Film City Glasgow Expansion: Funding for New film studio very close

Full text from the recent Herald report on the expansion of Film City Glasgow is now online. Following up on the earlier reports that Film City and Sigma will be expanding/ launching a brand new film production studio in Glasgow, the Herald reports that funding is very very close to making this become a reality in the very near future. Specific quotes of interest, as well as remarks from SigmaFilms/Film City Glasgow co-founder Gillian Berrie are as follows:

"Discussions are now at an advanced stage for an expansion of the Film City Glasgow project, which has helped produce a string of acclaimed hits including Red Road, Hallam Foe and Neds. A suitable 72,000sqft site has now been identified to house a large studio and production village.

The pound(s)3 million facility is seen as the first phase of a "Scottish Hollywood" development, which would eventually boast a number of large studios to attract big-budget productions.

Film City Glasgow is actively discussing the funding of the project with its original investment partners, as well as national arts body Creative Scotland. Just pound(s)500,000 still has to be found to get the initiative off the ground...

Gillian Berrie, co-founder of Sigma Films and founder of Film City Glasgow, said a major studio was urgently required. "We are trying very hard to expand into a bigger space which will be a studio and production village. There couldn't be a better time. At Film City we turn away two or three productions away a week because we just don't have the space. Sometimes even my own films can't get in, because it is first come, first served."

Berrie declined to reveal the exact location of the new site, which is expected to house a studio nearly five times bigger than Film City's current facility in Govan. However, she said it was in an "ideal" position for both the city centre and the countryside, as well as for major transport links, including the motorway and the airport. She added: "We have identified a site and we have backing from Creative Scotland. I'm really hoping we can have a Scottish studio by the end of the year."

In Scotland, the film and television industry currently employs almost 9000 people directly. More than 80 production companies and more than 300 facilities generate a turnover of around pound(s)1.2 billion per year. Local film-makers spent around pound(s)18m last year and the ability to attract large-scale productions is seen as vital to securing the stability of the industry."

...

Berrie said a studio would have a huge impact on the ability to attract inward investment, adding that she was "quietly confident" the plans will go ahead."I think we need to make funders realise the true impact of having a Scottish studio. It would be huge for the industry, for tourism and for television as well as film," she said.

"Studies have been done throughout Europe which show when a country doesn't have a studio, for every pound you put into a film, there is a 400% return. But if you have a studio, that goes up to 700%. It would put us in a very strong position."

...

Film City Glasgow was set up three years ago after a pound(s)3.5m investment from Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.Its campus in the former Govan Town Hall brings together production and creative companies under one roof.

Tiernan Kelly, general manager of Film City Glasgow, said the proposed new site would be able to provide the large spaces required for TV and film facilities companies, alongside the studio.

"The project does not stand or fail on it being just a studio alone," he said. "The money that would be made from the other side of the business would keep it going for as long as it takes to get a big studio project in the building.It is being driven by the fact we are turning indigenous projects away, so there is a real demand for this infrastructure in the industry."

Kelly said the size of the studio was likely to be around 20,000sqft, which was on a par with what is available at most other UK studios. But he added: "We appreciate that perhaps a big Hollywood film isn't going to come unless there are four of those. So this is definitely part one of further hopeful expansion. If we had studio facilities, we would certainly have more to offer incoming feature films."

Confirmed! Sigma Films to Develop TV Series on Clyde Shipbuilding, More on New Film Projects, More

While just a few days away from a most welcomed change of season, here's some great news to help put a spring in the step: news of multiple new projects from Sigma including a massive TV series for the BBC and several new films!

First, while rumored for a while, I'm thrilled that there is to be a new Television series for the BBC dealing with families from Glasgow who helped build those mighty ships along the river Clyde (a true and proud heritage, esp for those who have relatives overseas now who once worked on such things) In a brand new interview with Sigma founders Gillian Berrie and David Mackenzie, the article confirms that this project is now in development! Quotage from Screen Daily:

Sigma is also making its first move into television, working on a TV drama for the BBC set against the glory days of shipping industry on the Clyde River, which Berrie and Mackenzie describe as “Dallas meets Deadwood.”

Rumors first surfaced some time ago, and while I worked to delve into it, I was unable to learn more until a recent piece in a tabloid which had this to say of the project:

With the working title The Clyde, the costume drama will be given the Upstairs Downstairs treatment by basing the story of Glasgow’s great shipbuilding heritage around two 19th-century families. One will be the ‘aristocratic’ yard owners and the other the working-class family whose father and sons work in the yard...A source said: “This will attract a stellar cast of actors. There are roles for some of our finest performers, including Robbie Coltrane, Robert Carlyle and Dougray Scott.”..While the shipbuilding saga has just entered the script stage, BBC Scotland is seeking production partners for the network venture. Production isn’t expected to begin until 2012"

Other FANTASTIC NEWS from Gillian and David include the follow (so much my brain is exploding with happiness over confirmation of so much whee)

*COLIN KENNEDY, director of multi award-winning short film "I Love Luci" is working on first feature film "Atlantic Bridge" with screenwriter of note Andrea Gibb (Dear Frankie)

*Acclaimed short film maker Johnny Barrington (who Ive written a bout several times here previously) is making a FEATURE FILM w/Sigma

* Ciaran Foy, director of Citadel (now in post) will also be doing a second feature film with Sigma, awesomeness!

*ADVANCE PARTY II TO proceed soon; praise be, can't express how excited I am at this news!

