Latest News

30th May 2008

Doc/Fest Workshop in Inverness

Sheffield Doc/Fest is inviting Scottish producers to attend a special workshop in Inverness on July 17th, offing complete preparation for getting your project funded at this year's Marketplace.

The workshop is an opportunity to prepare your projects for the Marketplace at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival. Offering an exclusive window into the priorities of the international documentary market, this is a chance to learn what UK, European, North American and other decision-makers are looking for right now from you.

Places for this workshop are very limited. To express interest, and for more information, please e-mail Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips at charlie@sidf.co.uk stating your name and company along with a one-page pitch for the project that you'd like to work with at the workshop and apply to the Doc/Fest MeetMarket with. Your project can be at any stage of development.

18th April 2008

Bollywood Legend Dev Anand Visits Highlands

Major Bollywood blockbusters could soon be adding some spice to Scotland's film industry.

Dev Anand, a living legend of Indian films, heads to the Highlands this week to hand the industry a much-needed boost.

The 84-year-old actor and producer - whose career has spanned a staggering six decades - will be promoting Scotland as a prime location for the shooting of new Bollywood movies, and in particular an English-speaking epic.

Scotland has missed out on being a location for a host of world-wide hits, including the Lord of the Rings series and the recent Loch Ness monster tale, The Waterhorse, which were shot in New Zealand because of more-favourable tax breaks to movie-makers.

Dev Anand's trip marks the tenth anniversary of the first major full-length Hindu feature film to be shot in the Highlands, and in which he was the star.

A special anniversary screening will take place of Main Solah Baras Ki - translated as 'I am Sixteen' - at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on Friday night.

And there will be a celebration to honour Dev, paying tribute to his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema, culture and international creative enterprise since the 1940s.

The event - a joint venture by the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission and the British Business Group in Mumbai - will also coincide with the Scottish national launch of the actor's autobiography, Romancing With Life.

But it is behind the scenes where Scottish film industry leaders hope he will make his mark, as the weekend's events are expected to attract important figures from the international film industry.

Mr Anand, speaking prior to his visit, said he wished to revive his relationship with Scotland.

He said: "My present trip to Scotland is born out of an enduring drive to once again meet with, greet, and thank you all for the wonderful love, affection, hospitality, and co-operation you showered upon me 10 years ago while I was shooting for my film, Main Solah Baras Ki.

"It was the first Indian feature film shot in this most exotic and, in a sense, God's own country.

"Ten years is a very long period, yet not very long and the memories are everlasting.

"And I would certainly want to revive that relationship and be among you once again, the people and the Scottish Government, in Scotland and hopefully make another film - this time an international one - in the English language with Scottish actors, technicians, musicians, and composers participating.

"In this I'm certain we will further cement Indo-Scottish relations."

Trish Shorthouse, the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commissioner, worked with Dev in 1998 when Main Solah Baras Ki, was shot in Inverness and Badenoch & Strathspey.

She said: "It is very exciting to welcome Dev back and a great honour for the Highlands to play host to celebrations marking his outstanding career".

Read more...

Win a Channel 4 Commission

4Talent are on the hunt for fresh production talent to create web videos and podcasts, and they are running a series of open days across the UK; including one in the Highlands & Islands on Wednesday 7th November. You will get expert insights from some of the most prolific producers, and the chance to pitch to win one of four ?500 commissions. For further information Click Here DEADLINE MONDAY 1ST OCTOBER

Get your short film on Channel 4

Make a three minute documentary on the theme of Storytelling and get it shown in Channel 4's Three Minute Wonder slot. The final four films selected from films uploaded to FourDocs will then be transmitted on Channel 4 in the last week of January 2008 to coincide with National Storytelling week. Interested? Click Here DEADLINE FRIDAY 12ST DECEMBER

