Ecosse Films, Recorded Picture Company and Ruby Films are amongst the UK production outfits to secure slate funding in the second round of company awards from the UK Film Council's National Lottery coffers.

Also securing cash were Catherine Aitken and Ros Borland's Gabriel Films, documentary production company October Films and Riverchild Films, a short film production company that is to move into features. Ecosse Films secured the most - $354,750 (£250,000) - while Jeremy Thomas' Recorded came away with $212,870 (£150,000). The others were awarded between $92,000 (£65,000) and $142,000 (£100,000).

The awards, made by the council's development fund, are preliminary amounts for one year, to be followed by two further annual awards, based on performance.

"This second round of slate investments has been made on the basis that all these producers have demonstrated the ability to work with both the creative and business sides of the industry and to expand the ambitions of their company business plans," said Jenny Borgars, head of the development fund. "These deals will compliment our on-going investment in single projects, giving the widest range of projects the opportunity of developing to their best potential."