*David Mackenzie has a third film on slate (following Stain in the Snow, and the afformentioned sci-fi flick; this called Tristan da Cunha. You can learn more about this from the official Sigma website (very cool) as well as from David's comments:

Mackenzie is now adapting the sci-fi novel Journey Into Spaceby Toby Litt, which he describes as “a very interesting generational sci-fi story.” Mackenzie has finished a breakdown of the novel and will now start writing the first draft of the script.

Litt’s well-received novel is about a two rebellious passengers on a vast generation ship leaving a troubled earth to start a new society.

Separately, Mackenzie spent three and a half months last year in the world’s most remote inhabited island Tristan da Cunha, to research a fictional feature. The film will be loosely adapted from policeman Conrad Glass’s book Rockhopper Copper.

“My plan is to go back again a second time to actually write the script in collaboration with the locals, to try to get the dialogue nailed, and then go back a third time with a small crew and find the cast and live there for four months making this movie with local people both behind of and in front of the camera, almost like an old fashioned workshop movie,” Mackenzie tells Screen.

(Mackenzie will be screening some of the research footage he shot on Tristan da Cunha during a SXSW concert by band Shearwater)

Finally, a possible expansion for FILM CITY GLASGOW (be sure to click link for an updated page containing many of the tenants at FCG)?? Quotage:
Film City Glasgow, which Sigma is involved in, is at full capacity in the renovated Govan Town Hall. The Film City is hoping to expand its remit to develop a stand-alone production studio. Berrie says a £1.5m site has been identified and now more financing is needed.

While speaking about Sigma’s 15 year milestone, Berrie worries for the state of independent producers in the UK. “To survive as a production company in this country making feature films is nothing short of a miracle,” she said. “Because everything is designed to weaken you and keep you penniless. It takes years to get your head around recoupment schedules, because it’s so complex.”

She continued: “You’re made to feel like it’s a privilege to be making a film, and you take what you can get. For God’s sake we need to empower the producers. The culture and structure has to change… and if producers are asked to defer [their fees], they should defer to first position, not to last position.”

Cannnnet Hear a Whisper on Last Word

Well the much ballyhooed announcement of films at Cannes this year seem to omit much of Scotland, again. bleh! The whole of UK and US too for that matter have a limited showing (good films but still). Notable of course to me was the omission of David Mackenzie's The Last Word. alas. However ever optimistic fan I am, am hoping this means they still might announce later or more like likely, the movie might screen at Edinburgh which would be fab.u.lous (or London/Venice/Toronto/one of ten trillion out there) so hope remains!

There was a brief mention of Last Word today by means of a new interview with the star, Ewan McGregor who spoke about working with his uncle on the film. Quotage:

Since completing The Ghost, Ewan has been able to fulfil an ambition to work with his uncle Denis Lawson, whose exploits in the original Star Wars movies inspired his young nephew back in Crieff, Scotland.“I love him to death and he is the only person I ever turn to if I need to speak about work.

“I went to start work on The Last Word with David Mackenzie, who I made Young Adam with. I play a chef and there was a nice relationship with the owner of the restaurant. I could just see me and my uncle in those parts together. I suggested it as many times as I felt was polite because it had to be David’s decision.“It was just lovely to be on set with him and playing two Scottish characters in Scotland.”

Finally as a follow to the post below, Savalas Sound continues with ADR work in Paris for stars Eva Green and Stephane Dillane, as well as locally with Ewen Bremner and Caroline Patterson. Also FILM CITY GLASGOW IS NOW ON TWITTER!!! yayay~

Video: Film and Glasgow for the Future

Recently there have been several tidbits of news regarding the film industry in Scotland, notably the growing importance of Glasgow as a centre for the industry. Following on the heels of the much hyped Gerry Butler as Ambassador for the GFO, but with little detail on what exactly this actually meant and what would tangibly be done, it seems last week the Evening Times gave us a glimpse of the future. The future, one year ahead that is as the paper stated "‘Glasgow: Cinema City’ project, is currently being developed by the organisers of Glasgow Film Festival and will be launched at next year’s event.It will promote the city’s calendar of film events and historic movie links and sell Glasgow to visitors as “a city in love with the silver screen”.VisitScotland regional director David Adams McGilp said: “The Cinema City project is an inspired idea, uniting Glasgow’s heritage as a film-going city with its more recent reputation for cultural richness and its success establishing a popular, audience-focused film festival. We are delighted to support it.”

While we may have to wait a year to see all of this put into motion, in the meantime promotions are out there right now, including the most recent brochure from Scottish Screen which highlights many of the wonderful facilities Glasgow has to offer for filmmakers, including FILM CITY GLASGOW. Founded by the superb and Sigma Films' own Gillian Berrie, for those who have not yet seen this video, you can hear straight from Tiernan Kelly, head man at FCG here :)))



Also of interest is this clip from one of the occupants at FCG, Savalas Sound which has done so much work on Sigma Films among others.


