Sean Connery Foundation grant for Pilton’s Screen Education Edinburgh

  • The Sean Connery Foundation has announced four new grantees across Scotland
  • The philanthropic foundation aims to accelerate positive change through strategic grant-making to institutions and organisations in Scotland and The Bahamas 

The new screen-education focused grantees (in alphabetical order) are:

Glasgow Media Arts Centre (GMAC) 

SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH (SEE) 

Station House Media Unit, Aberdeen (SHMU) 

The Portal Arts, Glasgow 

Following the establishment of The Sean Connery Foundation in 2022 by the estate of Sir Sean Connery, the Foundation is pleased to announce four new grantees across Scotland.

These are Glasgow Media Arts Centre (GMAC), Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), Station House Media Unit (SHMU), Aberdeen and The Portal Arts, Glasgow.

Each of these grantees, along with the Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF), announced in October 2022, support young people in developing the skills, knowledge, confidence and connections needed for work in the film & TV industry at a time when more creators are choosing to produce content in Scotland.

The Foundation’s commitment to these grantees provides unrestricted funding over 3 years, and totals approximately £1MM. 

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation’s work in Scotland, Jason Connery said: “Before he was a globally recognized movie star, my dad was a lad from Fountainbridge, and he never once forgot that whilst talent might be distributed equally, opportunity is not.

“By supporting access for passionate young people to the screen sector, no matter what their circumstances, we’d like to help dreams come true. We hope that young people with an appetite for visual storytelling and a curiosity about the many behind-the-scenes jobs that make movies possible, will reach out to our grantees and get involved.” 

Foundation Chair, Stephane Connery, added: “The screen sector has enjoyed strong growth in recent years as more global productions choose to shoot their film and TV in Scotland, providing good jobs for industry-ready young people.

“Our screen-education grantees offer a wide variety of programs that introduce participants to the possibility of a career in screen production, often for the first time, and provide a clear path into an exciting industry that is too often considered out-of-reach.” 

Each Foundation grantee delivers hands-on introduction to film-making that spans the entire creative process, from writing, producing, and acting, to sound, lighting, set design, costumes, and editing, enabling participants to try out the wide variety of roles available in the screen industry. 

In addition to accelerating interest in a full scope of film & TV production careers, the Foundation’s grants portfolio aligns with Scotland’s cultural and educational priorities. By supporting organisations focused on helping passionate young people create and share their stories, the Foundation is investing in a new generation of skilled storytellers and a creative workforce with the 21st-Century literacy capabilities vital to Scotland’s future. 

Participants in grantee programs report gaining valuable organisational and collaboration skills, experience in both advocacy and narrative storytelling, and increased confidence, laying the groundwork for fulfilling careers within the creative industry, and beyond. 

The goal of The Sean Connery Foundation is to accelerate positive change through strategic grant-making to education and ocean conservation institutions and organisations in Scotland and The Bahamas, the two countries Sir Sean Connery called home. 

About the grantees 

Established in 1982, GMAC Film is an open access media centre based at Trongate 103 in Glasgow. Our mission is to engage young people, communities, and emerging film talent from under-represented groups to: 

● Build confidence, skills and aspirations 

● Increase access to education, training and employment 

● Raise awareness of social issues through film 

● Create a fair, ethical, and diverse screen sector in Scotland

It achieves this through six main pillars of work: youth work, education, employability, filmmaking, partnerships, and community engagement. GMAC Film seeks to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in projects free at the point of delivery so that low income is never a barrier to taking part, giving confidence, knowledge and ambition to those who become involved, allowing each voice to be heard. 

Euan Platt, CEO of GMAC Film has said: “GMAC Film has been championing diversity and increased access in the screen sector for over forty years, so we are thrilled to be selected as one of the Connery Foundation’s new grantees.

“This support will allow GMAC Film to sustain and develop its work across our wide range of programmes for young people, communities, and emerging film talent, and help ensure that more people- regardless of background- have the opportunity to use filmmaking as a way of conveying personal experiences, highlighting social issues, and telling powerful stories.” 

Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE) provides high-quality screen education, training, and production programs for all ages.

Originally founded as Pilton Video in 1981, SEE specialises in developing people from areas of deprivation, from rural areas and low-income backgrounds, those living with a disability, and those from diverse backgrounds. 

Graham Fitzpatrick, Principal Officer for SEE has said: “We are incredibly thankful for the support from The Sean Connery Foundation in establishing our SEE Young Filmmakers Hub.

