Irish independent production company BiggerStage has launched Pilot Plus, a new initiative designed to attract international format creators to Ireland by offering selected producers access to production facilities at zero facility cost. Announced at MIPCOM 2026 in Cannes, the scheme will support the development and testing of new unscripted television formats at BiggerStage’s Global Production Hub at Troy Studios in Limerick.
Founded in 2021 by former Virgin Media Television CEO Pat Kiely, BiggerStage expects Pilot Plus to accommodate up to six format pilots annually as part of its FORMAT FACTORY initiative. The programme aims to help producers turn concepts into screen-ready pilots, test their potential and develop intellectual property for future expansion.
The initiative offers producers an opportunity to finance, shoot and evaluate new formats in Ireland, a growing centre for unscripted television production. Selected projects will also be eligible for Ireland’s dedicated unscripted tax credit, which covers formats including game shows.
Under the scheme, pilot production costs may qualify for the 20% tax credit if they are incurred within six months of a full series production being filmed in Ireland, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Pat Kiely Highlights the Value of Pilot Production
Speaking at MIPCOM 2026, BiggerStage CEO and founder Pat Kiely said the initiative addresses the challenges facing format creators in a market where buyers are increasingly reluctant to commit to concepts that have not been tested on screen.
Kiely explained that Pilot Plus is intended to give producers a cost-efficient way to demonstrate their ideas, supported by Ireland’s experienced production crews and facilities. Following the initiative’s launch at MIPCOM, BiggerStage has already received interest from producers looking to develop new formats, with the company preparing to select its initial partners.
Ireland Strengthens Its Position in Unscripted Production
The initiative combines access to Troy Studios’ production infrastructure with Ireland’s financial and logistical advantages for international producers. These include an English-speaking base within the European Union, the Common Travel Area with the UK and direct flights to the United States, with US pre-clearance available in Dublin.
Ireland’s Section 487A tax credit, dedicated to unscripted productions and including game shows, adds another incentive for producers considering the country as a base for format development and full-scale production.
Through Pilot Plus, BiggerStage aims to help creators move beyond paper concepts, giving new formats the opportunity to be tested and refined before pursuing wider commissioning and international distribution.