While waiting a whole year to see this campaign begin in earnest, it's been quite encouraging to see David Mackenzie's Last Word hyped a bit of late. Many publications and blogs (including Screen Daily etc) are mentioning Last Word as a candidate for Cannes. While I personally think its a great fit, I also hope it gets to screen at Edinburgh this year too, but more importantly I just want it to sell and show on screens in the UK , US and well EVERYWHERE lol :D Poor Ewan, who has recently concluded his latest gauntlet for the ghost, was asked by a few actual thinking journalists about other films including Last Word, one reply which went as follows:

It was also nice working with David MacKenzie last year in Scotland on The Last Word, which was really low budget. Then I came back to L.A. and made a film with Mike Mills called Beginners, and that was super, super low budget. Those two films were in a way as rewarding as anything I’ve ever done. Sometimes, because there’s no budget, your filmmaking has to become much cleverer because you can’t spend a day shooting a scene from every angle. You have to shoot five scenes in a day, so the filmmaking becomes much more exciting. You have to get much more creative with the filmmaking, and that ends up on screen. There’s an energy that it produces that I really like. There are no rules to it. I’m really lucky that I’m able to dance in and out of both really.

Independent: After London, Glasgow is Leading UK Film-making Hub

The Independent has a new article online tonight, highlighting the filmmaking being done in Glasgow, Scotland. With mentions of the awesome FILM CITY GLASGOW, founded by Gillian Berrie and home to Sigma Films, the piece notes the many films being done in Scotland and notably Glasgow, including the upcoming Sigma production of David Mackenzie's Last Word and more. Quotage of note:
The city's adaptability is a key ingredient in its remarkable recent success as it emerges as Britain's second film-making hub, after London. Kevin Macdonald's saga of the Roman army north of the border, The Eagle of the Ninth, starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell and Donald Sutherland, was filmed last year in Glasgow, as well as in more rural parts of Scotland. The natural beauty of the country has, of course, long been beneficial to the Scottish film industry, attracting production of blockbusters such as Highlander and Braveheart. But Glasgow has now moved beyond that, offering good quality studio and post-production facilities.

Film City also has four casting agencies under its roof, one devoted to supplying actors of ethnic minority backgrounds. "It's not just the tartan and chocolate box stuff anymore. Glasgow is quite a gritty, urban, cool city now," says Tiernan Kelly, Film City's general manager, highlighting recent international recognition of the city's achievements in music and art. "This all adds to the cachet of Glasgow, that it's a good place to work."

Film City, a £3.5m redevelopment of the old town hall building, includes several film and television production companies, including KEO, the team behind Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage on Channel 4. Also being made in Glasgow is the romantic drama The Last Word, directed by David Mackenzie and starring Ewan McGregor. It is a co-production involving Sigma Films, based in the same building. Meanwhile another Romans in Scotland movie, The Centurion, starring yet another actor from The Wire, Dominic West, was shot largely in the Highlands and is due for release at the end of this year.

There is also discussion of Valhalla Rising which was based at Film City too. While not the same, late last year there was much ado about the hiring of Mr. Butler as spokesperson to help effort awareness of the fantastic Scottish film industry; just hope this piece is one of many many we can see in the coming days and months.
You can learn more about Film City Glasgow at their official site here, and Sigma Films here.

Ewan McGregor Cooking Up a Storm for Eva Green and Glasgow in The Last Word

When it comes to Ewan McGregor things are always hot...smokin' good looks, smokin' great talent, and apparently he can heat things up in the kitchen too ;) as the latest is that Ewan plays a chef in David Mackenzie's The Last Word.
Following on the host of photos yesterday from location filming along the river Clyde in Glasgow, filming continues and Ewan is TOP CHEF in our book here (yes see earlier pics clearly showing he and ewen b as such) as the article notes:

Ewan, who plays a crazy chef and Eva, who plays his love interest, have also been shooting scenes in Strathclyde University kitchens and top Glasgow restaurants The Buttery and Guy's. A source said: "From what I've seen, Ewan plays a character not unlike Gordon Ramsay and they have filmed takes in various kitchens.

"They took over the whole of Guy's restaurant for one night and were spotted using The Buttery as yet another location for the movie."All the inside scenes are being shot at Film City in Govan, where they have recreated a fully working professional kitchen."

The piece continues: One onlooker said: "I was just walking my dog when I met a couple coming towards me."I nodded hello and only did a double take when I spotted the cameras."I'm a big Ewan McGregor fan and I can't believe I almost didn't recognise him.

"I can't wait to see the movie with Glasgow as the backdrop."

The Last Word is directed by David Mackenzie, and produced by Gillian Berrie of Sigma Films. Filming is based out of Film City Glasgow and will continue for a few more weeks.

First Look! Ewan McGregor, Eva Green on Location for David Mackenzie's "The Last Word"

When it rains it pours as we have more great photos today, including our first look at David Mackenzie at work on his newest film "The Last Word." Seen here from Celebmad.com are the first photos of star Ewan McGregor, along with the beautiful Eva Green on location in what seems to be the front of Film City Glasgow? Most likely this is first day meet up/read through thing but cant be certain. Also present are Sigma Films own Colin Kennedy, and the producer of the film and co-founder of Sigma (along with David and his stellar brother Alastair) Gillian Berrie. More when I get it, stay tuned!

Film City Glasgow, Savalas, Dawn Steele, One Night in Emergency with Kevin McKidd Updates more

As we move into fall, Scottish Screen has now released another feature worth reading (the film version of course I posted about months ago). This newest one now features Scottish TV including some great updates,interviews and a closer look at some of the fine companies now part of the Film City Glasgow family. I have these up now on my flickr to read, or you can download the entire thing (large file warning!) here via this link (PDF). It was so great to see Tiernan Kelly and co highly praised by all the companies who are now located in that wonderful old Govan Town Hall in Glasgow, and are helping make Glasgow the flourishing new focus of film and television production in the UK.

