THE Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the winners for the RTS Scotland Awards 2017 at a ceremony hosted by STV presenter, Jennifer Reoch, and comedian and radio presenter, Des Clarke, on Wednesday 17 May at the Oran Mor, Glasgow.
The awards cover all forms of production in Scotland, recognising and celebrating excellence and innovation across a range of genres and crafts.
The RTS Scotland Award, which is given to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to television in Scotland, was presented to Billy Connolly; while Gok Wan was named On-Screen Personality of the Year for Channel 4 series, Gok’s Fill Your House For Free.
The series, produced by Raise the Roof Productions, also picked-up the Daytime award.
Louise Lockwood took home the Director of the Year and Professional Excellence: (Craft) Camera awards for her work on Fair Isle: Living on the Edge (BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC One Scotland/BBC Four).
The newly-launched Young Journalist of the Year award, which is presented in memory of George Sinclair, went to Channel 4 and Firecrest Films’ Kevin Anderson. He also received a gift of £1,000 from the George Sinclair Charitable Trust.
The World Productions and Finlaggan Films produced In Plain Sight, a three-part mini-series for ITV based on the true story of Lanarkshire detective, William Muncie’s quest to bring to justice notorious Scottish killer, Peter Manuel, received the Drama Award.
In Factual, My Baby, Psychosis and Me (Matchlight/Sprout Pictures for BBC One) scooped the Documentary and Specialist Factual award. Matchlight also picked-up the award for Documentary and Specialist Factual: History for its one-off film, Scotland and the Klan (BBC Scotland), which examined the links between racism today in the Deep South and the Scottish settlers that first occupied it.
The Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts award went to The Secret Life of Sue Townsend (Aged 68 ¾) which was produced by BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two and Robbie Coltrane’s Critical Evidence (IWC for A&E) picked-up the Factual Entertainment and Features award.
BBC Studios Scotland, who produced Two Doors Down, won the Comedy award and BBC Scotland Children’s claimed the Children’s award for All Over the Workplace – Politics.
In the News and Current Affairs categories, Reporting Scotland (BBC Scotland) won the News Programme award, while Scotland and the Battle for Britain (STV Productions for BBC Two) received the Current Affairs award.
In the hotly-contested Sport category the judges decided to award two gongs. BBC Scotland collected the award for Scotland’s Game, while Sky Sports picked-up the prize for their coverage of the 2016 Scottish Cup – Rangers v Hibernian.
Other awards handed out on the night include: Kahl Henderson from Savalas, who picked-up the Professional Excellence: (Craft) Sound award for his work on The Secret Agent (World Productions for BBC One); Jonathan Seal, who collected the Professional Excellence: (Craft) Post Production: Editing prize for The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl (BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two); Eric Romero, who took home the Student Television award and Playdead who won the Post Production: Graphics and Titling award for their work on Elements of Art & Design and the Short Form Content award for American Dream. QTV Sports collected the Innovation award for The Homeless World Cup, while the Animation and VFX award went to Dawn of War III (Axis Animations for YouTube).
For more information visit: https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-s cotland-awards-2017
The winners:
Daytime
Gok’s Fill Your House for Free Raise the Roof Productions for Channel 4
“Warm, knowledgeable and believable presenter, Gok Wan, drove the team of experts to turn trash into treasure, in a creative use of a studio. A genuinely inspirational programme that the judges felt had a contemporary feel and would appeal to a younger demographic.”
Nominees:
The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs that Built Britain: Glasgow BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two
The TV That Made Me Raise the Roof Productions for BBC One
Factual Entertainment and Features
Robbie Coltrane’s Critical Evidence IWC for A&E
“This was a classy, sleuthing watch that immediately arrests the viewer. Investigating on very little archive, but weaving Robbie’s private eye with engaging evidence and contributors; it is a criminally good masterclass in storytelling.”
Nominees:
Big Fish Man Tern for Quest
Britain’s Wildest Weather 2016 Tern for Channel 4
Documentary and Specialist Factual: History
Scotland and the Klan Matchlight for BBC Scotland
“A provocative and stylish blend of history with the contemporary world. The story was skilfully told and Neil Oliver deftly handled the subject matter. At times deeply moving, Scotland and the Klan took viewers on a fascinating journey of discovery which presented some deeply uncomfortable truths.”
Nominees:
Dunblane: Our Story STV Productions/Beriff McGinty for BBC Two
The Queen Mary: Greatest Ocean Liner STV Productions for BBC Two
Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts
The Secret Life of Sue Townsend (Aged 68 ¾) BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two
“A fond portrait of a maverick, neglected in the mainstream canon. This film brought something new to an author you thought you knew everything about. The jury loved the way she stayed true to her roots and felt the piece was carefully cast with great results.”
