The Last Night In (a music film): STAY ODD live from Leith Theatre
Date: 8th May 2021 @ 8.30pm
Presented by Handsome Tramp Records in association with Creative Scotland
Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/2QNoQra
Scottish hip-hop mainstays Stanley Odd have announced they will be playing a unique performance of their latest album STAY ODD from the iconic main auditorium of Leith Theatre.
The band formed in Leith over a decade ago. Now, four albums and almost twelve years later, the six-piece are returning to the place where their journey began for a celebration of live music – and of Staying Odd.
The band are known for their electric live performances and, although we cannot dance together just yet, have decided to bring their explosive live show to fans’ living rooms.
The event will be ticketed however – recognising the uncertain times that we’re living through – fans have the choice of four price options. The standard price is £10, but fans will be offered an option of £5 – or nothing at all – to ensure the gig is as accessible to all. An additional option of £20 will also be available to folks who want to show some extra support.
The album itself, described by BUZZ Magazine as the band’s “most accomplished work yet,”, was recorded over a four-year period and showcases the sound of a band who are nothing but confident in their Oddness.
STAY ODD takes the listener on a journey through the global news cycle on a stolen bicycle, to a place where lying politicians are at odds with iconic female figures, and tales of witches are interspersed with classic hip-hop. Each track is as truly unpredictable as the last.
The album dropped on April 12th after being teased for over a year with the release of lead single Where They Lie in February, and then another every six weeks since July. This stunning music film of the band live from Leith Theatre is made possible by Creative Scotland’s Sustaining Creative Development fund.
The Last Night In was born out of the same desire to engage with their fans.
Frontman Dave Hook, aka MC Solareye, says of the show: “Playing in this beautiful, semi-derelict space – on the floor in the middle of the room – sort of represents all of the empty venues around the country just now.
“The Last Night In is a bittersweet celebration of live spaces as well as of STAY ODD getting played in full – start to finish.”
Connect with Stanley Odd: Facebook Instagram Twitter Bandcamp
Leo Di Caprio blockbuster tops list of people searching to watch the film online
Forrest Gump is second, followed by Best Picture winner in 2017 Moonlight
Globally the most popular film search is Parasite, with Titanic in second and Forrest Gump in third place
The UK’s heart still goes on for Titanic as new research reveals it is the most searched Oscar-winning film that people try to access online.
Ahead of this weekend’s Academy Awards, Search Intelligence investigated which Oscar winner for for Best Picture is the fans’ favourite.
The study found that Titanic is the most searched film in the UK after analysing search terms that people typically use to watch a film online.
Tom Hanks classic Forrest Gump, which won Best Picture in 1995, is Britain’s second most searched film, while 2017 winner Moonlight takes third place.
The UK’s most searched Oscar-winning films – top 10
UK rank
Film
Best Picture-winning year
1
Titanic
1998
2
Forrest Gump
1995
3
Moonlight
2017
4
The Godfather
1973
5
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
1976
6
Braveheart
1996
7
Parasite
2020
8
The Departed
2007
9
The Sound Of Music
1966
10
12 Years A Slave
2014
Globally, the most popular film search is 2020 Oscar-winner Parasite, followed by Titanic, with Forrest Gump in third place.
Overall, global searches showed more more interest in recent winners, with the last four Best Pictures featuring in the top ten – Parasite, Green Book, The Shape of Water and Moonlight.
The World’s most searched Oscar-winning films – top 10
UK rank
Film
Best Picture-winning year
1
Parasite
2020
2
Titanic
1998
3
Forrest Gump
1995
4
Green Book
2019
5
The Godfather
1973
6
The Shape Of Water
2018
7
Moonlight
2017
8
Gladiator
2001
9
Slumdog Millionaire
2009
10
Braveheart
1996
The study used data analytics platform Ahrefs to calculate the average annual search volume for 16 different terms film fans typically use when trying to watch movies online, such as “Titanic full move” or “watch Titanic online free”.
All 92 Best Picture winners were included, from 1928/29 victor Wings, up to last year’s winner Parasite, as well as the eight nominees for the category this year.
Sir Lenny Henry has written an open letter to encourage Black Britons to take the COVID-19 vaccine, signed by some of the most high-profile names in the UK.
Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, actor Thandie Newton, radio personality Trevor Nelson, musician KSI and author Malorie Blackman, among the signatories on Sir Lenny Henry’s open letter
Short film based on the letter by BAFTA award-winning director Amma Asante stars Adrian Lester, David Harewood, and Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh, and will be aired across Sky, BT Sport, Viacom, Discovery, A&E and ROK and Channel 5 tonight from 8pm
Letter comes as 30 million people have had their first dose of the vaccine – over half the UK’s adult population
12 Years a Slave actor and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, author Malorie Blackman, actor Thandie Newton, football pundit Garth Crooks, performer George the Poet and musician KSI, radio personality Trevor Nelson and Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh are among those who have put their names to the letter which encourages Black adults in the UK to make informed decisions about the vaccine and protect themselves and the people they care for by getting vaccinated when their turn comes.
Sir Lenny’s letter, supported by the NHS, has also been turned into a powerful short film, directed by BAFTA award winner Amma Asante, which features Lenny alongside Adrian Lester, David Harewood, Naomie Ackie, Rt Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and Adjoa Andoh. The film will be aired across Sky, BT Sport, Viacom, Discovery, A&E and ROK between 8pm and 9.30pm.
Sir Lenny Henry said: “I felt it was important to do my bit and so I wrote this letter to Black Britain asking people not to get left behind, to not continue to be disproportionately impacted and to trust the facts from our doctors, professors and scientists, not just in the UK but across the world, including the Caribbean and Africa.
“I hear and understand the concerns which people of all backgrounds are wrestling with, but which are particularly concerning in Black communities. I want people to be safe, I don’t want people to die or end up in hospital because of COVID-19. So I’m saying, when your turn comes, take the jab.
“I want to thank everyone who has signed the letter and dear friends who took part in Amma’s beautiful film.”
More than 30 million people have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, meaning over half of the UK’s adult population have been vaccinated and will soon develop strong protection from serious illness, saving lives and significantly reducing pressures on the NHS.
Television veteran Sir Lenny says he understands the concerns of many in the Black community but tells them he does not want their concerns about the jab to leave them disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
An Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey taken from 13 January to 7 February shows that less than half (49%) of Black or Black British adults reported that they were likely to have the vaccine and NHS data shows that only 466,000 Black of Black British adults have had a first dose of the vaccine so far.
Amma Asante, who directed the film, said: “Creating something for the community I come from was important to me, particularly on a health issue that is as life and death as coronavirus.
“I wanted to make a film that acknowledges the concerns of Black people while sharpening the lens on why the vaccine is so important, and why we deserve to have our lives and the lives of our loved ones protected.
“I hope the film can contribute to making a difference.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, London’s Regional Director for Public Health England, said: “We know our Black communities have been among the hardest hit during this pandemic, but we also know there are some among us who are less likely to come forward for the life-saving vaccine.
“We can all play a role in encouraging our friends and family to take it up when offered, whether that’s answering questions or concerns they may have, pointing them towards information and advice from trusted sources, sharing our own experiences of getting the vaccine or declining to pass on myths and misinformation circulating on social media.
“Getting back to normal life in the UK will mean every one of us joining the over 30 million people across the UK who have already taken up the vaccine. So I am fully behind Sir Lenny’s call to our Black communities. Let’s all do our bit, keep our loved ones safe and end this pandemic sooner rather than later.”
People who have received a letter inviting them for a jab can log on to the national booking service and choose from 1,700 vaccination sites. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm 7 days a week.
Signatories to the letter have come from across the spectrum of British society. From the business world, signatories include Karen Blackett OBE, Ric Lewis, Sonita Alleyne OBE, Eric Collins, and Wilfred Jones.
Names from the arts and entertainment include Malorie Blackman, Lemn Sissay, Roy Williams, Reni Eddo-Lodge, George The Poet and KSI and from sport – Garth Crooks and Chris Hughton. Names from science and medicine have also supported the campaign, including Professor Kevin Fenton and Dame Donna Kinnair.
Baroness Valerie Amos, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Trevor Phillips have also added their names.