Of interest is this new interview with Gregory Burke on the forthcoming Silver River production of "One Night in Emergency" starring Kevin McKidd, along with Jamie Sives, James Cosmo, Gary Lewis Ewan Bremner and more due later this fall on BBC.

Also very cool is a new interview with Kahl Henderson of Savalas Sound, part two is here. Savalas is of course one of the longtime trifecta of awesome at Film City Glasgow (now two lol), where Mr. Henderson talks about the importance of a post sound facility at FCG that offers top of the line facilites and production, thereby making the home of Sigma films all the more practical and a fabulous one stop choice when seeking a base for film production. We learn that indeed Savalas will be doing work on the recently completed Neds from the always wonderful Peter Mullan . You can also learn more about the new residents of Film City Glasgow including
KeoNorth and Crocodile Media,
Finestripe Productions
Hopscotch
If there is someone else I should have added to this I fail and my apologies, please let me know what else needs a mention!

Finally, always very good to hear from the ever fabulous Dawn Steele, who of course starred as the much beloved Lexi in Monarch of the Glen with Alastair. Rock on Dawn, fingers crossed your luck with the new show holds out!

(Updated) The Eagle of the Ninth Location Filming in Scotland Due Near Fox Point

Eagle of the Ninth watch continues today. More news is now available regarding previously reported location filming due in Scotland the first two weeks of October for Kevin MacDonald's newest film starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell. The report says "local posters say Eagle of the Ninth will be filmed at Fox Point near Dornie and Achnahaird beach." I am unfortunately unfamiliar with this gorgeous area, so this is what I could find for now, looks stunning!
More on area here from Undiscovered Scotland, and
at this link as well----see pic of rock framed beach below:

This information comes directly and most certainly courtesy of Achiltibuiecottage, (cheers and thanks!) where they have some places to rent in this absolutely gorgeous part of Scotland. The Eagle of the Ninth will be based out of Film City Glasgow in October, with this far out location filming in the beautiful highlands also due that month. Meanwhile, as heralded by the press release last week, filming is currently in the outskirts of Budapest, Hungary; all is being met with much interest, stay tuned~

UPDATE: If you are in the area and own places to rent,
PLEASE CALL Claire Murray on:
07970 924 860 or 0141 440 5620
for further information
as they are in need of extra places for crew/cast to stay on COIGACH PENNISULA
from September 29-October 18

Sigma Gets the Word Out

As summer draws to a close, its proving to be a very busy time for those at Sigma.

First on a Film City Glasgow note, there's been a marriage ... Awww! Yes, the Trifecta of awesome has now become a Dynamic Duo as Serious and Savalas are now as one :)) Proving that HELL YES INDEED INDEED FCG has it all, they two have now partnered to create an excellent and complete picture and sound post film service. Congratulations!!! and lol love match indeed ;)

Second, as noted before, Sigma's own David Mackenzie is about to embark on another film, this called "The Last Word," written by Kim Fupz Aakeson and will star of course Ewan McGregor (Young Adam). The film is well into pre-production, and is to be based out of Film City Glasgow. Little else is known other than Tom Sayers is back as production designer and I think the costume designer is the same; not sure if Kahleen Crawford is doing casting either-sorry folks who've emailed! Hopefully an IMDB page will soon arrive or something. While I am uncertain too how much location filming will take place in Glasgow, please as always, ANY INFO (even yes annoy) is welcomed at all times and I will be happy to post it here to help get the word!!! You can mail me too at
sweetonsigmafilms@gmail.com
Frankly though, I do not believe there will be much coverage of this film, certainly not the hoopla paparazzi coverage like David's last film lol, as it will likely be a quick shoot through September, but I will endeavor to bring as much credible information when I can, stay tuned!

The ever impressive Gillian Berrie will be serving again as producer on the movie, and I hear things are indeed very busy and exciting as they prepare for the movie. I have little doubt that with Gillian behind the scenes again, this will be nothing but another great quality film from Sigma. Fingers crossed for a great shoot!
Related: For those who are relatively new to the blog, be sure to check out a candid interview with Gillian where she speaks to the great hurdles she, Sigma and frankly all Scottish filmmakers have to overcome to produce these quality films in Scotland. With recent news that Scottish Screen is being folded into Creative Scotland with a lessening of funding, plus the UK film council is facing its own battles, times are proving a hard slog for those esp in Scotland and notably Sigma Films who continue to churn out these fine, small yet superb pieces of films. Funding is a hell of a major issue, even long time actor James Cosmo (Braveheart, upcoming Rounding up Donkeys, Outcast w/James Nesbitt) voiced his concern, seen here in this video on STV. Sigma is creative in finding ways to get funding such as doing the last word with Zentropa but still, the future remains very uncertain to say the least!

Formal Release: Filming Starts on Kevin MacDonald's " The Eagle of the Ninth" Starring Jamie Bell

Focus features has issued a formal press release regarding Kevin MacDonald's The Eagle of the Ninth starring Jamie Bell (Hallam Foe),Channing Tatum, now Mark Strong, and confirmation that indeed acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland has joined the cast. The film, which will be based out of the excellent Film City Glasgow, is now filming on the outskirts of Budapest, and will be on location in Scotland during October, one place being the beautiful Highlands, near Achiltibuie. As readers of this blog will already know, casting has been underway, lead by longtime Sigma/FCG friend Des Hamilton (posts on that here and here). It is also cool to see that Jo Cameron Brown is the dialogue coach; she of course worked with Jamie Bell and others on Hallam Foe as well documented by Colin in the original Get Your People blog, here.

