Scotland’s Sean Connery Talent Lab announces first participants

NEW COLLABORATION WITH PRIME VIDEO

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the Sean Connery Foundation are delighted to announce the first intake of 26 emerging filmmakers who will join the prestigious Sean Connery Talent Lab, set to begin later this month in Leith.

In an exciting development, the Talent Lab is also proud to welcome Prime Video as its newest collaborator. 

Prime Video’s contribution will form part of Prime Video Pathway, the multifaceted training initiative set up by the streamer to open up access to jobs in the TV and film industry across the UK. This marks the expansion of a successful collaboration between Prime Video and the NFTS, running alongside other positive initiatives delivered by the two organisations, such as the Prime Video Craft Academy.

With the Sean Connery Talent Lab, Prime Video will join a wide range of industry organisations, trusts and foundations dedicated to working with the NFTS to foster the next generation of creative talent.

Under the seasoned leadership of renowned Scottish film producer Chris Young, the Sean Connery Talent Lab, named in honour of the legendary Scottish actor and supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, will embark on its mission to discover and nurture a new wave of filmmaking luminaries.

Chris Young, whose legacy includes founding the award-winning Young Films, brings invaluable experience and vision to the Talent Lab, with a career spanning critically acclaimed and award-winning film and television productions including The Inbetweeners. 

Following an extensive search for the most promising ‘on the rise’ creative talent across Scotland and the UK, the final 26 participants were selected from hundreds of applicants, with each showcasing a diverse range of skills across writing, directing, producing, cinematography and editing disciplines.

Introducing the Sean Connery Talent Lab Participants:

WRITERS / DIRECTORS

  1. Alex Salam
  2. Cat MacLeod & Lana Phuetan
  3. Josefa Celestin
  4. Mairead Hamilton
  5. Miranda Stern
  6. Ryan Pollock

“To get the chance to bring my short film to life with the support of the Sean Connery Talent Lab is mind-bogglingly thrilling. I hope to come away from the experience a stronger storyteller with a few more industry connections and to have found like-minded creatives with whom I will continue to collaborate long into the future.” – Writer/Director Mairead Hamilton

PRODUCERS

  1. Carys Evans
  2. Isabella Bassett
  3. Katie Mallinder
  4. Katriona Tweedie
  5. Kitty McMurdo-Schad
  6. Saffia Sage
  7. Steven Jeram

“It feels like a full circle moment to have such an icon of Scottish history – Sir Sean Connery – leaving a legacy that I am now a part of. I can’t wait to see how this bolsters Scottish talent and look forward to working with the rest of the cohort on what will undoubtedly be a strong selection of films!” – Producer Kitty McMurdo-Schad

CINEMATOGRAPHERS

  1. Alyson Thompson
  2. Fiann McLeod
  3. Iona Ward
  4. Matt Mead
  5. Simon Williamson
  6. Vasileios Kapnis

“I believe the Sean Connery Talent Lab will accelerate my career as a cinematographer. The opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment, collaborate with other up-and-coming filmmakers, and shoot a short film in gorgeous Scotland will be the catalyst I need to propel myself to a more professional level. This experience will mark a major turning point for me.” – Cinematographer Alyson Thompson

EDITORS

  1. CJ Lazaretti
  2. Fraser Ballantyne
  3. Jonathan Ley
  4. Lu Kemp
  5. Roddy McDonald
  6. Sam J Thomson

“I am thrilled to be part of a new cohort, and to collaborate with my colleagues to produce an ambitious body of new work which I hope will magnify the energy and force of Scottish film talent.” – Editor Lu Kemp

The Sean Connery Talent Lab offers a rich curriculum, designed to challenge and inspire these emerging filmmakers. Through hands-on training, mentorship by industry professionals, and collaborative projects, participants will develop their skills, culminating in the creation of six short films, working to a budget of £25,000 per project. 

With the support of Prime Video and inaugural supporters BBC Film, the Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation and Synchronicity Films, the projects are set to serve as significant calling cards for the participants, showcasing their talents at film festivals and industry events worldwide.

The Sean Connery Talent Lab is noteworthy for its accessibility, with the Sean Connery Foundation generously underwriting 70% of the fees for each participant. This initiative highlights the commitment of the NFTS and its umbrella of partners, supporters and collaborators to making world leading training accessible to a broad array of aspiring filmmakers.