The government is working with the NHS, local authorities, charities and faith leaders to provide advice and public health information in over 13 languages to people from all communities and backgrounds to ensure they come forward for the vaccine.
Sir Lenny Henry’s letter in full
Dear mums, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, nephew, nieces, daughters, sons and cousins,
We love you!
We know we don’t say it often enough and sometimes we have our disagreements, like all families do, but wherever you are we love you from the bottom of our hearts and we know you love us.
And we want to see you again. COVID-19 has kept us apart for far too long. We want to hug you, we want to celebrate with you, we want to go out for dinner with you, we want to worship with you, we want to go and watch football and cricket with you, we want to beat you at video games – in the same room so we can see the look on your face when we do.
But in order to do all that – we all need to take the COVID-19 jab. It’s all of us in this together.
Things will slowly get back to normal. Well what people are calling the new normal. The reality is the new normal may mean needing a vaccine to do many of the things we now take for granted.
Because we love you – we want you to be safe and we don’t want you to be left out or left behind. While other communities are rushing to get the vaccine and millions have already been vaccinated, some Black people in our community are being more cautious.
You have legitimate worries and concerns, we hear that. We know change needs to happen and that it’s hard to trust some institutions and authorities.
But we’re asking you to trust the facts about the vaccine from our own professors, doctors, scientists involved in the vaccine’s development, GPs, not just in the UK but across the world including the Caribbean and Africa. Many of whom are our relatives, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of this country from this pandemic.
And the thousands who volunteered to be part of the vaccine trials so that we know it’s safe and works for people of all ethnicities.
Don’t let their sacrifice be in vain. Don’t let your understandable fears be what holds you back. Don’t let your concerns be the thing that widens racial inequality in our society. Don’t let Black people continue to be disproportionately impacted by this terrible disease. Many in our community say they do not want to take the vaccine, much more than other groups. But the fact is we have been disproportionately affected by the virus, many of our loved ones have died. Don’t let coronavirus cost even more Black lives.
We love you. We don’t want you to get sick. We don’t want you to die.
We know you love us too so please hear us and when your turn comes, take the jab.
And once you do, tell cousin Mo to do the same (is he really my cousin?)
YourScreen is a partnership of local, independent exhibitors and was created to stream new films and films unavailable on other digital platforms into the homes of audiences around the country. These are films that might normally play in their local cinema.
Local cinemas promote YourScreen films on their web site and social media, directing audiences to YourScreen where they are able to purchase “virtual” tickets to watch award-winning international films. Revenue is shared between YourScreen and each local film exhibitor.
Films on YourScreen are available for up to 28 days which distinguishes it from a streaming platform like Netflix where films reside for many months and longer.
Every two months, YourScreen uploads a new programme of films on to its platform.
The first season which concludes on 20th December has a programme of eight films; from Canadian coming of age drama, Kuessipan, through to docu-comedy/drama, Lessons of Love, the tale of a Polish woman going her own way after 45 years of marriage to an abusive husband and the popular German film, System Crasher(above).
The genesis of YourScreen can be traced to Cheltenham International Film Festival (CIFF) which streamed its festival online in 2020 and inspired positive feedback from audiences who were locked down and often did not have the opportunity to visit independent cinemas or watch the latest films from around the world.
Commenting on YourScreen, one of the partnership’s founders, Leslie Montgomery Sheldon, also CIFF Director, said: “These are difficult times with cinemas in lockdown.
“But, film exhibitors must maintain their business. In the event they have decided to partner with YourScreen to stream new films, uninterrupted by lockdown, to their audiences.”
But while YourScreen is a short-term solution it is also a long-term opportunity for exhibitors to grow their business.
“YourScreen is in business for the long-term to turn independent cinemas into multi-screen cinemas; allowing exhibitors to complement their in-venue screenings with an online programme; to attract new and different audiences, boost ticket sales and generate an extra revenue stream without the overheads” said Sheldon.
The full programme for the first two-month season (26 October – 20 December):
• The Best of Dorien B.: Belgian comedy-drama.
• Lillian: Austrian, true-life drama of a young Russian woman who walks across American to find her way home to Russia.
• System Crasher: By popular demand, the third film to open our season is this acclaimed German film.