According to my friends at Coming Soon, here is the Eagle write up:

Filming begins today on the Roman epic adventure The Eagle of the Ninth directed by Academy Award winner Kevin Macdonald and produced by Duncan Kenworthy. Shooting entirely on location in Hungary and Scotland, the film is co-financed by Film4 with Focus Features, which holds worldwide rights excluding U.K. free-TV.

The cast is headed by Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, the upcoming Dear John), Jamie Bell (HALLAM FOE), two-time Golden Globe Award winner Donald Sutherland, and Mark Strong (the upcoming Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood). Macdonald is reunited on the new film with Jeremy Brock, BAFTA Award-winning screenwriter of his 2006 film The Last King of Scotland, who has adapted the screenplay of The Eagle of the Ninth from Rosemary Sutcliff's classic novel of the same name.

Duncan Kenworthy, an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee for Four Weddings and a Funeral, developed and is producing The Eagle of the Ninth through his Toledo Productions. Caroline Hewitt is co-producer. Focus senior vice president, European production Teresa Moneo – who with Focus Features International president of sales and distribution Alison Thompson brought the project into the company – is supervising the film's production with Film4 head Tessa Ross.

The Eagle of the Ninth is set in the dangerous world of second-century Britain. In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (Tatum) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian's Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia – to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father’s memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth. Sutherland portrays Marcus' uncle Aquila, who has retired in Britain; Strong is cast as Guern, an ex-soldier who holds crucial information about the Ninth.

Anthony Dod Mantle, who won the Academy Award earlier this year for his cinematography of Slumdog Millionaire, is director of photography. 2009 Academy Award winner Michael O'Connor and Academy Award nominee Michael Carlin (both of The Duchess) are the film's costume and production designers, respectively. Justine Wright will edit the film, marking her fifth consecutive feature collaboration with Mr. Macdonald.

"All of us at Focus are thrilled to be once again collaborating with our colleagues at Film4 – their support for the most exciting voices in British filmmaking is unparalleled," said Focus CEO James Schamus.

Film4 head Tessa Ross added, "We're incredibly excited to be working again with the wonderful Kevin Macdonald and his brilliant collaborators on this great project – Duncan, Jeremy, and our colleagues at Focus."

Casting Notes: Des Hamilton for Eagle of the Ninth with Jamie Bell

As reported here several times now, Eagle of the Ninth, the very anticipated new film from director Kevin MacDonald will be filmed in Glasgow using Film City as a production base, and mark the return of star Jamie Bell (Hallam Foe) back in Scotland. Long time Sigma collaborator Des Hamilton is handling the casting for the film, and as noted in the Press and Journal, people everywhere are turning up in hopes of landing a part in the new movie due about the early Roman occupation in the UK. Thanks to a kind wee bird for the heads up, we can see some good photos of the crew and Eagle hopefuls at the casting sessions here via flickr, with the news article pointing out:

More than 100 budding actors packed into a remote Highland community hall on Saturday for the chance to play a role in one of two potential Roman blockbuster movies being made in the region this year.

They posed for photographs at the Macphail Centre in Ullapool’s Mill Street, and left their phone numbers in the hope of joining the cast of Oscar-winning, Scots-born director Kevin Macdonald’s latest production, The Eagle of the Ninth. The story, inspired by Rosemary Sutcliff’s children’s fantasy of the same name, charts the journey of two warriors who cross Hadrian's Wall into Scotland to recover a lost legion. The makers put the call out for actors to play villagers, and for two Gaelic-speaking roles.The only stipulation the movie-makers gave prior to the casting was that the characters must be “lean” to fit in with the story. Some scenes for his [Kevin MacDonald] new production will be shot in October near Ullapool.

As always, I will happily post any reports, stories or photos from this ongoing production; the email is always open sweetonsigmafilms@gmail.com or feel free to leave comments (annoy ALWAYS cool too) to help get the word out and spread the news on what is sure to be another great film productions for Scotland!

Thanks so much to the kind reader for the heads up! much appreciated!

Scottish Screen Feature on Tiernan Kelly and Film City Glasgow

So here is another long over due post: a Scottish Screen interview with Tiernan Kelly and a feature on Film City Glasgow.

Shortly after the official launch of FCG, home to Sigma Films and more, SS released the latest issue of their digital "Roughcuts" magazine, which contained a new interview with the man who runs things at FCG (the former Govan Town Hall in Glasgow, Scotland), as well as some new photos of the various halls, companies such as Savalas sound, and some people hard work (think the door to the Sigma offices maybe? dunno) Right, well you can read the interview here and wee bit more here, as well as see the pics here, here and here, up on my flickr.
Way to go Tiernan and Film City Glasgow!

Hallam Foe Still Flies High Over Film City Glasgow

One week ago now as posted here, after much planning and hard work, Film City Glasgow was relaunched in Scotland. As long time readers will know I've been writing about Sigma Films for years and their efforts with this fabulous film center in Scotland. Since the event, others have asked it, and despite sincere efforts because, I have not heard one single thing about the party or anything other save the Herald article and the few excerpts reprinted elsewhere, plus these photos including one of the awesome Gillian Berrie from the Evening Times.