Jon Wardle, Director of the NFTS commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Prime Video to the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“Under the leadership of Chris Young, the Lab embodies our shared commitment to nurturing emerging talent across the UK. We are excited to explore the innovative perspectives and contributions these filmmakers will make to the industry, both within Scotland and on the international stage.”

Chris Young, Head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab shared his enthusiasm, saying: “The addition of Prime Video as our newest collaborator highlights the broad industry support for the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“Their involvement, along with our other partners and supporters, underscores a collective commitment to fostering a new generation of filmmakers. I am beyond excited to embark on this journey with our newly selected participants.

“Together, we’re not just kicking off a new programme; we’re launching careers and redefining what’s possible for filmmakers across Scotland and the UK.”

Stephane Connery, Chair of the Sean Connery Foundation said: “We are so pleased that Prime Video has joined the extraordinary cohort of committed organisations supporting the Sean Connery Talent Lab and we congratulate the first cohort of students on their admission.

“In establishing the Lab, we hope not only to honour Sir Sean’s Scottish roots, but also to expand the opportunities for employment, both above and below the line, by strengthening Scotland’s reputation as a pivotal destination for film and TV production.”

Jason Connery, Ambassador for the Sean Connery Foundation added: “Scotland’s rich heritage, versatile landscapes and dynamic talent have long contributed to its cinematic success, paving the way for ground-breaking storytelling. 

“We are so looking forward to getting to know this talented cohort of filmmakers and are excited to see the stories they create over the course of the next year, inspired by their world-class instructors, their surroundings, and each other.”

For more information, go to: nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab 

Cash for Kids support for Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

More good news!

A £3,000 grant provided by Cash for Kids to Edinburgh School Uniform Bank marks a significant contribution towards supporting families in need within the city.

This generous donation will make a considerable difference by easing the financial burden on families when it comes to purchasing school uniforms for their children.

School uniforms are an essential part of educational life, promoting a sense of belonging and equality among students. However, the cost can be a barrier for many families, especially those experiencing financial hardships.

ESUB plays a crucial role in this context, ensuring that all children have access to the necessary attire without the stigma of financial strain. This grant from Cash for Kids not only highlights the importance of community support but also reinforces the idea that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background.

⭐Thank you⭐

Craigmillar murderer sentenced

A 47-year-old man has been jailed for life in connection with the death of Paul Smith, who died following a serious assault in the Craigmillar Court area in January 2021.

Paul Smith was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, around 2.20am on Wednesday, 6 January, 2021, where he subsequently died on Sunday, 10 January, 2021.

John Blyth was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 15 March, 2024. At the High Court in Stirling today (Friday, 12 April, 2024), he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 13 years.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “This was a brutal, senseless attack and John Blyth will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Whilst this sentencing cannot change what John Blyth did to Paul, I hope that it brings some kind of closure for Paul’s family and friends.

“I would also like to thank Paul’s family for their support throughout the investigation, as well as commend them for their strength and dignity throughout this ordeal.”

Local community gardens gearing up for food growing action

From 22nd to the 29th of April, over 100 community growing spaces will open their gates to welcome volunteers, both new and old, to explore ways to get involved in community growing, celebrate the arrival of Spring, and advocate for the protection and expansion of community growing spaces.  

These gardens will invite visitors to meet neighbours, learn new skills, and see how easy it can be to grow your own food. Activities will range from seed swaps and garden tours to school visits, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and film screenings.  

Amidst a landscape fraught with environmental and systemic challenges, community gardens are operating within decidedly precarious conditions. The latest State of UK Nature report reveals alarming statistics, with “no let-up in the decline of our wildlife, with 1 in 6 species at risk of being lost from Great Britain.”

According to a study by CPRE, green spaces in poorer parts of England are less likely to be protected against being bulldozed and developed than those in more affluent areas, exacerbating the threat to urban food-growing spaces.  

Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, is using this week to call on councils to protect these assets and increase access to land and other resources for community growing spaces.

They are partnering with Incredible Edible’s Right to Grow campaign to advocate for better access to growing spaces, following increasing barriers to land and over 175,000 people in the UK currently on allotment waiting lists. ] 

Lily O’Mara-Adembesa, Good to Grow coordinator, said: “Across the country, the Good to Grow network show us year after year the enduring value of community food growing in protecting local nature, helping to tackle food insecurity and strengthen community bonds.

