Film studio takes inspiration from Hollywood star
A NEW training scheme being launched by a Skye film studio has taken inspiration from Hollywood actor Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute in Utah.
Film producer Chris Young’s Young Films studio at the Fàs centre in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig already makes the Gaelic TV series Bannan and production is to start soon on a major feature film about the Lockerbie disaster.
Now, in collaboration with the Glasgow and Edinburgh film festivals and the National Film and Television School, Young is creating a residential training scheme, the Young Film Foundation, to encourage new talent, as well as planning an annual forum for directors, writers and producers.
Mr Young said: ‘The Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program really inspired us. At its base in Utah, with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, participants are encouraged to take creative risks and experiment with projects and their voice.
‘Just as the Rockies are a huge feature of Sundance, we believe our place in the Scottish Highlands and Islands is key to attracting applicants and world-class mentors.
‘Eventually, I hope we can make Skye as renowned as Sundance, as a place for film and TV creatives to come and develop their work and to progress their careers.’
The foundation is looking for six new Scottish writers, directors and producers to come to Skye for a residency programme to work on their feature, TV drama and comedy projects, supported by Film4 and Channel 4’s nations and regions.
Sue Bruce-Smith, Film4’s head of commercial and brand strategy, said: ‘We look forward to helping guide and develop the next generation of Scottish filmmakers in this inspirational setting.’
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson, commented: ‘Fostering talent and skills development is part and parcel of what we do at Sabhal Mòr and the Young Films Foundation scheme will extend these opportunities and enable Gaelic speakers to play a fuller part in the film industry.’
This announcement comes at an exciting time for Scotland. Earlier this year BBC Scotland announced plans for a new Scottish channel and at the Edinburgh International TV festival last month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed the National Film and Television School will be setting up a hub in Scotland.
Application forms for The Young Film Foundation can be downloaded and submitted in English and in Gaelic via the YFF website from October 23 to December 1.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to informal interviews during the Glasgow Film Festival in February. Following that, the six finalists will be selected and will begin working with mentors in preparation for May residency.