Still, and I know its laughable and Im sure they could care less, but its been disappointing to say the least. Today, mercifully one kind soul has uploaded some photos from the event that make this long time fan smile:

Hallam Foe still flies high over Film City Glasgow.



Hallam Foe of course is a Sigma Films production, directed by the great David Mackenzie and was produced/based out of FCG. I think this is hella cool.
Thanks as well to to Darcie who I think works in social media or something (dunno sorry if Ive botched it!)and who took the HF photo, there are a few more pics from the party, overhead here, including the entrance to the lovely building live models and all cool!; more are available here via her public Flickr. From one of the few people outside of Scotland not immediately involved in the business there and who actually cares, thank you so much Darcie!

Feature on Film City Glasgow Including an Interview with Founder and Producer Gillian Berrie

Tonight the Herald is running a lengthy feature on FILM CITY GLASGOW.

Joy!
Longtime readers of this blog will know I have written previously many times about the former Govan Town Hall, which is now home to Sigma Films of Glasgow Serious Facilities, Savalas Sound and many more fabulous new residents of the lovely old building. The paper notes an official launch of FCG is due to take place tomorrow, and I am certain there will be more, but of note from the article are the following:

With a combined investment of £3.5m from Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and the European regional Development Fund, Film City Glasgow boasts the country's first Dolby theatre, a new filming studio, rehearsal space, sound and picture editing suites.

(Sweet note: its the TRIFECTA OF S! Savalas Sound and Serious Facilities, just sayin')

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The 65,000 sq ft site has already attracted a host of top industry names, has 21 permanent tenants and its feature film and production spend has already exceeded £30m. As such, it is a key part of Glasgow new digital media quarter, with its closest neighbours BBC Scotland and Scottish Television.

The article makes mention of many things I've blogged about previously including Sigma's own, the wonderful David Mackenzie, will be making The Last Word with Ewan McGregor this fall based at FCG. Also as we well know, Franz Ferdinand uses FCG as home studio, having recorded their fabulous last CD there, with the paper citing lead singer Alex Krapanos: "A building like this is an inspiration." INDEED! You can see my many posts on Franz at FCG here, NOTABLY FOOTAGE of the recordings here and here.

There is much on the background of FCG which I may do in a separate post here tomorrow, and importantly new comments from Sigma Co Founder and producer extraordinaire, Gillian Berrie, about the pressing issue of funding for films in Scotland under the new restructuring for the arts. The paper states:

The low cost rental model of Film City is aimed at creating affordable accommodation to those emerging in the industry, and the opportunity to work and collaborate alongside established industry professionals.

But yesterday Ms Berrie made a plea for increased support for film from Creative Scotland, the new arts funding body that will created next year by merging the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.

She has not yet seen a proposed strategy for the film industry. Delays in the transition process mean Scottish Screen is operating on standstill funding.

"The amount of support for film in Scotland compared with other countries needs to be addressed," she told The Herald."The international impression of Scotland at Cannes is there is a great deal of talent but there is so little support that we are not recognised as a real industry.

"We will wait to see what support is forthcoming from Creative Scotland."It's not just a cultural issue; it's an economic one. every pound put into film generates a 400% return to the economy.

"Supporting home-grown creative talent is of vital importance. I want Scotland to become a place people want to return to. Film City is the first step in the right direction."

Hear hear Gillian! You can learn more about Film City Glasgow via this link, Sigma Films here or via their official blog as well.

Confirmed! Kevin MacDonald's "Eagle of the Ninth" to Base at Film City Glasgow

Jamie Bell is going back to Govan again, as The Herald has a piece of news I suspected and blogged about here for some time: Kevin MacDonald's new film "Eagle of the Ninth" starring Jamie and Channing Tatum will indeed be based at Film City Glasgow, with the piece noting: "Peter Mullan's Neds is in pre-production and is due to start shooting in six weeks, while Kevin Macdonald's Roman epic Eagle In The Ninth, starring Jamie Bell and touted as the biggest Scottish film since Braveheart, will be produced here from August." They were casting today for extras, did anyone go to that?

While Eagle is not a Sigma production, FCG is of course home to Sigma Films, Serious Facilities, Savalas Sound and much much more. It was also the site where Sigma Films and David Mackenzie based their excellent Hallam Foe, featuring Jamie Bell in the lead role. Much much more great news ahead about Film City, just thrilled to know Jamie will be back in his old haunts there in Glasgow for the filming of what is sure to be an excellent epic adventure!

New Interview with Tiernan Kelly of Film City Glasgow (Updated)

Long time readers of this blog will know that I am not only a fan of the movies and works of Sigma Films, but also the people and place around them, namely that of Film City Glasgow. Once a building left to ages past, its been restored and bestowed with new purpose and vigor, and is now the site -in my opinion-of the most prolific flourishing film company in Scotland. There is a new article now online this week, highlighting the efforts ongoing in Glasgow to create a large digital complex, a place where film, television and all sorts of digital communications are gathered along the river Clyde. In the article below, you can learn more about Film City Glasgow, home to Sigma Films, Serious Facilities, Savalas Sound and other outstanding media companies in Scotland. They speak with Tiernan Kelly who runs things at Film City Glasgow, (also seen in my dearly treasured photo above or here via my flickr). You can learn more about Film City Glasgow at the official website or join the Facebook group. Quotes of interest from the article are as follows:

A five minute walk along the Clyde brings you to Film City Glasgow, a major redevelopment of the old Govan Town Hall building, incorporating a filming studio, post production facilities, permanent and short-term production office space, a café and an art workshop. Film City Glasgow is already home to Sigma Films, Savalas Sound Studios, Serious Facilities, plus one of Europe’s only Dolby Premier mixing theatres. The facility has recently added KEO Films (the award-winning production company behind Channel 4’s “River Cottage” series) to its list of permanent tenants.