Aspiring Creatives Wanted for new C4 show

Do you aspire to be a photographer, music video director, fashion designer, radio DJ, artist, filmmaker, comedian, journalist or musician? Have you got what it takes to make a career out of your passion? Want to learn from a professional icon in your chosen field? Up for a BIG challenge? Or perhaps you know someone who is. Channel 4 are looking for passionate creative people aged 16-24 who are thinking about a career in the creative industries to appear in a brand new series. For more information Click Here RESPOND ASAP

11th September 2007

Co-operative Filmmaking in Lochaber

A Lochaber based company are looking for people interested in developing Scottish productions on a film sales percentage paid basis. Robert McClymont, of Mont Films (www.montfilms.com), is looking for skilled and unskilled people in the Lochaber and north Argyll areas to work together to build a local cast & crew base to develop new productions.

For further information on this endeavour please contact Robert McClymont directly on 01855 831300 or by e-mail production-office@montfilms.com

7th August 2007

Media 2007 event

Representatives from MEDIA will be making their annual visit to Inverness next month to discuss the various opportunities available in training, networking and funding. The event will be taking place on Wednesday 5th September, between 10am & 12pm at the Inverness Town House.

For further information or to register register for the event then please contact Lorraine Mohr at Media Antenna Scotland on 0141 302 1777 or email scotland@mediadesk.co.uk

Talent with a Sting

Channel 4 has a history of cutting-edge idents - in 25 years those coloured blocks making a '4' have become stars of their own groundbreaking short films, made from shipping containers, hay bales, pylons and shadows. Now, in the spirit of E4's successful E-STINGS competition, 4Talent are giving you the chance to design one for us - with help from some of the best in the business.

4Talent are partneringing with 4Creative, moving Picture Company (MPC), Computer Arts and 3D World to give creative animators and designers the chance to design a stunning 15-second sting.

The winner will receive support to develop and realise their idea from two of the agencies behind the current batch of award-winning Channel 4 idents, plus a prize fund of ?2,500 to spend as you see fit.

This will include a day developing your idea with 4Creative - the multi-award-winning team that, amongst a raft of innovative creative work, produced campaigns for top shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives.

Post-production support will come from MPC - one of London's top post-houses, with a glittering portfolio including ad spots for Guinness, Honda and Adidas, and FX for blockbuster feature films from Troy to Harry Potter.

Completing the package are media partners Computer Arts - the world's best-selling creative magazine, packed with creative advice and inspiration every month - and 3D World, the only international magazine for 3D artists and animators. The winner will also receive a year's subscription to both titles.

4Creative have set the brief - all they need from you is your creativity. For more information visit the Channel 4 website.

21st March 2007

Small Island Festival

It has been proposed to establish an annual small-scale community based film festival and seminar programme to raise awareness, through screenings and discussions, of the film heritage of the Western Isles and to promote creative film-making deriving from island communities. A particular focus will be given to films made in Gaelic and films that focus on the indigenous Gaelic culture of the Western Isles, all in a trans-national comparative small island context.

The fesitval is planned to take place on Eriskay between the 15th and 17th of June 2007 utilising the Screen Machine and local community facilities and will involve local community, islanbd diasporas, visitors, film/islands/Gaelic-related professionals, students, promoters, activists and enthusiasts. For further information contact Ray Burnett: tel. 01870 602334 or ray@diis.ac.uk

2nd March 2007

Launch of Distance Lab

Distance Lab is a new research institute whose mission is to invent new technologies and experiences that challenge the way we think about distance and help overcome its disadvantages in learning, health care, relationships, culture and other domains. By tackling questions like those listed earlier, the Lab will aim to be at the international forefront of innovation in digital media and communication technologies. Distance Lab was launched in January 2007 in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland with its first office at Horizon Scotland in Forres. It is expected that additional activity will develop in other parts of the Highlands and Islands and beyond over the coming months. Distance Lab is a private not-for-profit company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the economic development agency covering the north and west of Scotland. It is anticipated that there will be a close working relationship between Distance Lab and UHI Millennium Institute, a growing university in this region. Though it will gain inspiration from regional problems and opportunities, Distance Lab will be an active member of the international research community and will aspire to have an impact in people's lives and in businesses no matter where in the world they reside. The Lab is open to developing alliances, partnerships, and other forms of activity together with other organizations anywhere in the world. For further information and to sign up to the mailing list visit www.distancelab.org

