It was 1996, and Scottish films were on the up. Mel Gibson’s ‘Braveheart’ won a gaggle of Oscars, and ‘Trainspotting’ managed an Academy Award nomination. The success of these films together with the proximity to which they were released imprinted an odd image of Scotland as a nation of sword-swinging, beer swilling skag heads with more than a modicum of dislike for the English.
While this peculiar stereotype may not be entirely removed from the truth, twelve years on the Scottish film industry has broadened its palette considerably. Scottish influenced productions such as ‘Hallam Foe’ and ‘Red Road’ are contributing to a more well-rounded reflection on our multifaceted cultural heritage, as well as an increasing international profile for home-grown talent.
This urgency in reflecting the abundance of Scottish talent is also apparent at a grassroots level. Digital Screen Shorts, a joint venture between Scottish Screen, the UK Film Council and BBC Scotland, are currently inviting a limited number of aspiring auteurs to produce 6 short films throughout 2009. Whether you’re a film school graduate or a dab hand with your cameraphone, Digital Screen Shorts are looking for emerging Scottish talent from a variety of backgrounds with a desire to cut their teeth behind the camera.
Scotland produces over 60 short films every year that often premiere at established national and international festivals. With this in mind, Digital Screen Shorts presents a terrific opportunity for budding young filmmakers to display their directorial or writing talents to an audience who might be relieved to be free of William Wallace’s dodgy Antipodean twang.
Application forms and additional information can be found online at www.digicult.com. Closing date for applications is November 25th 2008.
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