Screen Scotland has today announced further emergency funding for the country”s screen sector workers.

The £700,000 Screen Hardship Fund will offer support to those experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the loss of income as a result of the ongoing pandemic, and forms part of the Scottish government”s £59million emergency funding package for the culture and heritage sectors.

Like the £1.5million Screen Scotland Bursary announced in March, the new fund is open to sole traders and PAYE freelancers. It also offers support to those operating under a personal service company structure, who will be able to access this kind of support for the first time.

Individuals across the following creative areas are eligible to apply for support of up to £2,000 (or more, where access costs are required):

• development, production or post-production for film or television – scripted or unscripted, live-action or animation

• film exhibition

• distribution

• talent and skills development

• film education

• commercial practitioners (such as those who produce commercials, corporate videos or music videos)

• professional photographers

Fund guidance including eligibility criteria can be viewed here. Applications will go live from Tuesday 22 September at 2pm, and will remain open until the available funding has been allocated.

David Smith, director of screen at Screen Scotland said: “Scotland”s highly skilled freelance workers have been crucial to the success of Scotland”s screen sector. With the support of the Scottish Government we have secured this much needed support for freelancers facing immediate hardship during this time of unprecedented challenge.”

Outlander photo credit: Steffan Hill – © 2016 Sony Pictures Television Inc.