Scottish Students on Screen

Scottish Students on Screen, now organised by BAFTA Scotland, will take place on Friday 23rd March at the CCA in Glasgow. This event aims to bridge the gap between students and the industry, and, in addition to the judging and screenings of the short film entries, the day will include a number of workshops and masterclasses. Workshops will include a 4Talent documentary pitching session, where students will compete for a real commission, as well as a script doctor session, where students can receive advice on scripts from top scriptwriters. Apple will host a post-production suite for those interested in the latest in film and multimedia software. In addition, there will be a blocking workshop with actors for those interested in directing. There will be a MEDIA stand at this event, where you can find out more information on the MEDIA Programme. For more information, e-mail info@baftascotland.co.uk or call 0141 302 1770.

PACT Creative Strategies Conference

The PACT Creative Strategies Conference will take place on Tuesday 27th March at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Glasgow. MEDIA Antenna Scotland and MEDIA Antenna Wales will be sponsoring a session entitled '50 Ways to do Business' at the event. Registration starts from 9.15am, with sessions from 10.15 until 18.00. places at the conference cost ?150, and can be booked online www.pact-creative-strategies.co.uk Come along to share your ideas, learn and network at the best creative business conference for UK independent production companies. For more information contact MEDIA Antenna Scotland on 0141 302 1776 or e-mail scotland@mediadesk.co.uk

Game in Scotland

The Scottish Games Recruitment Fair takes place on Thursday 29th March at Fat Sams, in Dundee. The fair offers you the chance to meet with Scotland's top games development studios and find out about the variety of different jobs available within these businesses. There will be presentations from various games companies in Scotland, including console, mobile, and interactive TV development studios. For registration and more information, go to www.interactivetayside.com/gameinscotland/

12th February 2007

Celtic Media Festival

Programme Online

Want to see what is in store at this year's Celtic Media Festival? The programme of events for this year's featival is now available online at the festival website.

Also, the Celtic Media Festival would like to support anyone who wishes to be environmentally friendly with their travel choices for this year's event. So, if you intend to come to Skye 2007 and would be interested in investigating options for car sharing, please send your name, the days you wish to travel, your departure city/area and a contact telephone number to katy@celticmediafestival.co.uk and they will let you know about others looking to pool resources.

7th February 2007

Celtic Media Festival

Registration Open

Ever thought you wanted to drop everything and run for the hills? Come to Celtic Media Festival, Skye 2007.

There will be a packed programme of sessions, premieres, events, keynotes, screenings in the RBS Screen Machine, a Future Creatives student strand, plus awards and parties. So why stay in the office? Come and clear your head on Scotland's most beautiful island and get some work done at the same time!

Portree's the place for some blue Skye thinking...

Delegate registration is now online. It's quick and easy, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail katy@celticmediafestival.co.uk or call +44 (0)141 302 1737.

The programme for Skye 2007 will go online later this week

1st February 2007

Stardust

A photo gallary for the forth coming adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel Stardust, directed by Michael Vaughn, has been posted on the author's website. These images include some of the location work completed in our area click here to visit the website. The film is set for a UK release this summer.

22nd January 2007

Hebrides TV

Hebrides.TV is an exciting new project that showcases the best in video content about, for and created by Hebrideans. The site is due to launch during the summer of 2007. If you have content that you would like to suggest for inclusion on Hebrides.TV or to be updated on progress, to enquire about the site, or to enquire about training / equipment please e-mail: info@hebrides.tv

Celtic Media Festival

In a little over two months the recently re-branded Celtic Media Festival will be getting under way on the Isle of Skye. Latest updates and information about events and accommodation for this year's event can be found at the website.