“There are so many ways to get involved in your local garden and so many need volunteers to help keep these vital community hubs going. Have a look at our interactive map to see what our amazing gardens have going on in your area during Good to Grow week.”

Pru Elliott, Incredible Edible. said: “Good to Grow week is an opportunity inspire communities and showcase the social and health benefits of community growing. But those who are inspired to set up new gardens often face serious challenges dealing with red tape and bureaucracy at local authority level.

“We’re calling for a Right to Grow; a change in local authorities policies to make community growing accessible for many more groups.” 

Rachel Dring, Capital Growth Coordinator, added: “Good to Grow Week shows off the wide variety of urban food growing spaces and is a great way for people to discover their local community gardens.

“These are oases from the hustle and bustle where people can grow their own food, connect with nature and their neighbours.  In a time of cost-of-living crisis, political turmoil and the epidemic of loneliness, these gardens are essential spaces for community connection and wellbeing – yet they are always at threat of development, and the demand for space to grow is on the rise.

“So we use this week to demonstrate how more than ever, we need these spaces in our communities for people and for wildlife”.

Find and visit your local participating garden by using our interactive map and clicking on the red carrot pins in your area.

Scottish Government must do more to engage the public on climate change and Scotland’s climate change targets

The Scottish Government is not doing enough to engage the public on climate change and Scotland’s climate change targets. 

This is the collective view expressed in a report published yesterday by 23 members of the public, selected at random from across Scotland, who recently came together at Holyrood to form a ‘Climate Change People’s Panel’.

The panel was set up to support Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee in its post-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. The Act mandates that the Scottish Government should produce and periodically review a public engagement strategy for climate change.

The panel’s report concludes that the Government has not communicated effectively with the public on climate change saying that it “could be more ambitious, delivering a positive narrative and enabling Scotland to set a standard of excellence.”

The panel also considered that “collaboration with expert local and community led organisations is key” and that there is an “inconsistency in communication, education, evaluation, the allocation of funding and ultimately, that there is an action gap across Scotland.”

The report outlines 18 recommendations which panellists will formally present to the Committee during a broadcast evidence session on Tuesday 16 April 2024.

Panellist Kevin Roarty, an Analyst Programmer living in Paisley said of his experience; “This has been a fantastic experience but at the heart of it all is the most serious topic.

“We felt that there needs to be more truth and honesty from the Scottish Government about the scale of the challenge, and that creating a more compelling vision of the better world we’re all aiming for would help.

“We hope the Committee will accept our recommendations as positive, concrete actions that must be taken forward and that our efforts will make a positive difference to national engagement on climate issues.”

In the report, panellists unanimously recommend, for example, that: – 

  • Climate change should exist as a compulsory subject within the primary to high school curriculum and children should be involved in its development as a subject.
  • Robust, timely and longer-term funding (minimum 3-5 years) should be provided to help expand and adequately resource climate hubs.
  • There needs to be a legal obligation on all local authorities to co-create local climate policy, supported by funding from the Scottish Government.

Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, said; “This report identifies the need for the Scottish Government to lead from the front to bring governments, business, and the public together in a mutual understanding of the shared challenge we all face and the actions that need to be taken to effect change.

“Just last month the Climate Change Committee said that Scotland’s 2030 climate goals are no longer credible. Collaboration on all levels of society will be essential to help drive action forward.

“We look forward to taking evidence from the panellists during next week’s committee meeting and exploring their findings further with them.”

Access the report and full list of recommendations (2MB, pdf)

Time to Remember at St Columba’s

TUESDAY 30th APRIL from 1.30 – 2.15pm

Our Time to Remember event is in just over 2 weeks!

The event will feature live music as well as space for remembrance, and the opportunity to make a keepsake in memory of a loved one.

Sign up for free today at https://bit.ly/4awO4hh

Edinburgh’s budget challenge – map out what matters to you

An interactive tool that lets residents map out the community services and issues they care most about has been launched by the City of Edinburgh Council. 

As part of a 16-week budget consultation that went live on Tuesday (9 April), the council is engaging with residents in new ways to capture hyperlocal feedback on specific issues.  

People will be able to geotag areas where council services are being delivered well or areas where spend could be made differently. This information will help to inform the challenging decisions councillors need to make next year and, in the future, to balance the city’s budget. 

