What is Opening Shot? 

 

Opening Shot is a brand-new national short film development and production programme run by Astar Media in partnership with Intercultural Youth Scotland, for first-time filmmakers who live in Scotland. It’s a space for complete beginners to take their first real step into filmmaking. 

 

Four applicants will be selected to take part in structured workshops and receive production funding and support to make their short film. Opening Shot helps you turn an idea into a film of around five minutes in length. You’ll get hands-on support through every stage - from developing your story to screening your finished work at a local cinema. 

 

Applicants must be above school-leaving age and not currently enrolled in any formal education. No previous filmmaking experience is required, and you’re never too old to give it a go! We particularly encourage applications from people who experience racial marginalisation, as we are keen to address the lack of diversity both in front of and behind the screen in Scotland.  

 

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Who is this for?

 

We want to hear from people with bold, original ideas for short films. These could be live-action, animation, or experimental works. (Documentary ideas are not eligible for this round — there are other Screen Scotland programmes that support those.)

 

You don’t need to own a camera or know how to write a script, we’ll help you with all of that. What matters most is your story and your enthusiasm to bring it to life. We are actively looking for people who have great ideas but who have never made a film before.

 

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Chosen participants will receive: 

 

If your project is selected, you’ll receive: 

 

• A £1,500 participation fee — we know that taking part might mean taking time off work for workshops, filming, or editing, and we want to make sure no one is left out of pocket for the time they dedicate to the programme. 

• A series of practical filmmaking workshops covering storytelling, scriptwriting, visual style, production planning, and working with crew. 

• Mentoring from experienced filmmakers. 

• Support and guidance throughout every step of the process. 

• A community screening event of your completed film 

• A production budget of £3,000 to cover all the costs related to your shoot. ​

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How to get involved 

 

Astor Media will host an information session on Thursday 11th December at 4pm in our offices (48 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5DE) where you are invited to come along and learn more, explore your ideas and prepare to submit an application. While this session is free, please use this link to book your place. For those who can't make this session, there will also be an online session on Tuesday 16th December at 6pm. Please book using this link. 

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Following the application process, four filmmakers will be selected in early 2026 to receive funding and take part in the full development and production process – from concept to completed short film.

All participants will receive hands-on guidance and be paid for their contribution to their film.

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Application Process 

 

To apply to be a part of the Opening Shot programme, please read the application guidelines and fill out the application form. Shortlisted filmmakers will be invited to take part in an interview on the 22nd or 23rd January, either online or over the phone. The final four applicants chosen will be notified on Friday 30th January or shortly thereafter.

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Application Deadline

 

All applications must be completed and submitted by 23:59pm on Sunday 18th January 2026. 

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What if I have a question?

 

Please ensure you have read the application guidelines. If you still have unanswered questions please email openingshot@astarmedia.scot.

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Accessibility and Support 

 

We’re committed to making Opening Shot accessible to everyone. If you require additional support to take part in the application or workshops, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. 

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Terms & Conditions

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1. The Opening Shot programme is open to anyone who identifies as BPoC, who is over school-leaving age and not currently in formal education.

2. Only one application per person – the first submitted will be reviewed and any additional applications will be disregarded.

3. The closing date for applications is 23:59pm on Sunday 18th January 2026.

4. From the applications received, Astar Media and IYS will select four candidates to take part in the programme, who will be notified by email and phone, with full details on next steps.

5. The programme will be administered and delivered by Astar Media, funded by Screen Scotland, and in partnership with IYS.

6. The programme will consist of hands-on workshops and support delivered in person and/or online via MS Teams or similar platform.

7. Records of individual project funding must be kept and submitted as required, up to the completion of each film.

8. All those selected will retain copyright of their final short film, but agree to allow Astar Media, IYS and Screen Scotland to show and use their completed film, workshop and production photos, plus any other materials created throughout the project for promotional purposes, for up to two years following the first screening date at IYS.

9. The selection decision will be final.

10. Please read the Application Guidelines before applying.​

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