• Beyond The Horizon: French coming-of-age film with Clémence Poésy.
• Kuessipan: Award-winning Canadian film.
• Lessons of Love: Polish docu-comedy/drama which features a woman of 69 who is not too old to begin life again.
• Northern Wind: French film, explores the impact on two families in different countries linked by the same circumstances.
First ever Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh kicks off digitally on 18 September with an ambitious programme of features, documentaries and shorts charting the fascinating history of Taiwanese cinema starting with the 60s plus Q&A sessions and panel discussion presented in collaboration with the Scottish Documentary Institute and Cinetopia.
With half of the programme UK premieres, access to the Festival is free (up to 400 users per film and limited to UK only).
The Festival presents 7 distinctive strands to guide the audiences through six decades of Taiwanese cinema.
Taiwanese Hokkien-Language Cinema presents three classic titles from the 60s, including The Bride Who Has Returned From Hell and Six Suspects.
A Borrowed Hong Kong, the Imagined China in Taiwan, and Trans-regional Cinema focuses on the 70s when Taiwan, then seen as Free China, gave Hong Kong filmmakers the financial support and creative freedom that Shaw Brothers, the most influential “right-wing studio” in British Hong Kong since mid-60s, could not offer. Drawing on the complicated cultural relationship between Taiwan, China and Hong Kong in the Cold War, this section presents the iconic Four Moods, an anthology film including an episode directed by legendary King Hu.
Melodrama Divas is devoted to films based on romance novels by Chiung Yao, possibly the most influential writer of this genre in the Chinese-speaking world.
Starting a new era, Taiwan New Cinema and Its Legacy offers a fascinating insight into the realism-based world of the new generation of filmmakers of the 80s and then post-2000, including such titles as The Sandwich Man – the hallmark of Taiwanese cinema.
Highlighting the contribution of immigrant filmmakers to Taiwanese cinema, Midi Z Selection presents work of the celebrated, Myanmar-born director whose both beautifully crafted and hard-hitting films gained him following all over the world.
Docs: Exploring Diversity in Pursuing the Taiwanese Identity gives voice to indigenous people and so-called New Immigrants as it examines Taiwanese identity. Lastly,
Shorts: The unusual usual presents a selection of short films from the last decade which have won praise for their keen examination of the ‘normal’ and fresh approach to dissecting issues in modern Taiwan society.
Armchair travellers can enjoy a new film that tells the story of a global rarity – an ecosystem in recovery
The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is excited to announce the launch of its new film ‘South Georgia – A Visitor’s Guide’, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
The film has two key messages; firstly, it encourages visitors to respect and protect the island so their visit can be truly sustainable, but there is another message which is relevant to us all; proof that nature can recover, if we give it the chance.
The film tells the story of how with careful management, ambitious habitat restoration projects, dedication and the passing of time, an ecosystem was saved from disaster. Past human activities on South Georgia harmed the environment through sealing, industrial whaling and unregulated fishing.
The introduction of rats, reindeers and invasive plants upset the delicate ecological balance on land, pushing some species to the brink of extinction. Today, through hard work and commitment, South Georgia is a global rarity; an ecosystem in recovery.
Fur seals now number around 5 million, that’s 95% of the global population. 400,000 nesting pairs of king penguins and their chicks jostle for space with nearly half a million southern elephant seals; South Georgia is home to the greatest concentration of seabirds and marine mammals on the planet.
Professor Dame Jane Francis DCMG, Director of the British Antarctic Survey said: “South Georgia is a real gem in the Southern Ocean. The breath-taking scenery and stunning wildlife will fill you with awe and make you wonder at the incredible beauty of the island in its natural state. South Georgia shows us how much better our planet can be if we learn to live in balance with nature.”
Sir David Attenborough introduced the world to this remarkable place almost thirty years ago in the ground-breaking BBC series Life in the Freezer. His association with the island has continued over the years with subsequent wildlife documentaries including Blue Planetand Frozen Planet.
Passionate about the ongoing need to protect the ecology of South Georgia, Sir David has generously lent his voice and provided the narration for this new visitor film, in which he says “I’d like to invite you to… share the wonderful story of how an ecosystem can be saved from disaster. Let [South Georgia] it be your inspiration to seek out nature, and play your part in protecting and restoring our planet, whenever and however you can.”