8th November 2006

GMAC Cineworks and Digicult 2007:

(1) Applications

Applications are currently being sought by the Glasgow Media Access Centre for 2007's Cineworks and Digicult schemes. Please note that these schemes are not intended for children or full time students.

These award-winning schemes are for the first time being actively promoted outside the central belt. The deadline for applications is 22nd November 2006 and you can download an application form from http://www.g-mac.co.uk/

GMAC will be holding a launch event at 11am on Saturday 11th November at the Inverness Film Festival, at Eden Court Cinema.

(2) Tutors

GMAC are also seeking experienced filmmakers who would be willing to give of their time to tutor successful Cineworks and Digicult short-listed candidates in script development and to run workshops in direction etc.

To apply to become a tutor please send a full CV detailing your experience of delivering training and a covering letter explaining why you want to work with new filmmaking talent to:

GMAC Shorts, 3rd Floor, 34 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1 1LH

Deadline for applications is 6pm, Friday 17th November, 2006.

Pocket Shorts Scotland

Another deadline fast approaching is for the new Pocket Shorts Scotland scheme. This scheme is designed to encourage filmmakers, animators and content providers to produce video content for mobile phones. Funding of up to ?3000 is available but applications must be in by 20th November!

For further information and to download an application form please visit www.pocketshorts.com/scotland

5th October 2006

Birds Eye View Film Festival 2007

Submissions for the 2007 Birds Eye View Film Festival are now officially open.

Birds Eye View will launch on International Women's Day (8th March 2007) at the National Film Theatre on London's South Bank, and continue at venues including the ICA for a four-day programme.

Submissions are sought from women filmmakers from around the globe, to be part of a showcase programme of innovative and inspirational shorts, features and documentaries. Awards will be presented to Best Short Drama, Best Short animation, Best Documentary and a special Award for Innovation.

For further information visit the Birds Eye View website or e-mail submissions@birds-eye-view.co.uk

The UK deadline is November 10th 2006.

4th October 2006

BBC Film Network

The BBC's Film Network offers members the opportunity to share your work and view the films of other filmmakers. As a member, you can create your own profile page where you can keep a list of your favourite films on Film Network, track discussions you take part in and receive messages from other members.

If you are involved in making films, in any capacity (e.g. director, cast, crew), we you add the following to your profile page.

• a filmmaking biography
• credit pages, listing projects you've worked on
• a specialism and place, which will include you in the people directory

And if you have a film screening on Film Network this allows people who see your film to find out more about you.

For further information visit the BBC Film Network website.

25th September 2006

MEDIA Roadshow 2006

MEDIA, in association with the Scottish Highlands & Islands Film Commission, is holding a Roadshow in Inverness, offering a chance for anyone working in the commercial film, television and new media industries in Scotland to learn more about the opportunities offered by the MEDIA Programme. These include funding for project development, TV co-productions, cinema distribution and exhibition, and access to professional training, networking events, markets and festivals.

The event will take place 5-7pm on Tuesday, 7th November 2006 at the Columba Hotel, 7 Ness Walk, Inverness.

To register for the Roadshow, please contact MEDIA Antenna Scotland on 0141 302 1777 or e-mail scotland@mediadesk.co.uk

20th September 2006

Celtic Film & Television Festival

Call for Entries - Skye 2007

Entries are now being accepted for next year's Celtic Film & Television Festival which is taking place on the Isle of Skye from the 28th to the 30th of March 2007. Entries should either be on any subject and from Celtic countries OR from any country but with subject matter relating to the life/culture of Celtic countries. Entries are accepted in Brezhoneg, Cymraeg, English, Francais, Gaelige, Gaidhlig or Kernuak.

The closing date for entries is Friday 27th October.

For further information or to enter your work now visit the festival website.

14th September 2006

Screen Academy Scotland: Screen Writing Courses

(1) Writer's Factory Introduction to Screenwriting

A full 22 week course running from October 12th 2006 - March 22nd 2007 on Thursday evenings (6-8pm) at Edinburgh's Napier University.

