The Portal Arts

11/06/2026

Paul Black's comedy short GOVAN FAIR QUEEN wins Best Short Form (Screen) at the 2026 Celtic Media Festival!

Huge congratulations to everyone involved 🎉

Starring the iconic Elaine C. Smith and talented newcomer Harper Blue Hamilton, the film follows nine-year-old Abigail as she's reluctantly roped into the Govan Fair Queen competition by her larger-than-life gran Linda. With a holiday to Florida on the line and an old rivalry reignited, it's all to play for in this hilarious and heartfelt tale of family, pride and pageantry 👑

Written and directed by Paul Black, executive produced by Margarita Veberaite for Shakehaus and produced by Lauren Lamarr, the film was commissioned by BBC Comedy Shorts and BBC Scotland, with support from Screen Scotland and The Portal Arts.

Watch it now on BBC iPlayer:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002fz4l/bbc-comedy-short-films-govan-fair-queen

20/05/2026

FIRST DRAFT x JOHN YORKE

Story. Structure. Character. Conflict. Coffee. Repeat. ☕🎬✍️

Our FIRST DRAFT screenwriters have just completed an inspiring two-day masterclass with leading story consultant John Yorke, exploring story structure, character, conflict, and the craft of powerful screen storytelling.

A huge thank you to John for sharing his insight and decades of expertise with our writers. It was an invaluable opportunity for them to exchange ideas and explore the building blocks of memorable characters and compelling stories.

Thanks to the brilliant team for hosting us.

FIRST DRAFT is funded through Screen Scotland's Talent Builder Programme.



Photo credit

23/02/2026

There's still time to apply! 🤩👇🎬

23/02/2026

SHINY is spotlighting new directors based in Scotland & The North, at an Edinburgh Showcase on 5th March and they'd love to see your videos!

This is a great opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers and content creators in Scotland and the North of England to showcase work to leading producers, agencies and creatives in the commercial production industry.

Shiny connects filmmakers to world-class ad agencies, brands and production companies worldwide. Previous Shiny-featured directors are now making award-winning feature films, TV series and loads of lovely commercials. Is it your turn to shine?

Why enter?
• All selected directors are invited to the Edinburgh Showcase at LS Productions on 5th March

🏆 Prizes include industry meetings, free post-production services and a place on the Shiny List

🎬 Around 15 films will screen - at least 70% by directors from under-represented demographics

🎥 All screened films are also entered into the Spring Shiny Awards (London)

📋 All long-listed entries are added to the Shiny List, used by agencies and production companies worldwide

• All genres welcome (including spec work)
• Films must be under 5 minutes
• Directors must not have worked on commercials or music videos with budgets over £50k

ENTRY DEADLINE: Thursday 26th February (end of day)
ENTRY FEE: £15

Shiny Awards showcase videos & films to advertising commercial production people, at advertising agency and brand offices

15/12/2025

Today we announce the screenwriters selected for First Draft, part of Screen Scotland’s Talent Builder programme.

The selected writers are:
Alia Ghafar, Dawn Sievewright, Jason Bradbury, Lillian Salvatore, and co-writers Fin Cramb and Sean Watson.

Over the next year, the writers will take part in a feature film script development programme delivered by The Portal Arts in partnership with Screen Scotland.

Find out more about the writers and their projects here: https://www.theportalarts.com/first-draft-screenwriters/