Threats to South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands remain, but they are largely global environmental issues which need to be addressed on a global scale.
Climate change is a shocking reality in South Georgia with glaciers retreating rapidly, whilst albatross numbers are declining as they remain vulnerable to unregulated fishing activities when foraging on the high seas far from our protected waters. Sadly, marine plastics are now reaching even the most remote places on earth.
His Excellency Nigel Phillips CBE, Commissioner for South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, said: “It is a privilege to be Commissioner and custodian of one of the most remarkable places on earth.
“This film beautifully encompasses the outcomes of tireless work of many people over the decades that Sir David Attenborough has been visiting. It is only as a result of their endeavours that this film can tell such a moving story of an ecosystem in recovery. It will inspire, it may even take your breath away.
“With an understanding of how small actions can have big repercussion, we aim to inspire visitors to live in a more environmentally sensitive way, that sustains our planet, and does not destroy it.
“I extend my thanks to all those who have worked on this project, not least Sir David Attenborough, and the UK government for their funding support.”
Prior to landing on South Georgia, visitors will watch the film to better understand why it is important to follow the environmental protection guidelines set out by the GSGSSI.
Gina Greer, Executive Director of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) said: “As a non-profit association dedicated to advocating safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, IAATO is thrilled by the release of ‘South Georgia – A Visitor’s Guide.
“This beautifully shot short film perfectly encapsulates the years of partnership working between GSGSSI and IAATO Members to facilitate responsible travel, create ambassadors for this unique region and encourage environmentally sensitive behaviour by all those fortunate enough to visit the island.
“IAATO is proud to have played a part in bringing ‘South Georgia – A Visitor’s Guide’ to fruition and we look forward to sharing it with future visitors.”
‘South Georgia – a Visitor’s Guide’ was produced by Silverback Films Ltd, using specially shot new footage, as well as footage donated by the BBC Archive and private individuals, Danny Georgeson, Ramon Benedet & David Sugden.
GSGSSI wishes to thank all who volunteered their passion, commitment and love of South Georgia to make the film possible, with special thanks to the crew and passengers of Hanseatic Nature, Bremen and Pharos SG.
Here at Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE) we’re putting together a new free filmmaking programme for the people of North Edinburgh. In order to deliver something that meets the needs of those living and working in the area we have drawn up a short survey and would like to hear from locals of all ages.
The North Edinburgh filmmaking programme will engage local people to learn all the skills of filmmaking to create work that shines a light on, and celebrates, life in the area.
To help shape this we are looking to gather as much information from as many people as possible, whether they work for a local organisation, are in education, or a local resident, we want to hear from people about their life in the community as well as their future aspirations, not only for themselves, but also for their families and the community.
The link to our survey is below. We would be extremely grateful if you could complete this if you’re interested in taking part in the programme, and please circulate to those you are engaged with through your work in the community and feel free to share on social media.
It will stay live until 5pm Monday 10th August.
If you would also like to find out more about the programme or have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we can chat further by video or telephone call.
Organisers of the Drive-in Movies said: “We are delighted to be able to share with our audiences the first batch of titles to be screened as part of Drive-in Movies next month.
With a broad selection of timeless classics, family favourites and blockbusters, it truly offers something for everyone. We’re already working behind-the-scenes on the programme for the future events, but in the meantime book yourself a wild ride and we’ll see you at Edinburgh Airport for some cinema magic.”
The Drive-in Movies August line-up includes 13 films: classics such as Airplane!, cult titles like The Princess Bride, family-favourites including Up and recent hits like Get Out and MaryPoppins Returns.
Every month from August 2020 until January 2021, Drive-in Movies will welcome up to 250 cars at the Edinburgh Airport car park, offeringfilm fans of all ages a world-class cinematic experience in a safe, controlled environment.
Audiences are encouraged to book now at www.edinburghdrivein.co.uk for 27-30 August, the first weekend of Drive-in Movies.
More titles for the future events, including the second Drive-in Movies weekend (24 – 27 September), are to be announced in due course.