“This funding will enable us to provide invaluable opportunities to young people between 12 and 18 who are passionate about filmmaking, regardless of their circumstances. With this support, we can help them develop the skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to pursue a career in the film, TV and media industries.

“The vision of The Sean Connery Foundation, inspired by the legacy of Edinburgh born and bred Sir Sean Connery, resonates deeply with our organisation’s mission.

“By supporting local talent and inspiring young people in the city where he grew up, the Foundation is truly connecting with Sir Sean Connery’s roots.

“We are honoured to be representing Edinburgh in the Foundation’s funding portfolio and be part of the Foundation’s efforts to make a positive impact in Scotland’s cultural and educational priorities.

“We look forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of aspiring young filmmakers and creating a more inclusive and accessible film industry in Edinburgh and beyond.” 

Station House Media Unit (SHMU), established as a charity in 2003, is one of the core cultural organisations in North East Scotland and is at the forefront of community media development in the UK.

We are a community anchor organisation, supporting residents in the seven regeneration areas of Aberdeen in film and TV production, radio and podcast broadcasting, traditional and on-line publications, music production and digital inclusion.

These platforms are used as vehicles for personal and collective change; supporting skills development, active citizenship, community capacity building and community development.

The organisation also supports other disadvantaged communities, both geographic and communities of interest, including an employability and training arm, and an adult services arm which provides support and opportunities for adults with barriers, including those who are criminal justice experienced and in recovery.

We are also and SQA accredited learning centre offering a range of high-quality film and media qualifications, including the delivery of the Creative & Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship in secondary schools across Aberdeenshire. 

Murray Dawson, Founder & Chief Executive of Station House Media Unit added:We are absolutely delighted to have been selected by the Foundation for this award as it aligns perfectly with our core values; transforming the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities through creative film & media.

“This funding will allow us to turbocharge our moving image programmes with young people across the region; expanding existing successful programmes while introducing brand new initiatives co-designed alongside the young people who will directly benefit.

“This generous contribution from the Foundation will undoubtedly lead to raised aspirations of young people across the North East, supporting them to realise careers in the film-making industry, whilst providing them with a transferable skillset that will also build their confidence and self-esteem.

“We can’t wait to see the impact this investment will have on the young people who participate – and to watching all the great films they’ll be making along the way.”

 

The Portal Arts is an award winning creative media and arts charity based in Govan, Glasgow.

We deliver two strands of work; community media access and Creative Steps for positive mental health. Through co-creative productions, we use filmmaking as a tool for community engagement, to raise issues and represent local people.

Our socially engaged production model delivers media skills through participation, mentorship and training, with the aim of improving wellbeing and addressing inequality.

Creative Steps is a positive mental health programme for adults who are experiencing enduring mental health conditions. We also recently launched The Portal Studios, the film production arm of the charity, which focuses on impact filmmaking and bringing unheard voices to wider audiences. 

Moya Crowley, CEO of The Portal Arts has said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding gift from the Connery Foundation, which will allow us to create a significant body of work with young people from under-represented backgrounds, including those with neurodivergent conditions.

“We aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and enable access for young people by engaging them at an early stage of the filmmaking process, providing them with knowledge, skillset, and confidence, through the creation of short form filmmaking and impact producing, on a broad scale.” 

For the time being, the Foundation is not accepting unsolicited grant requests.  

For more information on The Sean Connery Foundation: 

conneryfoundation.org

Screen Education Edinburgh: Free film making workshop

In partnership with North Edinburgh Arts, North Edinburgh Community Festival, and West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, Screen Education Edinburgh are running a free workshop for young people as part of North Edinburgh Film Festival.

There will also be screenings, exhibitions, and talks about the films.

North Edinburgh Film Festival

SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH:

In partnership with North Edinburgh Festival, North Edinburgh Arts, and West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, the first event of North Edinburgh Film Festival takes place Saturday 28th January with an afternoon focused on documentary, experimental film, and Pilton Video archive films

Art for Grown-Ups Summer Project: Community Screening at the Filmhouse and visit to Talbot Rice Gallery this Saturday

We’re excited for this Saturday’s screening of animations, films and documentaries made in Muirhouse and Pilton.

Join us @Filmhouse Sat 27 Aug at 11.30am

Free // registration via the link below:

http://eventbrite.co.uk/e/399568228327#northedinburgh#edinburgh#communityscreening

#art4grownups

Come and enjoy a programme of short animations, films and documentaries created in Muirhouse & Pilton, followed by a visit and art workshop at Talbot Rice Gallery.

