow-based training provider TRC have revealed the six indies taking part in new programme SuperSizing Entertainment Formats.
Developed with the ambition of finding the next exciting entertainment format to capture imaginations and get audiences talking, the fully funded programme will run from November 2025 to April 2026.
The initiative will support BBC Entertainment and BBC Scotland’s aspiration to find ambitious and distinctive entertainment formats to develop as potential co-commissions., with a commitment to build the Scottish entertainment industry by spotlighting Scotland based ideas and talent.
Building on the success of FormatLab, TRC’s training programme designed to nurture the next generation of entertainment development talent in Scotland, this new programme reinforces TRC’s role in championing the companies behind original, market-ready formats that reflect the creative ambition of Scotland’s screen sector.
In addition to regular training, delegates will benefit from case studies and masterclasses led by former entertainment and factual entertainment format devisers, offering invaluable insights into both UK and international markets, as well as dedicated one-to-one support from the BBC, providing tailored guidance to refine their slate and help shape ideas into compelling scalable formats.
The selected participants are:
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David Marshall and Ronan Osborne, Tern TV
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Edwina Madden-Egan and Tom McNerney, Tuesday’s Child
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Rob Butterfield and Lucy Bacon, Ricochet
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Alasdair MacCuish and Danny Rawling, Beezr Studios
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Ryan Meloy and Zara Duncan, Bandicoot TV
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Ian Greenhill and Sadie Heather, Studio Something
This programme is funded by the BBC and Screen Scotland. Screen Scotland drives development of all aspects of Scotland’s film and TV industry, through funding and strategic support from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
Dani Carlaw, Head of Unscripted at Screen Scotland said: “This programme is a game-changer for Scotland’s entertainment indies. It brings together the BBC’s commissioning insight, TRC’s proven development expertise and Screen Scotland’s commitment to growth — creating a pipeline for bold, original formats with real market potential. It will strengthen our creative economy, expand Scotland’s footprint in the global formats market, and unlock new opportunities.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland said: “This is an important step in our search for the next big entertainment television formats of the future. It’s great to see our first cohort getting started and we’re excited to see what ambitious original ideas emerge from them.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC says: "One of the most exciting elements of this programme is witnessing the incredible passion and creativity of the cohort we’ve selected. Each of these delegates bring a distinctive voice and a real hunger to develop bold ideas that can capture audiences’ imaginations as well as boost the creator economy in Scotland. Really looking forward to getting started.”
Claire Scally, Managing Director of TRC commented: “We were impressed by the calibre of applications received for our new SuperSizing Entertainment Formats programme and are excited to announce the successful companies. With the support of the BBC and Screen Scotland, the companies will learn how to shape ideas into compelling, scalable formats that celebrate the Scottish voice. We look forward to continuing to support the developing entertainment sector in Scotland.”