Nominees:
Britain’s Lost Masterpieces Tern/Iconografie Films for BBC Four
imagine… Danger! Cornelia Parker BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC One
Documentary and Specialist Factual
My Baby, Psychosis and Me Matchlight/Sprout Pictures for BBC One
“The programme makers gained extraordinary access and skilfully and sensitively captured astonishing and intimate scenes. In so doing, they delivered standout moments on screen. Although the documentary followed two women suffering from the most severe form of mental illness, the filmmakers delivered an ultimately uplifting programme which will have relevance for anyone who is, has been, or knows someone affected by mental health issues.”
Nominees:
Fair Isle: Living on the Edge BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC One Scotland/BBC Four
This Farming Life BBC Studios for BBC Two
Drama
In Plain Sight World Productions/Finlaggan Films for ITV
“A really superior good versus evil serial with rich performances and a really tight script. At the heart of this gripping drama are two highly commendable performances. A powerful lead in Douglas Henshall’s Muncie and a real tour de force performance from Martin Compston as Manuel. The direction and writing is also to be congratulated for its subtlety, convincing dialogue and allowing the two characters to come to the fore.”
Nominees:
Shetland Series 3 ITV Studios for BBC Scotland
The Secret Agent World Productions for BBC Scotland
News and Current Affairs: News Programme
Reporting Scotland BBC Scotland for BBC Scotland
“The jurors were impressed with the professionalism and production values of BBC Scotland’s programme. They identified a number of their expert reporters and praised their skills, whether in providing punchy, incisive and economical reports on natural disasters or making complex constitutional issues easy to understand.”
Nominees:
STV Central: Chhokar Story STV for STV
STV North STV for STV
News and Current Affairs: Current Affairs
Scotland and the Battle for Britain STV Productions for BBC Two
“This is as good as current affairs programming gets and a must see for political leaders and school children alike. The jury commended the video footage, new and archive, the editing, the informed commentary but most of all the engaging style of Andrew Marr whose personal connection, honesty and clarity of storytelling impressed all.”
Nominees:
BBC Scotland Investigates: The Great Military Charity Scandal BBC Scotland for BBC Scotland
Seb Coe and the Corruption Scandal BBC for BBC Panorama
Sport
Scotland’s Game BBC Scotland for BBC Scotland
“A landmark documentary giving much needed focus to what has been a turbulent period for football in this country. The team behind this programme managed to unearth new insight on events many thought they knew everything about and the finished product displayed the craft and expertise that BBC Scotland bring to this genre.”
2016 Scottish Cup – Rangers v Hibernian Sky Sports for Sky Sports
“An example of a crack team of sports broadcasters producing top-quality football coverage on a huge occasion, and when unexpected scenes were unfolding before their eyes. As Hibs won their first Scottish Cup final since 1902, the Sky Sports team provided exceptional match direction and handled scenes of a pitch invasion with professionalism and an instinctive understanding of Scottish football. The images Sky Sports gathered on the day will be used again and again in future documentaries telling the story of that day making this a seminal piece of match coverage.”
Nominees:
0-60mph: Britain’s Fastest Kids Finestripe Productions for Channel 4
Comedy
Two Doors Down BBC Studios Scotland for BBC Two
“Won for its unashamedly broad appeal with wonderful performances and real warmth from a great ensemble cast. It uses the everyday and incredibly familiar to move the traditional sitcom along for a modern audience.”
Nominees:
Scot Squad Festive Special The Comedy Unit for BBC Scotland
Still Game BBC Studios Scotland for BBC One
Children’s
All Over the Workplace – Politics BBC Scotland Children’s for CBBC
“A sharp, engaging, deftly crafted programme, delivered with freshness and humour. The makers had gained impressive access to a superb cross section of politicians and political commentators. Their interaction with the two young protagonists made for inspiring viewing. Special mention must be made of the two young participants and the presenter whose on screen presence created a terrific dynamic. A memorable, modern, cleverly directed programme.”
Nominees:
Eve – The P.R.I.C.E. of War Leopard Drama for CBBC
Lifebabble – Changing Families BBC Scotland Children’s for CBBC
Short Form Content
American Dream Playdead for Wondros
“Delightful animation that delivers a powerful message in a very simple but impactful way.”
Nominees:
Elements of Art & Design Playdead for BBC Bitesize
Short Stuff BBC Studios Scotland/BBC Scotland Social Media for BBC Scotland social media channels
Animation and VFX
Dawn of War III Axis Animations for YouTube
“Combining cutting edge technology with beautifully realised cinematic imagery on an epic scale. Imagery, storytelling, music and sound design combine to make a truly exquisite piece of work that was wonderfully ambitious and delivered on every aspect of craft and creativity. From the first frame to the last, a truly outstanding piece of work.”
Nominees:
One of Us Axis VFX for BBC One
The Famous Grouse Flaunt Productions for social media
Student Television
Lethe – Eric Romero Edinburgh Napier University
“A first-class production which worked well on an emotional level. Full of power and punch.”
