SFS Here For You initiative boosts Scottish screen industry

A Scotland-based crew shot, edited, and released a film during the pandemic with an entirely donated creative and technical crew, for the Here For You initiative.

The initiative was led by SFS, supported by film producer Iain Smith, Association of Film and Television Practitioners Scotland (AFTPS), Film Bang, Crew Network, and more.

A Scottish film crew have released a film to advertise the country’s homegrown world-class skills to the global industry. The film, entitled Here For You, features a bloody skirmish between a group of professional battle re-enactors, a re-staging of the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, shirtless kilts-men racing through the forest, a Highland cow called Malia having her hair done, and music composed by Francis MacDonald.

The film is part of a new drive, spearheaded by Screen Facilities Scotland, to attract Scottish-based international productions that were cancelled or mothballed when the pandemic struck in March 2020. The screen industry contributes significantly to Scotland’s economy, not to mention fueling and attracting incoming tourism, and employs thousands of practitioners both in permanent roles and by providing projects to our many freelancers.

Many of the freelancers who saw their incomes decline sharply as productions fell silent, faced greater difficulty than ever. But industry insiders believe that green shoots of recovery are abound since productions have resumed and restrictions are easing.

“So many of us were shut down in our homes staring at our phones thinking they might never ring again. We love what we do and we hate twiddling our thumbs so when Joanne [McLeod] asked us to pitch in we were delighted. It got us out and about doing what we do best.” Said David Boni, photographer and director.

Filming took place in August 2020 before COVID rules were fully relaxed, so the 50-strong crew and cast had to work in small groups within strict social distancing guidelines, except for the battle re-enactors who were permitted to work and travel within their own discrete ‘bubble’.

“Next time you’re thinking about shooting in Scotland, don’t hesitate to reach out to our local crew and facilities. With our firmly-established talent and technical facilities, we can help you cut your production costs, save you the expense of flying in and accommodating your own crew, and continue to develop the Scottish film industry in its own right.” Added Mcleod, executive producer.

Determined to remind the creative world of the depth of Scottish talent, the enterprising crew and cast contributed their skills, services and equipment on a voluntary basis and conceived, shot, edited, and released the film, on an expenses-only budget of £3k, but a genuine belief in the message.

Mcleod Concluded: “Next time you’re thinking about shooting in Scotland, don’t hesitate to reach out to our local crew and facilities. With our firmly-established talent and technical facilities, we can help you cut your production costs, save you the expense of flying in and accommodating your own crew, and continue to develop the Scottish film industry in its own right.”