Mum's the Word for Scots Film Producers
On a beautiful, cloudless afternoon at the St Andrews Bay golf resort, Jim Caviezel lines up a short putt and misses, over and over again, until eventually the ball drops into the hole. But that is no use either. Caviezel is trying to get the ball to stop as close to the hole as possible without falling in, and it is proving extraordinarily difficult.
In the crowd are Ewan McGregor's mum Carol, and Janice Cutting, a former executive with the public film agency, Scottish Screen, and they are not here just to ogle the handsome, fast-rising star of The Thin Red Line and Mel Gibson's forthcoming Gospel film, The Passion.
These days most independent producers start with a low-budget short, but McGregor and Cutting are co-producers of the $15 million (£9.5m) period drama, Stroke of Genius. McGregor and Cutting were responsible for recruiting local cast and crew, organising locations, finding hundreds of extras and making sure they were attired in correct period costume.
A Passion for Film
McGregor and Cutting hope their involvement in Stroke of Genius will help them get other major projects off the ground and turn their company, McDongall Films, into a major force in a Scottish industry that is looking increasingly vibrant. They have four features they're actively working on and numerous other ideas.
The Birth of McDongall Films
It was while she was at Scottish Screen that Cutting got to know McGregor, who had taken early retirement from teaching and was developing a second career in movies. Cutting left Scottish Screen four years ago to work as a consultant and she accompanied McGregor to Los Angeles to lobby the major studios to put audio descriptions on DVDs.
It became more and more apparent that what they actually wanted to do was produce films, so they set up McDongall about two years ago with a view to pulling together scripts that they liked and trying to get money to make them.
A Chance Encounter at Cannes
McGregor and Cutting were at the Cannes Film Festival in May, as was the American producer Kim Dawson, whose credits include the phenomenally successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and who had been nursing the Bobby Jones project for a decade. He needed someone to look after the Scottish end and Julie Craik of the Dundee film agency TayScreen pointed him towards McGregor and Cutting.
Film Locations in Scotland
Their involvement in the film was confirmed as recently as July. With little more than a month to prepare, they hired 100 local crew and had to find and dress hundreds of extras as golf course spectators. They went around numerous charity warehouses in Scotland to find period costumes.
The film crew shot scenes at the R&A clubhouse in St Andrews, using locals and extras for authenticity. They managed to secure permissions to shoot at various locations in Scotland, effectively doubling for England and parts of America as well.
Hotels: Accommodation for Film Crews in Scotland
When it comes to accommodating film crews in Scotland, the country offers a wide range of choices. Whether it's a high-end luxury hotel or a quaint countryside inn, there are options available to suit every budget and preference.
Luxury Hotels
For those looking for a taste of luxury, Scotland boasts several renowned hotels. The Balmoral in Edinburgh, the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, and Gleneagles in Perthshire are just a few examples of five-star establishments that provide exceptional service and amenities.
Boutique Hotels
If you prefer a more intimate and unique experience, Scotland is home to numerous boutique hotels. These smaller, often independently-owned hotels offer personalized service and a charming atmosphere. The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh and Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry are among the top choices for those seeking a distinctive stay.
Countryside Inns
For those filming in rural locations, staying in countryside inns can offer a more authentic experience. These establishments, often located in picturesque settings, provide comfortable accommodations and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Bridge of Lochay Hotel in Killin and The Loch Achray Hotel in Lochearnhead are popular choices for those exploring Scotland's scenic countryside.
Self-Catering Accommodation
For longer film shoots or larger crews, self-catering accommodation can be a practical and cost-effective option. Scotland offers a wide range of self-catering accommodations, including cottages, apartments, and lodges. These spaces provide the flexibility and convenience of a home-away-from-home.
Ultimately, whether it's luxurious hotels or cozy countryside inns, Scotland's diverse range of accommodations ensures that film crews can find suitable options to meet their needs.