Nominees:
Gnome – Ben Cresswell Edinburgh College of Art
Native Immigrant – Eric Romero Edinburgh Napier University
The Cornerman – Jamie Sutherland, Kate Galbraith, Calum McIntosh, Sean Hayman University of Stirling
On-Screen Personality of the Year
Gok Wan – Gok’s Fill Your House For Free Raise the Roof Productions for Channel 4
“…a seamless migration from the area of expertise that Gok had made his name in. He had terrific interactions with the contributors and experts and his heart was in his warm, inclusive presenting style.”
Nominees:
Lorraine Kelly – Lorraine Kelly’s Hogmanay Show Solus Productions for STV
Phil Spencer – Love It Or List It Raise the Roof Productions for Channel 4
Young Journalist of the Year, presented in memory of George Sinclair
Kevin Anderson Firecrest Films for Channel 4
“Kevin’s submissions were investigative in nature, thorough in research, told clearly and confidently and delivered with an easy on air presence. The judges were impressed not only by the ambitions of his entries but also by his ability to tell complicated stories simply. This was made possible by meticulous tightly written scripts.”
Nominees:
Nick Eardley BBC Scotland for BBC Scotland
Rachel Coburn BBC Scotland News and Current Affairs for BBC Scotland
Director of the Year
Louise Lockwood – Fair Isle: Living on the Edge BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC One Scotland/BBC Four
“…beautifully directed… a great film maker. The time and effort put into the entry was huge. The director managed to get characters to open up to her in a remarkable way and the use of visuals was exceptional. There was no ‘forced agenda’; it wasn’t sentimental or over-dramatic, just a searingly honest portrayal of island life.”
Nominees:
Jude Ho – The Secret Life of Sue Townsend (Aged 68 ¾) BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two
Michael Keillor – Line of Duty World Productions for BBC One
Professional Excellence: (Craft) Camera
Louise Lockwood – Fair Isle: Living on the Edge BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC One Scotland
“Beautiful and compelling… through her intricate and creative shooting techniques the jury felt intimately involved in the story. They expressed a powerful admiration for her hard work and creativity and paid particular credit to the seamless manner in which the combination of set-up shots and natural landscapes blended. Overall she handled a tough subject with ability, tenacity and creativity.”
Nominees:
Adam Etherington – One of Us BBC Scotland for BBC One
Glen Milner – Handmade: By Royal Appointment – Steinway & Sons BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Four
Professional Excellence: (Craft) Sound
Kahl Henderson from Savalas – The Secret Agent World Productions for BBC One
“The sound team contributed to the finished soundtrack so creatively and with such attention to detail that the end result not only enhances the image but widens the viewing experience. It encompasses sound elements that, whilst imagined, seem entirely natural.”
Nominees:
John Cobban – Eve Leopard Drama for CBBC
Stewart Simpson – Handmade: By Royal Appointment – Steinway & Sons BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Four
Professional Excellence: (Craft) Post Production: Editing
Jonathan Seal – The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two
“The editor managed to capture the fun and the strangeness of the story through the use of archive, animation and interviews. They let the warmth of the characters bring the story to life – telling you more than you thought you knew.”
Nominees:
Alex Broad – imagine… Danger! Cornelia Parker BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC One
Emma Oxley – One of Us BBC Scotland for BBC One
Post Production: Graphics and Titling
Playdead, Elements of Art & Design Playdead for BBC Bitesize
“Took a difficult subject matter and dealt with it through clear and classic design choreography, creating seemingly simple design that the audience doesn’t notice but completely understands.”
Nominees:
ISO Design – New Town/Beyond the Battlefield: 100 Years of Erskine Mentorn/BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two
Marc Knapton, The Brewery VFX – The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for BBC Two
Innovation
QTV Sports – The Homeless World Cup QTV Sports for host broadcast/social media
“A fantastic example of how innovation connects audiences with content worldwide. The winner represents a new model of distribution, with a single, small organisation able to create and distribute content globally. The results were amazing, reaching 60 million Facebook users and generating 6 million video views.”
Nominees:
BBC Build It Scotland BBC Scotland Learning for BBC Scotland
ISO Design – UK Data Dome ISO Design for Future Cities Catapult
The RTS Scotland Award
Billy Connolly
Speech from internationally acclaimed Scottish screenwriter and playwright, Peter McDougall, life-long friend for over 50 years:
“Billy Connolly is not just talented… he is gifted… and he is our gift. It’s my pleasure that we’ve been friends for neigh on fifty years but, more importantly perhaps, over those years, it’s been my privilege, and yours, to have been allowed the glimpses that he gives of his genius.”
On receiving his award, Billy said:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart… I owe everything to Bill Tenant from Scottish Television who put me on his show every time he couldn’t find another guest.”
Billy Connolly’s acceptance speech was filmed at Spencer’s by the Sea at the Reach Resort, Key West.
ENDS
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