An online platform to break down barriers in the film and tv industry has been shortlisted for a national entrepreneurial award.

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate, Fairouz Dridi, has been shortlisted in the Converge Create Change Challenge, which has a top prize of £30,000.

Fairouz Dridi entered her online platform, Screen Hustler, into The Create Change Challenge, which is for creative, social and cultural projects looking to become sustainable businesses.

Fairouz Dridi, a recent UWS graduate, studied Filmmaking MA at the University’s Ayr campus. During her time at UWS, Fairouz participated in many enterprise programmes including the University’s Kick Start Programme, Accelerator Programme, and Converge, where she developed her business Screen Hustler.

Screen Hustler is an online platform connecting professionals in the screen industry with career growth opportunities. The platform aims to address the challenge of, often informal, word-of-mouth, current recruitment practices by offering a formalised, more inclusive approach. The business seeks to build stronger bridges between educators and employers to create pathways into entry-level production roles and opportunities for further career development. Screen Hustler aims to attract and retain talent from the widest possible pool, improve accessibility, combat retention issues, and support equality of opportunity.

UWS Head of Business Innovation, Johnny Mone, said, “We were delighted to hear that Fairouz was a finalist in the Converge Create Change Challenge.
UWS Head of Business Innovation, Johnny Mone

“During her time at university she showed a real passion and aptitude for enterprise and it’s great to see her continuing to work towards her goals and ambitions for Screen Hustler.

“At UWS, we pride ourselves in producing graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact in their chosen field – and Fairouz is a great example of this.”
UWS Head of Business Innovation, Johnny Mone

The winners will be revealed at an in-person ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday, 3 October.