This course takes place over twenty-two weeks and allows writers to explore their storytelling instincts, study the craft of screenwriting and develop and write a commercial 10 minute film. The syllabus was commissioned by the UK Film Council to provide writers with foundation skills in screenwriting and forms part of an integrated approach to the provision of skills for the audio-visual industries across the UK.

The tutor is award winning Edinburgh-based film and television producer Nigel R. Smith. Nigel trained at the Media Business School in Spain and at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the US. His credits include children's space adventure sitcom Intergalactic Kitchen and Tartan short Cry for Bobo, both for the BBC.

Course Entry Requirements: Please send an email to screen@napier.ac.uk outlining why you would like to attend the course.

Coming soon to Screen Academy Scotland, Spring 2007 - Writers Factory Intermediate Screenwriting. This course is aimed at those who have graduated from the Introductory course and/or have experience writing in other areas. Participants will workshop and develop their scripts and professional skills further with an industry expert.

(2) Post Graduate Certificate in Screenwriting

The postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Screenwriting is aimed at those who have, or do not need a Masters level qualification. The programme is delivered online and during three weekend study workshops. It offers the following core modules from Napier University's popular MA Screenwriting Programme.

- Writing and Screen Project Development

- Script Development Workshop One

- Script Development Workshop Two

The course is taught by experienced and active professionals and is designed to appeal to students who wish to develop their competencies in Film, Television and Interactive screenwriting further. It is ideal for those who wish to study alongside their work, and from a distance, as part of their continuing professional development.

For further information about both of these courses visit the Screen Academy website.

17th August 2006

Scottish Screen Open Meeting

"Culture and creativity are woven into every part of our national life..."

From the First Minister's 2003 St Andrew's Day address.

Scottish Screen is the national development agency for the screen industries in Scotland

Creative Scotland is the proposed new body to lead the development of the cultural and creative life of Scotland in the 21st century. Scottish screen is set to become part of this new organisation, which is scheduled to be up and running by Spring 2008.

This is an exciting and totally new opportunity for film and the wider screen industries in Scotland and Scottish Screen invites you to come and hear about our work over the lasty year and express your hopes and aspirations for Creative Scotland.

A series of open meetings will be happening across the country during September 2006. Please come along, ask questions and have your say.

ABERDEEN: Friday 8th Septmeber 5:00pm. Aberdeen Maritme Museum, Shiproq. RSVP: rsvpaberdeen@scottishscreen.com

EDINBURGH: Monday 11th September 5.00pm. Point Hotel Penthouse, Bread Street. RSVP: rsvpedinburgh@scottishscreen.com

INVERENSS: Monday 18th September 5.00pm. Columba Hotel, Ness walk. RSVP: rsvpinverness@scottishscreen.com

DUNDEE: Wednesday 20th septmeber 5.30pm. Dundee Contemporary Arts, Nethergate. RSVP: rsvpdundee@scottishscreen

GLASGOW: Thursday 28th Septmeber 5.00pm. Centre for Contemporary Arts, Sauchiehall Street. RSVP: rsvpglasgow@scottishscreen.com

If you have a particular question you would like to have addressed please include it in your reply.

aimhi/GoHI Networking Event

Are you passionate about films and filmmaking? Are you an aspiring writer? Are you an undiscovered musical talent?

Aimhi/GoHI Creative Industries day is offering the chance to meet senior creative industry figures to discuss:

i) Making it in the Creative Industries

ii) Guerilla Marketing and Distribution Networks

iii) Participatory Media and the Emergence of Online Content Platforms

The panel will consist of Lachlan MacKinnon (Film & TV Producer), Mark Stanton (Literary Agent), Michael Russell (Media Commentator), Peter Kane (Communications Consultant) and Phil Ellis (Record Label Chief).

There will be post-panel discussion cocktails and a networking opportunity, followed by a showcase of new bands.

The event takes place on Friday 8th September 2006 and begins at 3pm in the Royal Highland Hotel next to Inverness Railway Station. Attendance is free but places are very limited! Please contact jsim@aim-hi.org to make your reservation. For further information please visit the aimhi website.

