The Take Three short film programmes are set to return for a second year with calls for entries opening from the end of April. Take Three supports filmmaking talent from across Scotland by championing new voices, fostering creative collaboration, and developing and producing high-quality short films.
Alongside Opening Shot, Final Checks and First Draft, Take Three is part of Screen Scotland’s Talent Builder initiative which offers a clear and comprehensive pathway from early-stage through to the completion of the first draft of a first feature film script.
Take Three’s first call for applications will be for The Bigger Picture, which contributes £90,000 towards a short film that supports filmmakers on the verge of making their feature debut. Filmmakers Simone Smith and Jenni Fagan are currently in development on the Year One Bigger Picture films, with producers Wendy Griffin (Selkie Productions) and Claire Mundell (Synchronicity Films) respectively.
Take Three continues their relationship with MG ALBA helping to platform emerging Gaelic talent, and the year two call will support one Bigger Picture Gaelic language short film.
North Star Shorts - which is Scotland’s BFI NETWORK supported programme - and Next Wave, offer £25,000 for earlier career filmmakers to create work that will succeed creatively and commercially. Film teams will also be offered development, mentoring and production support.
The films from year one will be launching onto the festival circuit in the autumn. Reflecting on the programme’s first year, the Take Three team highlighted the calibre of the talent involved and the collaborative spirit that has defined the experience.
“The volume and quality of applications we received in our first year was exceptional, making the selection process both exciting and incredibly challenging,” said Take Three Programme Directors Carolynne Sinclair Kidd and Holly Daniel. “What’s been equally impressive is the level of talent and commitment from the teams we selected—each one has fully embraced the opportunity, collaborating generously and pushing their projects creatively at every stage. It really speaks to the strength and depth of filmmaking talent in Scotland, and to the ambition of storytellers ready to take that next step.”
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland said: “It’s wonderful to see the developing bold and thought-provoking ideas come to life through Year one of Take Three. We’re excited to see what Year Two brings but are confident exceptional talent from across Scotland will deliver more outstanding projects.”
MG ALBA said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for Gaelic speaking talent to tell stories in a deeply personal and authentic way. I’m looking forward to seeing a wide spread of unforgettable ideas!”
Applications for the upcoming programmes will open soon, with filmmakers from across Scotland encouraged to apply. Initiatives by the wider Talent Builder partners will be announced over the coming months.
More information
Image: (l-r) Jenni Fagan and Claire Mundell
About Take Three
Take Three comprises three new programmes of national support for short form storytelling. Continuing the legacy of world class short filmmaking from Scotland, these programmes will provide multiple entry points and a platform for bold, original voices with international appeal from across the country.
About MG ALBA
MG ALBA works in partnership with the BBC to deliver BBC ALBA and oversees other initiatives, including SpeakGaelic, LearnGaelic and FilmG.