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MG ALBA LAUNCH COMMUNITY TRAINING SCHEMES

MG ALBA, the Gaelic digital media service, has today (Friday) announced details of its new community training schemes at today’s National Gaelic Conference in Lewis.

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, outlined a two-year £60,000 investment partnership with Sealladh Ltd, to launch three pioneering schemes.

Mr Campbell said: “The objective is to create tomorrow’s Gaelic digital content, uncovering and training new talent in radio and audiovisual in the Highlands and Islands. BBC ALBA, the new Gaelic digital service, which goes live on September 19, will be a vital channel for nurturing the Gaelic stars of tomorrow.”

The three training schemes that will directly support the production of high quality Gaelic programmes include:

  • Young people 15 – 18 yrs


  • Òigridh nan Eilean, a project for fluent Gaelic speaking teenagers from the Western Isles to develop writing skills, create a social network focused on issues concerned with the Gaelic TV channel, and ultimately produce a small online drama.


  • Students and Trainees


  • Rèidio Òigridh, radio events project for eight young Gaelic speakers focused on building new teams capable of creating quality radio content at major events for community radio or online radio.


  • Communities


  • Stòiridhean nan Gaidheal, community documentary project. Six people not currently in a media profession from Gaelic speaking communities will be provided with a master-class in “self shoot” documentaries followed by regular support from a mentor. Outcomes will include regular content provision online from places such as Islay, Wester Ross, the north of Sutherland, the south end of South Uist, Harris and the north end of Skye.

Producers Morag Stewart and Chris Young, the directors of Sealladh Ltd, welcomed the investment and the new partnership with MG ALBA. Morag Stewart said: “These initiatives allow us to discover and develop new talent in our communities and tap into a wealth of stories that make for compelling radio and audiovisual content. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with the young people who will create tomorrow’s Gaelic programmes.”

Chris Young commented: “Having worked with young people on Gaelic film projects, I know that there is huge potential for the skills development that will allow people in the Gaelic community to become involved in making high-quality programmes. This is a time of great opportunity for the Gaelic production sector and we’re delighted to have the support of MG ALBA for this initiative.”

Minister for Culture, Linda Fabiani, said: “MG ALBA's training schemes look set to play an important role in ensuring Gaelic broadcasting thrives. They will help ensure we have a skilled workforce and an independent production sector able to provide high-quality programming for the new Gaelic channel, BBC ALBA.

“This training for communities recognises the increasingly interactive nature of broadcasting. Involving local communities in this way puts them at the heart of the developing channel and helps realise the value and contribution BBC ALBA will make to Gaelic speakers everywhere.

“Earlier this week, the Scottish Broadcasting Commission's final report highlighted the need for the education sector to ensure it is supporting skilled individuals looking to take up jobs in the fast-moving broadcasting environment. MG ALBA’s training initiatives will play an important part in preparing that workforce.”

These projects are in addition to FilmG, MG ALBA’s inaugural venture. FilmG is Scotland’s Gaelic-language short film competition, which aims to uncover new creative talent for the new Gaelic digital service, BBC ALBA. This exciting venture also provides a number of training events including filmmaking workshops. More information is available at the dedicated website www.filmg.co.uk.

Donella Beaton, chief executive of Cànan, the media company that is managing the FilmG project, said: “The initial response to the FilmG competition has been hugely encouraging, and as students return for the new academic year we expect there to be even more interest in the training and mentoring elements of the project. We are pleased to be running this project for MG ALBA and to be involved in nurturing new talent and developing the skills and confidence of young filmmakers.”

Ends

For further information please contact Ramsay Smith at Media House on 0141 220 6040 / 07788 414 856 or email: ramsay@mediahouse.co.uk

Notes to editors:
MG ALBA, in partnership with the BBC, is launching BBC ALBA, which will be available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110 from 19 September 2008.

BBC ALBA is expected to become available on cable in due course. Subject to review by the BBC Trust, BBC ALBA will become available on Freeview after digital switchover in 2010. For more information on accessing BBC ALBA visit our website: www.mglba.com.

MG ALBA and the BBC have established a partnership to deliver digital television, radio and online services in Gaelic. The BBC ALBA service will broadcast under a BBC licence. To find out more about how the partnership works visit www.mgalba.com.

MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service), which is funded by the Scottish Government and regulated by Ofcom. MG ALBA stands for Meadhanan Gàidhlig Alba, or Gaelic Media Scotland.
FilmG is a Cànan concept for MG ALBA.

12 September 2008