“Film City is a great example of indigenous ideas and talent being supported by local strategic partners on an ambitious level,” said Film City’s Operations Manager, Tiernan Kelly. “The project got off the ground when Gillian Berrie of Sigma Films, frustrated by the lack of facilities available in Glasgow, looked to the Danish Film industry for inspiration, most significantly, to Filmbyen, a media hub created by Zentropa Films in decommissioned army barracks just outside Copenhagen.”

With the assistance of Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund £3.5 million was raised to redevelop the town hall into a state of the art production facility.

Kelly said: “Most of the major productions filmed in Scotland in the last few years – films such as ‘Red Road’ and ‘Sword of Destiny’ – have filmed or had production office here at Film City. We actually have a film called ‘Legacy’ in production at the moment, which you’ll definitely hear more about in months to come. The very existence of a facility such as Film City in Glasgow engenders confidence, belief and, in turn, investment in the indigenous industry.”

Kelly points to the fact that both the post-production companies based at Film City Glasgow – Savalas Sound and Serious Facilities - are now preferred suppliers to BBC Scotland as evidence of the close collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas taking place between companies based at the DMQ.

UPDATE: Sunday Herald has more tonight on Film City Glasgow being used as base for new film "Legacy" starring the two from THE WIRE. The piece notes that the city is standing in for Brooklyn. Having spent and still do spend much time in Brooklyn, I have heard this about Glasgow time and time again; cant wait to find out myself (just hope the Thai food and the tea shops are as good :P)

May be

May..be... this month I will get a clue.....a clue about what is going on with things I blog about here. Maybe.. we will hear some news this week on what is going on with Sigma these days.
Alls been very very silent from the Sigma front; but perhaps that the quiet before the spring Sigma storm a bloomin' ... or something ;)

Maybe... good news this week, as they announce the Edinburgh Film Festival lineup. At this point I've pratically run out of hope on actual info on Rounding up Donkeys (or is it officially Donkeys?), but who knows; no idea if they've done test screens or what is going on with that, so for those -and yes in fact there are many who have asked- I simply have no idea what is going on with that, sorry :(

Same for the Advance Party II films. No idea when all that is going to go into action. Yes the blog page has been up for months on getyourpeople; fingers crossed there will be some beginnings in the next few weeks or so. Thats a huge undertaking I should think, eight films and crews and all thats involved takes a great deal of planning and co-ordination-even on wee budgets that would still mean considerable planning, so I reckon we may hear about them going into production this summer I hope. BTW Scottish Screen ran a piece in the latest RoughCuts on Advance Party II which basically was the press release on the new project. There is also a full page ad for the excellent Serious Facilities, which of course are based at FCG and part of the Trifecta of S.

Still no word on official ticket info for the opening and subsequent screenings/areas it will be playing for Richard Jobson's New Town Killers,starring Sigmas own Alastair Mackenzie and of course Dougray Scott. Heard its at the Omni Vue in Edinburgh and will be a party afterward on June 11, but as for when it opens wide (at least in UK) no idea. As noted before Richard Jobson was a guest at Sci-Fi London. A friend attended one of his panels, said Mr. J was eloquent and blunt and impressive as usual; not sure how the screening of his Digital film went.

Film City Glasgow will be hopping this summer I know, with at least films basing there (doesnt seem to word on Jamie Bell and Legion of the Ninth alas). On their official Facebook group page, its been noted that "We also are welcoming back Black Camel Productions to the building. They are joining us until June and will be building a set and filming in Film City. Finestripe Productions are are basing their production of "The Week We Went To War" at Film City and will be with us until September.

Jamie Sives watch (cause he's all gloriously part of the territory here). Small bit of news today regarding It's a Wonderful Afterlife, where we learn that like Jamie in the film, Sendhil Ramamurthy of Heroes fame (and mate of Jamie) is also playing a police detective. "I am the south Indian detective who is brought in to investigate the murders. So I'm a bit of an outsider trying to fit into the community as it's all north Indian. In fact even on the sets, everyone was making fun of me and even the food is all north Indian," said Sendhil." I believe that film should be wrapping main photography in the next week or so? Bonus: You can see Jamie all this month, as Showtime is screening Love and other Disasters multiple times, schedule here.
Adorable film, Sweet Findlay i would have saved you :)))

Random: Camilla Rutherford, Colin Kennedy's leading lady in "I Love Luci," was recently featured in the Telegraph, in a piece about her life and homes now as a single mom. Totally could relate to that, as tis just me and my boy here, but alas certainly dont have a posh Victorian flat, which seemed quite lovely. My home on the other hand is the smallest in the hood and generally the one where the neighbors stroll by and frown at the random assortment of bikes, unkept garden with stray weed and my deliberately hideous garden gnome, plus the location of kool-aid stands and bowls outside to feed the stray cats that roam the neighborhood... and was recently the site of a victory. Still following along? ;p Yes, I was ever so proud as I finally got down a stray (hugely annoying but somewhat amusing to me) left over Christmas small reindeer statue that had blown up on the roof during one of unending storms this winter, got freakily stuck by the chimney. I managed to haul it down myself without breaking either my neck or back this weekend, and provided another source of amusement and scorn for the jackass 6 foot 4 neighbor who sat on his back porch pounding beer with his four smelly golfing buddies and watched me do this all myself and didnt offer to help. pfftt! Aw how I long for days when chivalry and actually helping out others still existed!

