The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Film-makers hailed for promoting Scots talent
scottish Baftas: Production company launches careers of dozens of actors
Film-makers behind hits like Sweet 16, The Angels’ Share and My Name Is Joe have been praised for launching the careers of dozens of Scottish actors as they collected the outstanding achievement award at the Scottish Baftas.
Screenwriter Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien, who regularly collaborate with director Ken Loach, were honoured for the work of their production company Sixteen Films at the ceremony in Glasgow.
Martin Compston shot to fame after he was picked from obscurity to play the lead role in Greenock-set Sweet 16.
He presented the award and thanked the pair for the faith they showed in him and other Scottish talent.
“I owe my entire career to Ken, Rebecca and Paul,” Compston said.
“Apart from being possibly the most important film-makers Britain has ever had, they’re just three lovely people who have taken a chance on people like myself and they deserve to be honoured in this way.”
Laverty still remembers his first dealings with Compston as he prepared for his first film.
The screenwriter said: “We’ve been so lucky with the talent we’ve found in this country.
“I remember doing some improvisation with Martin when we were looking for a tough kid for Sweet 16. I remember asking him how many times he had been sent off for his football team in the last season.
“He said three times, and I said to Ken that this was the boy we were looking for. He was marvellous and I don’t think he’s stopped working since, he’s a great talent.”
Laverty and O’Brien were honoured at the ceremony as their latest film, I, Daniel Blake, continues to make an impact across the country.
Laverty mockingly thanked Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green for dismissing the accuracy of the film.
He said: “We were particularly glad that Damian Green, the Secretary of State, did us an enormous favour when he condemned the film in parliament without having seen it.
“When you’ve got clowns like that who help us with publicity it really is a joy.”
Others attending the Scottish Baftas included Peter Capaldi, nominated for his final performances as Doctor Who, Outlander star Sam Heughan and Ashley Jensen.
They were met by screaming fans as they walked the red carpet, stopping for selfies and autographs along the way.
Heughan was even given small gifts by the dozens of Outlander fans who waited for his arrival.
Shetland was named best TV drama and Douglas Henshall best male actor, making the BBC show the biggest winner of the night.
Peter Mullan received the film actor award for his role in Hector, while Couple In A Hole’s Kate Dickie won this year’s film actress award.
Outlander’s Caitriona Balfe triumphed over Ashley Jensen and Annie Wallace to win the TV actress prize.
Tommy’s Honour, directed by Jason Connery, was named best film, while Mrs Brown’s Boys won the comedy/ entertainment category for the second year in a row.
Hair and make-up artist Christine Cant was awarded outstanding contribution to craft for her 35 years in the industry and watched video tributes from Noel Fielding and Jennifer Saunders.
I owe my entire career to Ken, Rebecca and Paul. MARTIN COMPSTON