Screentime ShinAwiL is joining forces with former ‘Dragons’ Den’ dragon Sean O’Sullivan and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)’s School of Media to launch MakersTV, a world-first TV format accelerator programme for TV professionals.
MakersTV will bring together international creative experts to support, encourage and discuss with participants how to develop their ideas. The programme provides training and mentoring across scripting, pitching, casting, global format marketing and developing format bibles. The training sessions will plot a path through the complexities of developing and implementing a new format and turning inventive ideas into a finished product that has the potential to sell and succeed globally.
Based in DIT’s state-of-the art studio and editing facilities in Aungier Street, Dublin, MakersTV comprises a six-week programme of intense mentoring from some of the TV industry’s key figures. Lecturers and guests include Jens Ritcher (CEO, Fremantle Media International); Jody Smith (multiplatform commissioning editor for Entertainment, Channel 4); Andrew Zein (senior VP creative, format development and sales, Warner Brothers); Mike Beale (director of international formats, ITV Global Studios); Colman Hutchinson (Box of Tricks, former producer of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?); Jacoub Houland (Nordisk Film TV); Paul Jackson (executive producer of Hell’s Kitchen USA); Francois de Brugada (COO of Banijay Group) and many more.
Larry Bass, CEO of Screentime ShinAwiL, said: “We are delighted to partner with Sean O’Sullivan of SOS Ventures and Dublin Institute of Technology in Aungier Street to further place Ireland at the heart of creative development in the global TV format industry.
“If we can replicate a fraction of the success of SOS Ventures’ previous Technology Accelerator Programs, this will be and exciting development in the future of television.”
Hugh McAtamney, Head of School of Media, DIT, said: “The School of Media, DIT, is excited to be part of this innovative programme. Creativity, innovation and problem solving in Media are core themes in our postgraduate and undergraduate programmes and crucial for developing our research potential.”
Applications are open to experienced TV professionals or a team of professionals with at least one industry professional as a team member. MakersTV will run from the 9th June - 18th July 2014 in Dublin, Ireland. Successful applicants will be expected to be in Dublin for the duration of the programme. There is no fee to attend the programme and a basis stipend will be provided to cover living costs while attending MakersTV.
Apply online via the webpage application form on www.makerstv.net. Places are limited. The application deadline is Friday 16th May 2014.
