Alliances for Convergence Programme 2007

The deadline for applications has now passed. Background information on the scheme is provided below and check back here for future updates.

Last year, South West Screen ran two 'Alliances' programmes, supporting over 23 companies and 69 individuals to work in partnership to develop innovative projects. The scheme proved very successful and resulted in real growth for many of the companies: click here to download the Alliances brochure and find out more about these projects.

This year, the Alliances Scheme is offering grants of up to £10,000 to support the early development of ideas surrounding the convergence of technologies and content in the media sector.

What is an Alliance?

The 'Alliance' approach involves a group of 3 or more companies/freelancers working collaboratively using their skills, facilities, services or expertise to develop an idea.

Focusing on convergence, the scheme is looking for projects which develop one or more of the following:

• new products, processes or services;
• new business models;
• access to new markets;
• innovative solutions to existing demands

By convergence, we mean the creation / exhibition / use of moving image content within a digital domain. We are especially interested in ideas which innovate using new technologies and explore new platforms.

Mark Leaver, Director of Development at South West Screen said:

'We ran the 'Alliances' scheme for the first time last year and were really impressed with both the range of the resulting projects and their success. The scheme proves that small investments can reap huge rewards and we're hoping for even more high quality applicants from across the South West this year.'

Martin Dohrn of Ammonite made a pilot of 'Small Talk', a unique natural history show for kids, with his Alliance partners under last year's 'Alliances' scheme. The show has since earned a commission worth around £600,000 from the BBC and is now in production.

Martin said:

'It's my view that none of this would have happened without the promo that we made with South West Screen's help: the investment started the ball rolling and gave other people confidence in the idea'

This year, the scheme is open for applications from Thursday 1 February until Friday 2 March. If you work in film, TV or digital media and have an innovative idea relating to the convergence of technologies and content, why not apply?

More Information