The Stage

BBC Alba looking to train Gaelic-speaking talent for new soap

Published Tuesday 19 August 2008 at 15:35 by Matthew Hemley

BBC Alba, the new Gaelic television channel launching next month, is on the hunt for a long-running soap as part of its commitment to broadcasting original drama.

A new Scottish Gaelic soap would be the first since Machair, which ran for six years and came to an end in 1998.

Alan Esslemont, BBC Alba’s head of content, said production of original drama formed part of the channel’s strategy and revealed discussions had taken place with a number of independent production companies in Scotland about potential ideas for a long-running series.

However, Esslemont admitted writing in Gaelic for television needed more work. He revealed an initiative offering training to new Gaelic-speaking talent in acting and writing, with a view to employing them on a soap, was being considered.

He said a similar approach had been used by the makers of Machair prior to its launch and added that the soap had recruited established Gaelic acting talent once production began.

“The idea of training new talent towards a clear aim - a soap - is one model we would definitely look at,” Esslemont said.

He also said the funding of a long-running or returning series would need to be addressed, which, coupled with developing talent, could mean the programme is not launched for at least two years.

“However it is something that could have big rewards to Scotland and to people working in Scotland and the Gaelic language, and it is something we will pursue as far as we can,” he added.

BBC Alba, a joint initiative between the MG Alba, formerly the Gaelic Media Service, and the BBC, will initially launch with an annual budget of around £14 million - £10 million of this will come from MG Alba, by whom Esslemont is employed, with the rest coming from the Corporation. It is estimated that there are 60,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland.

When the channel launches next month, it will be broadcast on satellite and cable from 5pm until 11.30pm, with around two hours of original programming every night. The rest will be made up of repeats and stock programmes.

Its first night, on September 19, will include a new drama called Eilbheas, meaning Elvis, which has been written by Mairi Kidd and Torcuil Crichton and stars Greg Hemphill.

Elvis has been produced by the BBC, but Esslemont said 50% of new programming on the channel would come from independent UK companies.