Sweet Easter Eggs: Nuggets of News on Various Films

Few nuggets of news today in our easter basket I guess, regarding some various films I've been following.

Egg One: As foreshadowed earlier (this post), IFTN is now announcing main photography on OUTCAST starring James Nesbitt and the wonderful Katie Dickie (Sigmas Red Road, upcoming Donkeys) will wrap this weekend in Ireland. Recently they had been filming at Solas Studios in Galway, Ireland after several awesome weeks of location filming in Scotland around Dalkeith and others near Edinburgh. Last word this film is to be released next year, possibly at a film festival (Berlin and/or Edinburgh) I dont care which one, just as long as I get to see this film! Intriguing somewhat original storyline, fantasy/slight horror/celtic mythology and Kate Dickie in one=happy film goer camper me. :D

Egg Two: Nicholas Winding Refn's Valhalla Rising starring Mads Mikkelsen and Jamie Sives is now in post production, notably SOUND work being done at SAVALAS SOUND, part of the Trifecta of S, super companies located at FILM CITY GLASGOW. As noted on their website, the "astonishing Viking movie...is completing a startling sound-post right now. Produced by Nimbus Film, co-produced by La Belle Alee, and sold by Wild Bunch, it'll be something to see-and hear-when it comes out later this year." Huzzah for that! Since the movie is mostly SLOW MOTION, lord knows what kind of sound/music will be involved. Im sure this will be one discussed for some time after its release.

Egg Three: Speaking of Sound, there is another cool mention of the music for Richard Jobson's New Town Killers starring Dougray Scott and Sigma's Alastair Mackenzie. The infamous NME has a bit about the recently released title track from Isa & the Filthy Tongues (complete with an embed of the music video by Mr J) . Im not sure what the hell Edinburgh Goth is ,or scuzzy Scottish scrapiness is -I take it this is all good adjectives in their brand of journalism- and notes that when it comes to the music " it’s sure to fire you up. " Youbetcha! :)

While three times usually the charm, I did receive a fourth egg today in the form of a welcomed mail. Although cant be certain Jamie Sives is on location shoots this week in London for his new movie It's a Wonderful Afterlife, it would seem he is for sure in the movie, so that was welcomed news- ANY tiny bit makes a difference, and is MOST appreciated, many thanks A!

Right as it is Easter and Jamie was just mentioned (look how I work this in; never give up do I ? :P ), its worth a look to see this clip from BBC's The Passion, (aired on BBC 4, on again March 23 on BBC One) I will be off for a few days, not because I celebrate the holiday anymore cause I dont and my faith in any organized religion is greatly diminished, but in the mean time here is a clip featuring Jamie as someone who has great faith, and received a great gift that made it even stronger. Peace out

Go forth Film City Glasgow!

Right, well back on track with actual news now, the progress on Colin Kennedy's I Love Luci is continuing well, as noted in a few updates via the official blog. Colin writes that the film has been in ADR (with lovely descriptions of the dialogue recording process for post production in films and complete with footage of Jamie Bell doing ADR for King Kong from a couple years ago-nice touch Colin!)

He also noted that three of the cast were at Film City Glagow last night, working with the fine folks at Savalas (yep one of the Trifecta of S based at the lovely center) Camilla Rutherford, Colin Harris and even comedian/actor Sanjeev Kohli was in town for the recording. While Colin promises some photos are coming our way YAY!!! be sure to check out the official Facebook group for the film, where you can see some cool making of photos (that means you all you Camilla fans who have been asking! :)
I had to chuckle, for Colin noted they recruited the night watchman at FCG for some last minute help with a line-aaha improv! not quite like night at the museum but there you go!

Speaking of Film City Glasgow, they actually updated their news (which with all due respect loooong overdue, so thanks for that! ) Word is now there are new tenants in the building, as well as recaps on the work that took place last year.

On a related note, Scottish Screen released a short film guide when they announced the short film gems for 2009. I took a look at this and a few of their other guides and discovered some hidden nuggets that might play a part in future ops at Film City Glasgow and Sigma Films

Question I have:
What is the status on Rounding up Donkeys? Did they find a distributor yet? why am I the sole person asking bout this (and am i completely daft-answer possibly YES)
Are any of the forthcoming Advance Party Films going to be shot in Glasgow and use FCG?
What about part three in the advance party trilogy? Will that ever see the light of day

...interesting I guess to goofball me solely I suppose, but I also saw a bit more on projects that Sigma has had in development for a while INCLUDING NEWS ON THE SORELY MISSED PETER JINKS!!It seems he has written a script for David and company called "The Ordinary" that sounds really cool (and in keep with the popular mystery sorta Gothic themes of late.) Mr Jinks you have been missed sir-those few updates via that blog in the paper are not enough, so I consider this great news. Scottish Screen gave this some funding some time ago, so fingers crossed this may actually happen!! Also what is the deal with this one "Mr. Tourette and I" and that Navel project lolol

??? the question marks of doom bring I :p