Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to welcome Justin Scroggie from The Format People to give a workshop on building international DNA into your formats. Justin is an BAFTA-award winning global content specialist, format creator and trainer with 30 years’ experience in the industry, known internationally as The Format Doctor.
One definition of a format is “something that travels” - in other words, a detailed narrative structure that other countries adapt for their local audiences. That doesn’t happen by accident. For a format to travel, it must contain the potential for foreign adaptation from the very beginning.
This workshop is all about that international DNA and how to bake it into your format at the development stage, so that once your show is a hit at home, it is attractive to buyers abroad. Because another definition of a format is “something that someone else wants to buy”.
Justin is a veteran of TV markets around the world, where he has pitched and – been pitched – formats in many different unscripted genres. In this foundation-building workshop, Justin will reveal a unique tool-kit of 9 Key questions that you can use to challenge your format as you work on it.
Questions that – in a few years’ time - will be running through the mind of every international buyer you pitch it to.
From conceptualization to execution, Justin guided us through the process of transforming ideas into narratives. I highly recommend Justin's expertise and look forward to continuing our collaboration with follow-up sessions.
- Reanne Leuning, Advantage Austria
Justin used his excellent skills in connection with the Danish production company Laud People's Creative Masterclass - helping new talent get a grip, and often a new view, on their ideas. His knowledge and great approach to young talent, gave them all a sense of accomplishment and made them move forward.
- Lau Rabjerg-Eriksen, CEO, Laud People Denmark
Justin understands the vital mechanics for successful show formats to a molecular level, and has built the most incredible toolbox of techniques for refining and sharpening content and story structures - his lectures and sessions are always entertaining and insightful, and leave a lasting impact.
- Tony Gregory, Multi-camera Director, Coach & Strategist
This workshop is aimed towards creative producers and production personnel.
Please apply online by Thursday, 14 June 2026.
Participants will be notified on the status of their application on Monday, 18 June 2026.
Screen Ireland skills opportunities are open to all regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, civil status, family status and membership of the Traveller community. If you require supports, please let us know in advance so we can put these in place to assist your learning.