Line-up confirmed so far includes:
Thursday, 27 August
6pm – Sunshine on Leith (2013)
10pm – Get Out (2017)
Friday, 28 August
2pm – Grease (1978)
6pm – Airplane! (1980)
10pm – Con Air (1997)
Saturday, 29 August
10am – Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
2.15pm – Clueless (1995)
6pm – William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
10pm – Alien (1979)
Sunday, 30 August
10.30am – Up (2009)
2pm – The Princess Bride (1987)
5.45pm – La La Land (2017)
10pm – Dirty Dancing (1987)
The films will be shown on a state of the art 100sqm LED screen, one of the largest mobile screens in the world with the audio broadcast straight to cars, for audiences to control the soundtrack.
Audiences will be able to arrive up to 1 hour prior to the film’s starting to take part in a car disco with a playlist relating to the screening, along with an interactive on-screen quizwith spot prizes. Food and snacks will be available to purchase from a selection of local food suppliers who will have stalls on site.
With cars suitably distanced apart Drive-In Movies will be a safe environment for families and friends to enjoy an event, in line with government guidelines for outdoor events. Standard tickets priced at £35.00 per vehicle for up to 5 people, with a number of tickets being made available to EIFF’s community partners.
Drive-in Movies offer accessible toilets and food units. Please check listings for captioned screenings.
With over 275 performances and seen by over 40,000 people in 12 countries since opening at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Tailor of Inverness has taken its place as one of the great Scottish theatre productions.
Dogstar Theatre Online is now making this extraordinary performance available to the public online, as the first in a series of Dogstar performance recordings to be released through Vimeo on Demand.
“The Tailor of Inverness, with its cry for victims of war and forced migration everywhere, is “a universal work of theatre” (Sunday Herald)
On Monday 11 May Dogstar Theatre Online will also release Brian Ross’s beautiful, moving documentary, produced by Hopscotch Films.
Circling A Fox – The Story of the Tailor of Inverness takes Matthew Zajac’smulti award-winning play and turns it into a genre-bending documentary film that challenges received notions of personal and national identity.
This deeply personal story takes us on a journey from war torn Poland and Ukraine to the Highlands of Scotland and back again. Blending documentary, theatre and poetic drama-reconstruction, Circling a Fox tells the story of Matthew’s quest to seek the truth about his father’s past and his efforts to use theatre to reach out to a family he never knew existed.
“This is a beautifully made film…both a road movie and a moving family drama, and although the story begins the best part of a century ago it is completely relevant to our own times. In the end, it affirms the astonishing power of love.” James Robertson
It is vital for small independent companies like Dogstar to find new ways of reaching audiences and new income streams and continue to develop while our theatres are closed.
These outstanding film and theatre experiences will be available to the public £3 to view, £8 to download.
The Tailor of Inverness is directed by acclaimed Grid Iron director Ben Harrison, with a score by two of Scotland’s finest traditional fiddlers, Jonny Hardie and Gavin Marwick. Set and costume design is by Ali Maclaurin, with Lighting Design by Kai Fischer and Sound Design by Timothy Brinkhurst.
Awards for the production include The Stage Award for Best Solo Performer 2008, Scotsman Fringe First, Holden Street Theatres Award (Adelaide) and CATS Award Best Actor 2009.
Wherever it has been seen, the play has evoked extraordinarily enthusiastic reactions.
Joanna Jankowska, audience member in Edinburgh: “This is the story of every Polish family.”
Misha Glenny, author and journalist: “…how incredibly impressed I was by The Tailor of Inverness…unbelievably moving and unexpected”
“One actor, one fiddler, one brilliant and moving piece of theatre…See it, friends.” April Alliston, New York
“One of the most moving theatre experiences we’ve ever had.” David Getz, New York
“Matthew Zajac’s performance was incredible. Wish I could go again tomorrow.” Kevin Hanrahan, Dublin
“It really was an international wonder” Hanne Larsen, Copenhagen
“What a story, what a play, what a performance…I could barely speak afterwards.” Gerda Stevenson, Edinburgh
“This is a towering piece of work with a glorious performance by the author” Sunday Independent Ireland
The book of The Tailor of Inverness by Matthew Zajac is printed by Sandstone Press £8.99
Circling A Fox is filmed, edited, and directed by Brian Ross, executive producer John Archer.
