FILM IN SCOTLAND
screen.scot | @screenscots | /screenscots 1 | CONTENTS
Film in Scotland 3 Funding 4 Screen Commission 6 Studios and Buildspace 8 Crew, Talent and Facilities 18 Scottish Locations Network 20 National Partners 22 Locations 24 Feature Films from Scotland 2020–21 28
Cover image: The Storms of Jeremy Thomas courtesy of Visit Films
| 2 SCREEN SCOTLAND FUNDING
There’s no better time to film in Scotland. Screen Scotland funding is available to: Home to world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath-taking locations, • Producers based outside Scotland who are developing and producing projects with writing and/or we offer highly competitive financial, production and location services, directing talent based in Scotland, and that promote Scotland, Scottish talent, crews, locations and including production, incentive and recce funds, as well as access to tourism, and also benefit the Scottish economy UK tax reliefs for film and High-End TV. • Scotland-based producers working in live-action, animation, documentary and broadcast content, to At Screen Scotland we’re driving the cultural, social and economic develop a range of feature film and TV projects that reflect Scotland’s culture, creativity and diversity development of all aspects of the sector, with funding direct from the We also have a recce fund to provide support for productions looking to film in Scotland. Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
We’re here to help you make the best of the opportunities we have to offer. Film Development and Production Fund On the following pages you’ll find out all you need to know — and who to contact — to make that happen. Our £4million Film Development and Production Fund considers applications for feature films made in co-production with Scotland, where these involve Scotland-based talent.
screen.scot | @screenscots | /screenscots Full funding guidance at www.screen.scot | E: [email protected]
Production Growth Fund The £2million Production Growth Fund is open companies based outside Scotland and seeks to attract large scale projects that will help grow Scotland’s screen production sector by creating employment opportunities for Scottish crews, encouraging the use of production facilities, and delivering direct and significant economic benefit to Scotland.
Full funding guidance at www.screen.scot | E: [email protected]
3 | | 4 FUNDING SCREEN COMMISSION
Recce Fund Locations and Production Service We also provide funding for recces and can recommend accommodation deals throughout Scotland. Our expert, fast, free and fully-confidential locations and production service will ensure you make the most of what Scotland has to offer. Find out more at www.screen.scot | E: [email protected] We work with a network of Regional Film Offices across Scotland, as well as Broadcast Content Fund major landowners and infrastructure organisations to facilitate a trouble-free shooting environment. The £3.5million Broadcast Content Fund considers applications for broadcast content projects of all genres, including drama series, made in co-production with Scotland. The fund prioritises projects with the potential We have Scotland captured in every light and from all angles, with a digital library to generate lasting benefits to build companies of scale, reflect or promote Scottish culture, creativity and of 180,000 images covering the entire country. diversity, as well as projects which offer significant opportunities to people currently under-represented in We can also help with script breakdowns, advice and research, as well as sourcing the screen sector. experienced location managers and scouts. Full funding guidance at www.screen.scot | E: [email protected] Additionally, we can provide you with up to date list of available production spaces, from offices to build spaces. UK Tax Incentives We also have a recce fund to provide support for productions looking to film in Scotland. Scotland is part of the UK and therefore all UK film tax incentives and UK co-production treaties apply in Scotland. To find out more: For full details of UK film tax relief, cultural test and co-production treaties, T: +44 (0)141 302 1724 E: [email protected] contact the British Film Commission: britishfilmcommission.org.uk screen.scot | @screenscots
5 | | 6 STUDIOS AND BUILD SPACE
Scotland has a growing range of studio, build space and conversion opportunities to facilitate the largest film and high-end television productions including Cumbernauld’s Wardpark Film and Television Studios — home to Sony Starz Outlander, Edinburgh’s First Stage Studios — currently housing Amazon Studios’ The Rig and Bathgate’s The Pyramids — base for Netflix’s The Outlaw King. Further details on these facilities are covered on the following pages: Page 9 – Wardpark Studios Cumbernauld Page 11 – First Stage Studios Page 13 – Pyramids Business Park Page 15 – BBC Scotland Dumbarton Studios
For more buildpsace options and information on studio developments please contact the Screen Commission: [email protected]
First Stage Studios 7 | | 8 WARDPARK STUDIOS CUMBERNAULD
4 sound proofed stages: Stage A – 40ft x 13,000sq ft Stage B – 21ft x 12,000sq ft Stage C – 26ft x 11,500sq ft Stage D – 26ft x 11,500sq ft Future stage development: • In the process of creating a 5000sq ft sound proofed stage with its own construction and office space. • Plus, planning permission obtained to build a new 17,000sq ft sound proofed stage. Workshops: Paint workshop (natural light) – 11,500sq ft | Props area – 11,500sq ft | Make-up, costume, dye and laundry – 22,500sq ft | Construction/other space – 69,500sq ft. Other facilities: 6 cutting rooms, with 100mb fibre leased line and air conditioning | 56,000sq. ft. of flexible production, art and other office space | Parking for 300 cars and large backlot for unit parking | Onsite gym and canteen | 24/7 onsite security. Location: M80-Major road link | 2 mins to Cumbernauld airport | 30 mins to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports | Perfectly located for all major Scottish cities and stunning Highland locations.
