Published: 10 Aug 2018
Six Films Commissioned for Scottish Shorts Programme and Participants Selected for Write4Film Programme
Scottish Film Talent Network has announced the six short films commissioned for the New Talent Scottish Shorts 2018 programme and the seven writers selected for this year’s edition of the Write4Film programme, demonstrating the Network’s on-going work and commitment to supporting talent that is new to film and with different filmmaking styles and approaches to storytelling.
Supported by Creative Scotland and the BFI (awarding funds from the National Lottery), the Scottish Shorts talent development programme targets Scotland- based writers, directors and producers with bold and exciting stories to tell to international audiences. The following six shorts will receive £15,000 for their production budgets and start filming later this year:
The six shorts were selected from 13 filmmaking teams who undertook a series of development workshops and master classes throughout June and July focussing on story, script and production led by producer Paul Welsh, DigiCult, and supported by producer Carolynne Sinclair, Hopscotch Films. The 13 teams pitched their productions to an industry panel comprising of representatives from Scottish Film Talent Network, the Centre for the Moving Image, DigiCult, Hopscotch Films and Creative Scotland.
We’re delighted to be offering these teams the opportunity to realise their vision and make high quality films that will showcase Scotland’s creativity to the world- Ross Mckenzie, Screen Officer
Two of this year’s selected filmmakers are graduates of last year’s SFTN Write4Film programme. Adura Onashile and Julia Taudevin, both award winning playwrights and theatre-makers, participated in the inaugural year that helped introduce to screenwriting six established writers from other artforms. Adura’s short will be produced by Rosie Crerar and Ciara Barry, BFI Vision Award Producers who are supported for their work with new and emerging filmmakers. James Ley, another playwright from the 2017 edition of Write4Film, is also developing his first feature film with SFTN.
The recently selected 2018 cohort include a mix of novelists, theatre makers and artists. Participants are:
These bold and exciting writers will now undertake a series of workshops that will introduce them to the art of screenwriting and connect them into the Scottish film industry.
Holly Daniel, Executive at Scottish Film Talent Network, said: “This is the fourth edition of the SFTN Scottish Shorts programme and we continue to be amazed and excited by the high level of talent that submit to take part. As always it was a difficult decision but we feel the range and mix of voices being supported this year are outstanding and will produce a fantastic selection of short films. Having two SFTN Write4Film alumni in the selection is a brilliant example how of how professional development can help talented Scottish writers from other mediums bring their skills and voices to film. ”
Ross Mckenzie, Screen Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “Again this year we were presented with a range of high quality projects that have benefited from intensive development over the course of the Scottish Shorts workshops. The six projects commissioned for production demonstrate great depth and deal with a range of issues that we expect will resonate with audiences at home and internationally. We’re delighted to be offering these teams the opportunity to realise their vision and make high quality films that will showcase Scotland’s creativity to the world, and support the selected filmmakers in making the important next step in their careers.”
This is the fourth edition of the Scottish Shorts programme under SFTN. Previous participants have benefitted from the production of their first funded work to help progress their careers.
SFTN forms the Scottish element of the BFI NETWORK, designed to discover, nurture and advance new and emerging filmmaking talent from across the UK. SFTN is a consortium made up of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI), DigiCult and Hopscotch Films.
The UK wide BFI NETWORK partners are Creative Scotland, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Northern Ireland Screen and in England, Film Hub North, Film Hub Midlands, Film Hub London, Film Hub South East and Film Hub South West.
Writer/Director: Rory Gibson; Producer: Douglas Cox
Two young men are drawn towards one another through a shared grief.
Rory Gibson said: "I’m honoured that SFTN want to support my work as a writer/director and that they believe, as I do, that this story is worth telling."
Writer: Julia Taudevin; Director: Alison Piper; Producers: James Heath & Tom Gentle
A woman gets revenge on her childhood abuser and the community that enabled him with the help of a duck.
Alison Piper said: “The SFTN development process has been hugely enjoyable and the whole team are thrilled to be selected for funding. Duck Daze is a unique Scottish story and we’re grateful to be supported by SFTN and the BFI NETWORK as we move forward.”
Writer/Director: Adura Onashile; Producers: Ciara Barry, Rosie Crerar & Alia Ghafar
A nightclub toilet attendant is forced to choose between saving herself or harming a regular punter.
Adura Onashile said: "The guidance, support and inspiration of the programme has enabled me to develop a film that I am excited and proud to see into production. This feels like a watershed moment in my development as a filmmaker and I cannot think of a better environment to make my short film debut.”
Writer/Director: James Price; Producer: Dave Gilles
Late one night, long after bedtime, 12-year old Reese must brave the mean and marvellous streets of North East Glasgow to bring his drunken father safely home.
James Price said: “The fact that this film has been selected by SFTN is really overwhelming. Myself and Dave are truly beyond grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Writer/Director: Russell Davidson; Producer: David Neilson
1980’s Glasgow: as his family disintegrate around him the only thing on eight year-old Jonjo’s mind is getting his prized A Team figure for Christmas.
Russell Davidson said: "David and myself are delighted to be commissioned with LUCKY STAR. It’s been great to work in development with the SFTN Team and inspiring to see the other projects develop.”
Writer/Director: Josephine Self; Producer: Calum Hart
Unable to show his true identity, Michael, a grieving tailor mouse, recounts and reckons with the memories of a past lover.
Josephine Self said: “I am so thrilled to have The Fabric of You selected for production. Undergoing the Scottish Shorts development programme has been such an incredible learning experience as well as meeting so many other talented, Scottish based filmmakers.”
SFTN is a consortium made up of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI), DigiCult and Hopscotch Films. SFTN represents Scotland in the UK-wide BFI NETWORK initiative as it connects the UK’s film talent development agencies. Scottish Film Talent Network consortium has been awarded the contract by Creative Scotland and is supported by BFI. For further information please visit www.scottishfilmtalent.com and follow us at @SFTNetwork
Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK exists to discover and support talented writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers. We collaborate with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide funding for short films, support for the development of first features, as well as a range of professional and creative development programmes. Find out more and watch supported work: www.bfinetwork.org.uk @bfinetwork
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery.
For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter @creativescots, Facebook www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland and Instagram www.instagram.com/creativescots.
Arlen Barke, Scottish Film Talent Network Coordinator
Email: info@scottishfilmtalent.com
Tel: 0131 228 4051
Image: Tomorrow Might Be The Day, a 2017 Scottish Short commission
