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We are partnering with ±«Óãtv Scotland and Screen Scotland to fund an exciting new sitcom pilot opportunity for independent production companies to champion Scottish comedy talent on and off-screen. At least one idea will be co-commissioned as a filmed pilot which we will then consider for series.

Scottish portrayal should be a fundamental element of any idea pitched and we are keen to work with the most exciting Scottish writing and performing talent. Projects should also align with wider genre priorities: shows that lift moods, have a lightness of tone, and are built around story engines that can fuel multiple series. See our latest comedy commissioning brief for general editorial steers for comedy.

We’re mainly looking for out and out comedy ideas rather than comedy drama and other hybrids, but that doesn’t mean we are solely looking for classic sitcom formats. Studio shows are some of our most popular and enduring series, so we’ll always be developing ideas in that area - but we’re keen to find new perspectives and inventive approaches. A good current reference point is Here We Go’s non-linear storytelling and the disruptive energy and narrative playfulness of Things You Should Have Done.

Two Doors Down and The Scotts on ±«Óãtv Scotland have successfully explored domestic life in Scotland, but that doesn’t mean we’re not open to shows about family/relationships/everyday life. Relevance to a contemporary audience, both in Scotland and beyond, is paramount, so settings and themes that have a direct and obvious resonance will always make sense. We want ideas that expand the portrayal of Scotland so authentic and diverse representation is key.

This opportunity is open to independent production companies who either have a substantive base in Scotland or can partner with a Scotland-based company, and the production must qualify as Scottish under .

How to pitch

Please note we are only able to accept proposals from UK based independent production companies who either have a substantive base in Scotland or can partner with a Scotland-based company.

The deadline for submissions is midnight 31 July 2024.

Pitches should include either some initial paragraphs, short treatments/decks or scripts if available. We don’t need on-screen talent attached at the outset but do expect to know what writing talent will be involved.

Send ideas to Gavin Smith and Gregor Sharp via the PiCoS submission system with ‘Scotland pilot opportunity’ in the proposal title. UK based production companies without an active PiCoS account should email Gavin Smith and Gregor Sharp with ‘Scotland pilot opportunity’ in the subject line.

We aim to communicate final decision and next steps before autumn 2024.