An opportunity for Directors UK members in Scotland to meet BBC Scotland commissioners

For directors based in Scotland, gaining access to commissioning decision-makers can be an important step towards developing new projects and building professional relationships. Directors UK members residing in Scotland can apply for opportunities to take part in networking and “Meet the Commissioners” sessions organised in collaboration with BBC Scotland.

The initiative offers selected members the chance to move beyond traditional industry networking and have direct conversations with people involved in shaping BBC Scotland’s commissioning strategy.

One-to-one meetings with commissioning decision-makers

A key feature of the initiative is the opportunity for selected directors to take part in one-to-one meetings with BBC Scotland commissioners. These sessions provide a space to introduce ideas, discuss potential projects and gain a better understanding of what commissioners are looking for.

The meetings can also help directors develop their professional networks and establish relationships that may be useful when developing future television, factual, scripted, entertainment, digital or other screen projects.

BBC Scotland’s commissioning structure covers a broad range of content areas. Its senior commissioning team includes Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland, and Louise Thornton, Head of Multiplatform Commissioning, whose remit spans television, iPlayer, radio, digital and sport.

Other commissioning roles cover specific areas of programming. Margaret Mary Murray leads Gaelic Services and Inclusion, while David Harron is Commissioning Editor for Factual and Documentaries. Gavin Smith works as Commissioning Editor, Scotland, across scripted and entertainment, and Tony Nellany is Channel Manager and Commissioning Executive with responsibilities including sport and new talent.

For directors, understanding who commissions which type of content can be particularly useful when preparing an idea or deciding how best to present a project.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is aimed specifically at verified Directors UK members who reside in Scotland. Participation is therefore subject to both membership and residency requirements.

Places for the meetings are selected rather than automatically guaranteed to every applicant. Directors interested in taking part should keep an eye on Directors UK member communications and official platform channels, where application opportunities and relevant announcements are shared.

Applicants should also be prepared to clearly communicate their creative ideas and professional interests. A concise project pitch, combined with a clear understanding of the relevant commissioning area, can help make the most of a limited one-to-one meeting.

A chance to understand the commissioning landscape

Beyond pitching individual projects, the sessions offer directors an opportunity to learn more about how commissioning works at BBC Scotland and to establish direct professional connections.

For emerging and established directors alike, meeting commissioners can provide useful insight into the expectations surrounding development, pitching and collaboration. The initiative also creates a space for conversations that may otherwise be difficult to access through conventional industry networking.

For eligible Directors UK members based in Scotland, keeping track of these opportunities can therefore be a valuable part of developing a career and expanding professional connections within the Scottish screen sector.

How to apply

Applications are generally announced through Directors UK’s official member communications and online channels. Directors UK members living in Scotland should monitor these announcements for details about upcoming “Meet the Commissioners” sessions, eligibility requirements, deadlines and the application process.