Glasgow TellyFest to return with Pick of the Pilot events

Glasgow Tellyfest is returning with its Pick of the Pilot programme, which will see six events take place weekly over six weeks from Tuesday, April 28, at Bunker Bar.

Each event, hosted by comedian Tia Rey, will feature a series of one-minute TV pilots created by writers, actors, directors, and producers from across Scotland, with audiences asked to offer feedback and vote for their favourites. 

Claire Duffy, founder of Glasgow Tellyfest, said: "It’s great to be back this year with another series of events, and I truly feel like our work is more needed than ever right now.

"Scottish audiences have not seen themselves authentically represented on screen nearly enough in recent years.

"When we asked people when they last saw a version of Scotland that truly resonated with them, many referenced programmes and films from decades ago.

"At the same time, many of the traditional pathways into television have disappeared, which means fewer opportunities for people to learn their craft and progress within the industry.

"This has created a significant gap, where talented writers, performers and creators don’t have clear routes to develop or showcase their work.

"Through Glasgow Tellyfest, we’re creating a new way for that talent to be discovered, supported and developed based on their quality and originality.

"There is a wealth of underdiscovered, authentic Scottish storytellers out there, and this approach is about providing a way for those voices to be heard and to reach the wider industry."

Pick of the Pilots host Tia Rey  (Image: Glasgow Telly Festival)

The programme aims to fill a growing gap in opportunities for Scottish talent, particularly following the cancellation of River City, the loss of Dumbarton Studios, and the threat to Trongate 103.

Organisers say the festival offers a direct route from concept to development, supporting both fresh voices and established creatives with bold ideas.

Winning pilots will be commissioned to produce an extended Storytime Pilot for the No Mean Drama YouTube channel, with ongoing support provided by Handbag Studios. 

Pilots that resonate most with viewers will be developed further for potential broadcast, putting audience feedback at the heart of the TV development process.

The format relies heavily on public participation, with structured feedback collected at each event helping to ensure projects are evaluated on merit instead of established industry connections.

At Glasgow Tellyfest’s debut in 2025, 55 one-minute pilots were submitted from both professionals and newcomers.

The event sold out three showcases and received more than 1000 pieces of audience feedback.

Among those who have contributed to the pilot scheme are well-known Scottish TV personalities, including Elaine C Smith, Sanjeev Kohli, Joe McFadden and Dawn Steele.

The organisers say the events are designed to support both new and established creatives who might not otherwise have the opportunity to showcase their ideas in a cautious commissioning climate.

This year’s six-week series is expected to draw a mix of industry figures, aspiring creators, and the general public.

Organisers hope it will continue to build momentum as a launchpad for fresh Scottish talent.

Full details and booking are available at https://app.forumm.to/org/glasgow-tellyfest.

Updates and highlights from the festival can also be found by following @glasgowtellyfest on Instagram.