Scots film-maker says native industry can thrive

A SCOTTISH film-maker whose movie premiers at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year has hailed a Scottish Government scheme which will help emerging talent thrive for “years to come.”

Peter Mullan in Sunshine On Leith, which was partly filmed in Edinburgh. Picture: Contributed

Colin Kennedy will see his feature film Swung have its world premiere at the 2015 EIFF.

Almost £1 million has now been handed out by the Scottish Government as part of the scheme aimed at developing talent.

“As well as the opportunity to meet with seasoned professionals and gain a better understanding of the day-to-day workings of the industry, EIFF Talent Lab allowed me to meet my peers,” he said of the programme he attended in 2011.

“These people will generate the wealth of the industry in the years to come and are key to growing a buoyant, sustainable industry. The EIFF Talent Lab alumni is already testament to that.”

Since 2008, the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund (EFEF) has invested £950,000 to support 320 developing film makers, by helping them to cultivate the skills and contacts needed to thrive in the industry

The scheme has also helped a host of directors, screenwriters and producers find their feet in the Scottish Film industry. These include Angus Lamont, who produced the Northern Irish Troubles-absed thriller ‘71; Arabella Page Croft, who produced Sunshine on Leith; and Virginia Heath, the firector of From Scotland With Love.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced £3m of further funding to continue the government’s commitment to Scottish film industry skills development.

She said: “These projects have made a real difference to people’s careers – with several participants going on to achieve significant success in screenwriting, film production, direction and co-production. We are proud of our contribution to their success.”