Small-screen actors help big-dream chasers

HOLLYOAKS actors were set to join Shameless creator Paul Abbott and many more stars of the small screen at Edinburgh Napier University to launch a series of masterclasses.

The institution's Skillset Screen and Media Academy is hosting The Network - an industry-led scheme designed to help young people kickstart their television career - over the weekend.

Around 65 budding screenwriters, directors and producers were selected from thousands of applicants from across the UK to attend the event.

Over the course of the weekend they will hear from some of the TV industry's most successful figures in a series of masterclasses and workshops run by the likes of Sky News and ITV.

Highlights from this year's programme include a scriptwriting and directing workshop with the Hollyoaks team, led by series producer Paul Marquess.