You can book for just the film screening or join us for the whole day (screening & gallery visit).

  • This is a free event but booking is advised.
  • Suitable for adults, families and young people over 9 years old (children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult).
  • Free bus tickets provided when travelling with us.
  • Snacks, treats and drinks provided.

This event, and the Art for Grown-Ups year round programme is supported by Creative Scotland www.creativescotland.com

What to expect:

This screening is the result of Art for Grown Ups recent Summer Project (18th – 25th July) and other creative workshops at North Edinburgh Arts. We will also show work by other local film makers.

The exhibition at Talbot Rice by Celine Conorelli explores transformation, labour, leisure, colour, play and design. You can learn more by clicking here. After visiting the exhibtion we’ll make a bit of our own art too.

Community Festival documentary: Made in North Edinburgh

Screen Education Edinburgh partnered up with The Guardian to tell the story of the community in North Edinburgh and their fight to bring back their much loved festival.

Screen Education Edinburgh’s Film Tutor, Jennifer Souter, worked with John Domokos from The Guardian throughout this production.

Jennifer said “My aim when making the film was to show the positivity that is not often shown about this community in mainstream media.

“When undertaking initial research for the film I would ask local residents what they wanted to show people about the community and how they felt it had been represented in media and almost everyone’s response was that the community was filled with good people that we never get to see.

“Local people didn’t think there was enough positive stories about the area as much of the representation is dominated by crime and antisocial behaviour.

“During the course of the making of the film the team and I worked with so many amazing people  who work tirelessly to make things better for the community in spite of widening inequalities.”

The film follows the story of a community coming back together post-covid to create the first local Festival in decades. It highlights the importance of connection, recovery and never giving up.

Watch the full film on the Guardian here: 

In the Frame: Free documentary-making course with Screen Education Edinbugh

In the Frame is a free programme for people living in North Edinburgh to learn documentary filmmaking and make their own short film.  

Running from 20th September 2021 to March 2022, the programme will amplify the voices of local people and capture snapshots of life in the community by providing a platform to express themselves through a series of short documentaries.    

Participants will learn each stage of documentary filmmaking, from an introduction to the genre via watching films, to learning the key skills in camera, sound, directing, editing, and interview techniques. We will also cover the ethics of documentary and support learners to use these skills to devise and produce a short film. 

Many films used as case studies will come from the Pilton Video/SEE archive, which reveal some of the hopes and issues that matter most to the community in North Edinburgh over the past 40 years.   

No previous film experience is required and In the Frame is open to people living in North Edinburgh (Crewe, Drylaw, East Pilton, Granton, Pennywell, Muirhouse, Royston, Salvesen, Telford, Wardieburn, Waterfront and West Pilton). 

The programme will take place on Tuesday evenings for adults (aged 19 and over) and Wednesday evenings for young people (aged 14 to 18) with films shot throughout November and December and editing in January & February, with the film’s receiving their premiere on the big screen in March.  

The programme is funded by Inspiring Scotland’s Creative Communities Programme which is funded jointly by the Scottish Government’s Culture and Justice directorates and aims to extend opportunities for people to take part in creative endeavours throughout their lives. 

To find out more and to take part, please complete our short form here and the team will be in touch. 

Screen Education Edinburgh: free In The Frame programme

Screen Education Edinburgh is excited to announce applications are now open for In the Frame, a free programme for people living in North Edinburgh to learn documentary filmmaking and make their own film.

Open to adults of any age, and young people aged 14 plus! Find out more here:

https://screen-ed.org/in-the-frame

SEE: North Edinburgh Survey

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.

Survey link: https://www.screen-ed.org/forms/north-edinburgh-film-programme

Best wishes,

Laura

Laura Findlay

Project Manager,

Our Edinburgh and Your Take (Edinburgh City Film Education Programme)

Screen Education Edinburgh

30 Ferry Road Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 4BA

0131 343-1151

www.screen-ed.org

Follow in our Footsteps: Fruitmarket Gallery’s Schools Programme exhibition

Augmented reality artwork, corrupted selfies, hidden content and an installation hanging from washing lines, a time-lapsed film projected onto the cast impressions of Edinburgh’s Old Town and sound experiments as a playable interface …

These are some of the artworks created by pupils from eight Edinburgh schools which will be on display at Custom Lane in Leith this weekend as part of The Fruitmarket Gallery’s Making Matters and SmART Thinking Schools’ Programmes.
Continue reading Follow in our Footsteps: Fruitmarket Gallery’s Schools Programme exhibition