4th August 2006

Edinburgh Film Festival 2006

This year's Edinburgh Film Festival begins on Monday 14th August and will run until the 27th. Details about events can be found on the festival website.

European Documentary Funding Workshop:

Glasgow: 1 - 3 September

Brighton: 21 - 23 September

Cardiff: 29 Sept - 1 Oct

Are you a filmmaker interested in making documentaries?

Have you wanted to learn more about the European Market?

Do you have an idea that would make an inspiring documentary film?

In this unique event, spanning three cities, Documentary Filmmakers Group (DFG) in partnership with the European Documentary Network (EDN) supported by SKILLSET, UK MEDIA desk, MEDIA Antenna Scotland and EDIA Antenna Wales bring you this opportunity to discover the principles of producing documentaries for the European Market.

The programme consists of two parts: an Open Session (1 day) and a Pitching Workshop (2 days).

The Open Session is for all who are interested in learning more about European Funding for documentaries. During this day there will be a focus on understanding the editorial and creative priorities of European Broadcasters, and also looking at the main sources of finance available. Fee: ?60 + vat (Day 1)

The Pitching Workshop is a two-day event for all those who have an idea they wish to develop into a specific proposal, treatment and pitch for European broadcasters and funding bodies. The workshop will provide training for filmmakers to develop their pitching skills to use when approaching commissioning editors and attending various pitching forums that take place in Europe. Fee ?175 + vat (including access to the Open Session.

For more information on the workshop and how to attend please contact info@dgfdocs.com or visit the website.

13th July 2006

IdeasFactory: Highland Stream - Web Streaming Course

Vidoe streaming is the way of broadcasting video across the Internet and allows anyone to produce movies for a worldwide audience online.

Are you a short film-maker based in the Highlands & Islands who wants to learn:

• How to film for streaming onthe Web.
• How to edit your work for web screening.
• How to choose the optimum encoding format.

IdeasFactory: Highland Stream will take you through shooting, editing and encoding for the web. As part of the course you will make a short streamed programme which will be uploaded to Channel4's website.

The course takes place in Inverness on Sunday 3rd and Sunday 10th of September 2006.

To apply go to the IdeasFactory website. Closing date 11th August 2006.

11th July 2006

BBC New Film Makers Award

Can you make the Best British Short Film? BBC Three is looking for visually exciting and entertaining films that will appeal to its young, modern, mainstream audience. If you're an aspiring director with an original and contemporary short story, what are you waiting for? Submit your film now and you might just reap the many rewards...

The winning film will be considered for a high profile slot on BBC Three as the Best British Short Film and receive ?5,000. Two runners-up will receive ?2,500. All short-listed films will be broadcast on the channel, screened at the Breif Encounters Short film Festival and online.

Your film should be no longer than ten minutes. to enter you must be 16 years or over and never had your film commissioned or broadcast on British TV. Entries close 17th July 2006!

To find out more about the scheme and get details on how to enter, visit the BBC New Talent Website.

8th June 2006

Channel 4 Internet Film Training in the Highlands

Video Streaming is the way of broadcasting video across the Internet and allows anyone to produce movies for a worldwide audience online. Channel 4 are offering 6 places on a custom-made video streaming course, Highland Stream, to be run in Inverness on 2nd & 9th July.

Targeted at would be film-makers based in the Highlands & Islands, Highland Stream participants will learn how to film for streaming on the Web, how to edit their work for web screening, and how to select the right encoding format to allow their films to be seen online at their best.

Led by four top television and streamed interactive media professionals, the hands-on course will enable those who come along to see what works and what doesn't, different streaming formats, and learn how to gauge file sizes and programme lengths. Participants will also make a short streamed programme which will be uploaded to Channel 4's website.

For more information and application details would be film-makers should log on to www.channel4.com/ideasfactoryscotland

The closing date for applications is Saturday 17th June.