Contact: Terry Thomson, Chief Executive T: +44 (0) 777 470 3735 | E: [email protected] [email protected] | www.wardparkstudios.co.uk
9Wardpark | Studios | 10 Bath Road Studio courtesy of Forth Ports FIRST STAGE STUDIOS
31 Bath Road Leith Edinburgh
• Self contained site • 2 x circa 9000 square foot self contained production offices • 5000 square feet of additional office/costume/art department stores • Over 200 secure car/truck parking spaces including overnight parking • Extensive hardstanding • Circa 35,000 square feet of workshops • In excess of 90,000 square feet of flexibly configured shooting space • Up to 82 feet/25m high • Convenient location close to the city with a wide range of nearby amenities including accommodation of all standards, bars, cafes and Michelin starred restaurants • Up to 1Gbps connectivity up and down available throughout the facility • Over 2000 amps of 3 phase 240 volt power • 3 Phase, 16 amp, 13 amp and 110 volt power available throughout
Contact: Bob Last E: [email protected]
11 | | 12 PYRAMIDS BUSINESS PARK
Pyramids Business Park Easter Inch Bathgate West Lothian
• 108m x 55m. 8.3m height to eaves. 9m to roof • Ample parking • Office space, crèche, 450 seat restaurant, gymnasium, common areas, boardroom, lifts woodland path, private road, field • 24 hour on site security
Contact: Steven McGarva T: +44 (0) 141 222 2280 E: [email protected]
Pyramids13 | Park | 14 BBC SCOTLAND DUMBARTON STUDIOS
BBC Scotland Dumbarton Studios Gooseholm Rd Dumbarton
• 7,000sq ft of studio/build space • 3 studios: 2 x 18,000ft, 1 x 31,000ft • A full size back lot • Acoustically treated to reduce noise pollution • 3-phase power supply
Contact: Neil Mac T: +44 (0) 1389 736 511 E: [email protected]
For more buildspace options and information on studio developments, please contact the Screen Commission: [email protected]
15 | BBC Dumbarton | 16 CREW, TALENT AND FACILITIES
Screen Scotland can help you find the crew and facilities services that you need to make your production in Scotland. A highly skilled, dedicated and motivated community of professionals is available, offering an array of specialist services essential to successful screen production.
Screen Scotland Screen Commission E: [email protected] Film Bang The essential guide for film and TV production in Scotland. From its inception 41 years ago, Film Bang has developed into the definitive source of information, listing production companies, facilities and technicians.
T: +44 (0) 141 334 2456 E: [email protected]
Screen Facilities Scotland A trade body affiliated to UK Screen Alliance which represents companies working in screen facilities and services in Scotland. The group promotes the range, experience and value of the facilities offered by companies already established in Scotland, and as a cooperative venture can pitch for projects as a group or smaller sub groups.
T: +44 (0) 141 363 0022 E: [email protected]
Crew17 | on the set of Outlaw King. Courtesy of Netflix, photographer David Eustace | 18 View from Seilebost over to Luskentyre beach on the Isle of Harris SCOTTISH LOCATIONS NETWORK
Scotland is unique to have a network of local film offices and national partners committed to facilitating and supporting filming.
Seeking permissions is made easy with expert representatives within authorities, councils and national organisations dedicated to filming enquiries.
For contacts, please visit the website or contact the Screen Commission for information and introductions: E: [email protected]
19 | | 20 NATIONAL PARTNERS
National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is the country’s leading conservation charity and their dedicated Filming Manager is committed to helping you find the perfect location, and is your personal contact from initial enquiry to shoot. Anna Rathband, E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)131 458 0447 Internal Ext: 2498 T: +44 (0)7848 448716 nts.org.uk
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland has a wide portfolio of evocative ancient monuments and historic buildings in its care, with over 300 sites across Scotland. For large scale filming, please contact the Historic Environment Scotland Events and Filming Team: T: +44 (0) 131 668 8830 Felicity Nixon, E: [email protected], T: +44(0)7757 484705 For further information on their properties, visit: www.historicenvironment.scot
Transport Scotland
If you wish to film on the trunk road network in Scotland, please contact Transport Scotland for permission. More information can be found at: www.transportscotland.gov.uk
21 | Glen Shiel and Five Sisters of Kintail | 22 LOCATIONS
Scotland is home to the most unique and accessible locations in the world along with a network of local film offices and national partners.
