Digital-first training initiative FutureProof has returned for a second iteration, with twelve independent production companies from across the Nations and Regions selected to take part in the 2026 cohort.
The programme, run by Glasgow-based training provider TRC, is designed to help senior leaders at indie production companies adapt their businesses for a digital-first environment and identify new routes to growth beyond traditional broadcasters. It was first launched in 2025 and developed in response to structural shifts in the TV market.
FutureProof is aimed at Creative Directors and senior executives with responsibility for business development or strategy. The course combines group training with one-to-one consultancy, focusing on digital distribution and audience engagement, AI integration into production workflows, multi-platform content development, data-led decision-making and commercial expansion.
The programme was developed and delivered by TRC with creative lead Justin Crosby, founder of TellyCast and The Drop. Sessions draw on expertise from producers and consultants working across digital-first video and social platforms.
TRC says the impact of the first cohort is already being felt. Firecrest is refining its digital content strategy with progress around IP exploitation in the digital space, while Finestripe is repurposing its back catalogue for digital distribution. Afanti Media has launched a new YouTube channel built around archive material from its early 2000s music series The Pop Factory, and Hello Halo has launched the Let’s Get Knitting YouTube channel with Tom Daley, which has already passed 10,000 subscribers.
The twelve delegates (pictured with Justin Crosby) selected for the 2026 programme are Seumas Mactaggart (MacTV), Harry Bell (Tern TV), Alasdair MacCuish (Beezr Studios), Jennifer Gilroy (F22 Films) and Pauline Boyle (Lion Television) from Scotland; Rachel Evans (Boom) from Wales; Tom Doyle-Wood (Stellify Media) and Emma Parkins (Alleycats TV) from Northern Ireland; and Barry Ryan (The Format Factory), Becky Ford (Candour Productions), Nicole Hajimichael (Nine Lives Media) and Gareth Deighan (Signpost) from England.
The course runs from February to April 2026, with the first sessions taking place in Glasgow this week. Confirmed contributors include Laura Marks, Head of Digital Commissioning at Channel 4, alongside Thom Gulseven of Strong Watch Studios, Caitlin Meek-O’Connor of Ferry Media, Lucy Fawkes of Fawkes Digital, former Somthin’ Else boss Steve Ackerman, Lizzie Wingham and AI consultant Stephanie Chlond.
Claire Scally, Managing Director of TRC, said the organisation was building on the success of the pilot scheme. “FutureProof is designed to support indies as they adapt their businesses for what comes next, broadening connections beyond traditional broadcasters and opening up new creative and commercial opportunities,” she said.
TRC’s training programmes are subsidised through the support of Screen Scotland, BBC Nations and Channel 4.