As the way we use and access public services shifts, the council needs to deliver services efficiently and invest in the future of Edinburgh and its population, which is expected to grow by almost 60,000 people over the next 20 years.  

To prioritise investment in the next budget year and beyond, the consultation seeks community-level views on where the Council could save money, where it is doing well and where it needs to improve. It forms the first phase of a wide-ranging budget engagement programme agreed by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee in March. 

Residents who take part in the online consultation may also be invited to sign up to series of focus groups to take place in the Autumn, to discuss their concerns, ideas, and ambitions for Edinburgh in-depth. 

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The council continues to face high and growing demand for services, and the reality is that this demand exceeds the funding that’s available.

“As we grapple with these additional pressures, we’ll face significant financial challenges and some tough decisions. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be ambitious for our capital city – or our commitment to protect those services that we know many of our most vulnerable residents rely upon. 

“Just as our 2024/25 budget invests millions of pounds towards protecting and improving vital frontline services, we want to continue to get the basics right and plan for our future. Be it continuing to improve our roads, parks, and greenspaces, supporting our schools, addressing poverty and homelessness, or working towards tackling our climate crisis, we need your views to make sure this continues in your communities. 

“We remain the lowest funded local authority in Scotland, and I won’t tire of fighting for fairer funding from the Scottish Government for our capital city so that we can continue to deliver the best for Edinburgh.

“We’ve already had to make £400m in savings over the last decade despite the unique challenges and growth Edinburgh faces and – if this squeeze on local authority budgets continues – we face a further £143m reduction by 2028/29.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “The council is facing the same hard choices about spending that many of you are experiencing. We’re trying to make our income stretch further and we’re making every effort to reduce costs without cutting the services or facilities that you rely on.

“Your local councillors will be thinking about the impact that any changes could have on our citizens, our communities and our workforce – but we want to be sure that we’ve not missed anything that’s important to you.

“That’s why we’re asking you to take part in the ongoing discussion about the financial challenges we’re facing. I’m hoping that you’ll choose to take part online or by contacting your local councillors.”

New deal for pub tenants

Scottish Pubs Code will empower tenants of tied pubs

The Scottish Government is taking action to improve the rights of tied pub tenants across the country.

A new Scottish Pubs Code will enable eligible tied pub tenants to sell a guest beer from brands that have small production levels or switch to a market rate lease under which they could purchase products from any supplier.

Ministers will lay secondary legislation in Parliament next week which, if approved, would see the Code come into force on 7 October 2024. It will be overseen by an Adjudicator who is expected to be appointed next month, subject to parliamentary approval.

A tied lease involves tenants buying some or all of their alcohol and other products and services from the pub-owning business.

Ministers expect the legislation will deliver a fairer tied pubs sector, with risks and rewards being more equally shared between tenants and their landlords. In 2023, it was estimated that there were just under 700 tied pubs in Scotland.

Small Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “We need to do all we can to protect pubs, bars and licensed clubs in Scotland, which in 2022 supported 34,000 jobs throughout the country and play an important role in our communities.

“I am pleased that we are now free to introduce measures contained in the Tied Pubs Act and give tenants more freedom to choose the lease which best suits their needs and diversify the number of products they can sell.

“It’s in everyone’s interest that the sector prospers and I look forward to working with tenants, pub-owning businesses and the new Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator to deliver these important changes.”

CAMRA: ‘LONG OVERDUE’

Welcoming the Scottish Government’s announcement, CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon said: “Today’s announcement that the Scottish Government recognise the importance of protecting pubs, the role they play in our communities and are now introducing a new, legal Pubs Code for Scotland, is fantastic news for licensees and pubgoers. 

“As well as making sure tied tenants can earn a decent living, the new Pubs Code looks set to make it easier for tied tenants to sell more locally brewed beers, increasing choice at the bar for customers of tasty and distinctive products from small, local and independent breweries – particularly cask ale. 

“These new protections in law are vital so tied tenants can make a long-term success of their pubs and shape the unique character of their businesses to become an integral part of their community. 

“This requires a balanced relationship between licensees and pub companies, preventing any unfair practices like pub companies taking more than is fair or sustainable from tied licensees’ profits – or making it harder to sell a range of locally-brewed products. 

“This fair deal for tied pub tenants to protect pubs at the heart of communities can only be achieved by a robust and long-overdue statutory Scottish Pubs Code and the new Pubs Code Adjudicator to enforce it.”