Whether you are seeking images, suggestions, recce advice, or brochures, contact our team for a free and confidential service covering all areas of Scotland: [email protected]
Top left to right: the Scottish Borders; Lossiemouth lighthouse, Moray; Dumfries, Galloway Middle left to right: V&A Dundee, Loch Leven near Kinlochleven; Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie Bottom left to right: Edinburgh; Baleloch, North Uist, Outer Hebrides; Slains Castle near Peterhead
23 | | 24 Dean Village, Edinburgh
Panorama of Noss Head rock formations in sunset light, east coast of Scotland 25 | | 26 FEATURE FILMS FROM SCOTLAND 2020-21
Feature films shot in Scotland over the past year - those originated by or involving Scotland-based talent, and those with Screen Scotland funding - include: Bell Bottom, Pooja Entertainment A Castle for Christmas, Netflix;Falling for Figaro, Black Camel; Indiana Jones 5, Amblin Entertainment; The Lost King, Baby Cow Productions; Man & Witch, Paper Canoe Studio; My Son, Sixteen Films; The Origin, Escape Plan; The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star, Netflix;Tetris , MARV and Sigma Films. Feature films and documentaries receiving premieres and forthcoming release include: The Storms of Jeremy Thomas, David P Kelly; LIMBO, Irune Gurtubai, Angus Lamont; Ride The Wave, Martyn Robertson, Louise Storrie; Our Ladies, Sigma Films; The Story of Film: A New Generation, Hopscotch Films; Nobody Has To Know, barrycrerar; She Will, Jessica Malik, Bob Last.
Our Ladies courtesy of Sigma Films Panorama of Noss Head rock formations in sunset light, east coast of Scotland | 27 | 28 FEATURE FILM: THE STORMS OF JEREMY THOMAS
DOCUMENTARY | 2021 | UK Director: Mark Cousins Producer: David P Kelly Executive Producers: Tim Macready, Mark Thomas Contributors: Tilda Swinton, Debra Winger, Jeremy Thomas Distribution: Visit Films The Last Emperor producer Jeremy Thomas makes a land and sea pilgrimage to the Cannes Film Festival every year, traveling from London in an old sports car often with one or two close friends in tow. This year director Mark Cousins is along for the ride and will be filming as they go. Their off-beat grand tour will take in landmarks and people connected to the producer’s life and films. From the locations in Paris used in Bertolucci’s “The Dreamers”, to Lyon, the birthplace of cinema, and on to the Riviera festival. The Storms of Jeremy Thomas received £17,775 from The National Lottery and the Scottish Government through Screen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund to support Mark Cousins as an award-winning, experienced documentary filmmaker.
World Premiere: Cannes Film Festival 2021
The Storms of Jeremy Thomas courtesy of Visit Films 29 | | 30 FEATURE FILM: LIMBO
DRAMA | 2021 | UK Director: Ben Sharrock Screenwriter: Ben Sharrock Producers: Irune Gurtubai, Angus Lamont Cast: Amir El-Masry, Vikash Bhai, Ola Orebiyi, Kwabena Ansah Distribution: Protagonist Pictures/MUBI Limbo is a wry and poignant observation of the refugee experience, set on a fictional remote Scottish island where a group of new arrivals await the results of their asylum claims. It centres on Omar (Amir El-Masry), a young Syrian musician who is burdened by his grandfather’s oud, the king of Arabic music instruments, which he has carried all the way from his homeland. The film accessed £515,000 from The National Lottery and Scottish Government through Screen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund and the Distribution and Exhibition Fund to support the film’s Scottish creative talent including director Ben Sharrock and producers Irune Gurtubai and Angus Lamont.
UK Premiere: Glasgow Film Festival 2021 UK release date: July 30 2021
Vikash Bhai and Amir El-Masry in Limbo. © Protagonist 31 | | 32 FEATURE FILM: RIDE THE WAVE
DOCUMENTARY | 2021 | UK Director: Martyn Robertson Producer: Martyn Robertson, Louise Storrie Executive Producers: Al Morrow (MetFilms) John Archer (Hopscotch Films) Editor: David Arthur Composer: Scott Twynholm Distribution: Metfilm Sales Having travelled the world participating in competition surfing, 12-year-old Scottish champion Ben is prepared to put his life on the line to ride one of the biggest waves in the world solo. If he gets it right, he joins an elite group. If he gets it wrong, the consequences are terrifying. Ride the Wave received £106,000 through Screen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund to support this opportunity for Scottish talent across the production.