The Tailor of Inverness & Circling A Fox have received financial support from Creative Scotland.
COMING UP:
The Stornoway Way by Kevin MacNeil
Cast: Naomi Stirrat, Rachel Kennedy, Chloe-Ann Tylor Director: Matthew Zajac
This musical tragi-comedy from the Western Isles packed out theatres during its 2019 debut tour.
Factor 9 by Hamish MacDonald
Cast: Stewart Porter and Matthew Zajac Director: Ben Harrison
Dogstar’s 2014 production about the Contaminated Blood Scandal has influenced audiences, campaigners and politicians across the UK.
Screen Scotland has announced that First Stage Studios Ltd, led by Oscar-nominated and BAFTA winning film and television producer Bob Last and actor and director Jason Connery, has been appointed to run a large-scale film and TV studio space in Leith.
The studio space in Leith has already hosted major international productions, including Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War. Its scale complements the range of studio facilities and flexible build spaces available across the country and will benefit both the indigenous sector and Scotland’s ability to attract high value international productions that work with the local sector.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said: “This announcement represents a great step forward in Scotland’s ambition to drive growth across all aspects of the film and TV sector.
“Having a studio of this scale will provide a home in Scotland for film and high-end TV productions, generate significant revenue for Scotland’s wider economy and support sustainable careers across the film and TV industry from writers, producers and directors to those working in craft and technical areas.”
Screen Scotland’s Executive Director Isabel Davis commented: “The studio is key in expanding film and TV production in Scotland. We’re delighted to be working with First Stage Studios to bring it to life. Bob and Jason bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge that is invaluable to the development of the studio.
“Scotland is internationally renowned for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath-taking locations, this facility means we can raise the visibility of Scotland on screen, anchor more film and high-end television productions in Scotland and capitalise on the global boom in the industry.”
Bob Last of First Stage Studios Ltd said: “We look forward to building on the strong interest already expressed by international and UK customers.
“We are grateful to Screen Scotland for their commitment to an ambitious film and television sector and look forward to contributing to its development.”
Jason Connery of First Stage Studios added: “There is no question Scotland needs a film studio, I could not be more excited to be involved in bringing it to fruition”.
Welcoming the announcement of the new film studio in Leith, local MP Deidre Brock said: “This is great news for Leith and for Edinburgh. I’ve spoken to Bob Last and Jason Connery about their plans and I’m delighted with some of the ideas they’ve got.
“I like the way that they’re talking about opening up opportunities for local young folk to get a foot in the door, I like the way they’re talking about Edinburgh being ready-made for the industry and the chance to hire local crew quickly. This is an exciting opportunity.
“We have two recognised names in the film industry which will help to bring production here and get the ball rolling. With the support of the Scottish Government and Edinburgh Council we should see things start to happen relatively soon.”
Iain Smith, Producer and Chair of the British Film Commission said: “I am delighted by today’s news of this appointment of a Scottish company to run this major studio facility in the heart of Edinburgh. It will bring massive benefits not only to the local screen sector, but also to the wider economy further bolstering the UK studio offer.
“The UK’s screen industries are enjoying exceptional growth and it is crucial that Scotland continues to play its part in this by continuing to develop a world-class infrastructure, invest in skills development and provide as much studio space as will enable Scotland to compete more effectively for this valuable inward investment business.”
Cllr Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader commented: “This is a very exciting boost for the creative industries in the capital and the Council is delighted to have been involved in this project throughout.
“With strong links to the film industry already – which is testament to the efforts of Film Edinburgh, our city’s film-friendly approach and annual international film festival – it’s fantastic that First Stage Studios Ltd will be running an internationally competitive studio in Leith. There will be even more benefits to the City when large scale filming takes place, bringing great economic benefits to Leith and our whole City.”
Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer, Forth Ports said: “Everyone at Forth Ports is thrilled to be welcoming First Stage Studios to the Port of Leith. This is great news for Scotland’s film industry and for Scottish film buffs.
“Our ‘blue shed’ has proved popular with the creative industry in the past with Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War using Leith as a studio space for their film production. We look forward to working with First Stage Studios and we wish them every success with this.”
