The young guys and gals from SKAMM (Scottish Kids Are Making Movies) are back again for festival. Using their youthful good looks and charm, this group of teenagers are not only getting interviews with all the big stars, but are also embarking on a more ambitious project: to produce a documentary during the two weeks of the film festival. This documentary will explore the people's teenage memories of cinema, discovering which films have had a significant effect on the audiences of the time. So if you find yourself in front of the camera, make sure you've rehearsed your lines.
Parallax Shift
Two of the most exciting production companies in the UK announced a partnership at a launch party held at the Delegate's Centre on Thursday. Parallax Pictures, home of Ken Loach, and Makar Productions, headed by Eddie Dick (formerly of the Scottish Film Production Fund) are linking up to create one of the strongest production forces in Scotland. Hopefully this will see more films of the quality of My Name Is Joe being shot in Scotland.
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
In an odd press conference for the film Eu Tu Eles (Me You Them), chaired by Alan Morrison of Total Film, the background behind the film was found to be even more bizarre than the film itself. Brazilian director Andrucha Waddington and producer Leonardo de Barros revealed that the films heroine, Darlene, who is portrayed as having three husbands and four children in the movie, had been toned down for the film. In real life, the amazing woman who provided the inspiration for the story has nine children, and is chasing her fourth husband. Quite how everyone goes on a family outing was not mentioned.
Starstruck Weekend
This weekend sees the premieres of several big movies: The Little Vampire, The House of Mirth, Billy Elliot and Hotel Splendide. Keep an eye out for some of the stars of the films who'll be in town to promote the films. Laura Linney (best known for The Truman Show) is definitely coming along, and Julie Walters, Steven Tompkinson, Daniel Craig, Richard E. Grant and Gillian Anderson may also make an appearance. Keep those eyes peeled, and watch this space to find out who does turn up!