World Premiere: Sheffield Doc Fest 2021 European Premiere: Cannes Film Festival 2021
Ben in Ride the Wave ©Mike Guest/Urbancroft Films 33 | | 34 FEATURE FILM: OUR LADIES
DRAMA | 2021 | UK Director: Michael Caton-Jones Writer: Michael Caton-Jones, Alan Warner (Novel) Producer: Brian Coffey, Laura Viederman, Michael Caton-Jones Executive Producers: Jennifer Armitage, Diego Suarez Chialvo Production company: Sigma Films Distribution: Sony Pictures International Productions In 1990s Scotland, a group of Catholic school girls get an opportunity to go into Edinburgh for a choir competition, but they’re more interested in drinking, partying and hooking up than winning the competition. The film accessed £500,000 funding from The National Lottery and Scottish Government through Sceen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund to support the development of this adaptation of Alan Warner’s seminal novel which has great cultural significance in Scotland. It also presented a fantastic opportunity to ensure that this production was based in Scotland, enabling Scottish director Michael Caton- Jones to work with Scottish cast, crew and locations.
World premiere: Glasgow Film Festival 2020 Release date: 22 August 2021
Our Ladies courtesy of Sigma Films
35 | | 36 The Story of Film courtesy of Hopscotch Films FEATURE FILM: THE STORY OF FILM: A NEW GENERATION
DOCUMENTARY | 2021 | UK Director: Mark Cousins Producer: John Archer (Hopscotch Films) Executive Producer: Clara Glynn (Hopscotch Films) The Story of Looking sees Mark Cousins prepare for surgery to restore his vision. Cousins explores the role that visual experience plays in our individual and collective lives. In a deeply personal meditation on the power of looking in his own life, he guides us through the riches of the visible world, a kaleidoscope of extraordinary imagery across cultures and eras. The Story of Looking received £95,000 from The National Lottery and the Scottish Government through Screen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund to support Mark Cousins as a highly experienced writer, filmmaker and essayist and the film’s Scotland-based producers Adam Dawtrey and Mary Bell of Bofa productions, who are experienced film producers and have worked with Mark Cousins on a number of projects including The Eyes of Orson Welles.
World premiere: Cannes Film Festival 2021
37 | | 38 Michelle Fairley and Bouli Lanners in Nobody Has To Know courtesy of barrycrerar FEATURE FILM: NOBODY HAS TO KNOW
DRAMA | 2021 | UK, BELGIUM Director: Bouli Lanners, Tim Mielants Writer: Bouli Lanners Producer: Jacques-Henri Bronckart Rosie Crerar, Ciara Barry (barrycrerar)s Phil, a robust middle-aged man suffers a stroke, causing him to lose his memory. Millie, who takes care of him, tells him falsely that they were secretly in love before his accident. The film accessed £400,000 funding from The National Lottery and Scottish Government to support barrycrerar on their first international co-production and create the opportunity for them to work with established Belgian production company, Versus Production and French co-producer Empriente Cinema. The film shot on location on the Isle of Lewis on Scotland’s rugged West Coast.
39 | | 40 Alice Krige in She Will courtesy of Rocket Science FEATURE FILM: SHE WILL
THRILLER | 2021 | UK Director: Charlotte Colbert Writer: Kitty Percy, Charlotte Colbert Producer: Jessica Malik, Bob Last Co-producer: Wendy Griffin Executive Producers: Ed Clarke, Philip Colbert, Sam Cryer, Hannah Leader, Edward R. Pressman, Sam Pressman, Thorsten Schumacher, Sara Woodhatch
Cast: Alice Krige, Rupert Everett, Malcolm McDowell, Amy Manson, Daniel Lapaine Sales: Rocket Science The film explores the story of Veronica Ghent (Alice Krige) who after a double mastectomy, goes to a healing retreat in rural Scotland with her young nurse Desi (Kota Eberhardt). She discovers that the process of such surgery opens up questions about her very existence, leading her to start to question and confront past traumas. The two develop an unlikely bond as mysterious forces give Veronica the power to enact revenge within her dreams.
World premiere: Cannes Film Festival 2021
41 | | 42 screen.scot | @screenscots | /screenscots
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Awarding funds from Scottish Government and the UK National Lottery