Public invited to 'produce' movie

Two young film makers are offering members of the public an opportunity to become associate producers or appear in a new movie set in Scotland.
For £50 aspiring producers can see their name in the film credits or for £100 budding actors can appear in the film called The Simulator.

The scheme aims to fund the film, which could start shooting in October.

Film makers Mark Buchanan and Gregor Barclay had the idea when they were unable to secure conventional funding.

Film making is something everybody can be a part of

Gregor Barclay

Mark, 22, and Gregor, 24, from Glasgow, are embarking on the task of making the low budget science fiction tale set in an underground geological laboratory.

Billy Connolly is among the stars they have approached to appear in the film.

Both Mark and Gregor have won awards on the film festival circuit.

Despite this, they have been unable to secure funding.

Closed doors

Mark said: "We have approached and are still approaching the big funding bodies.

"Because of our proposed low budget and relative youth, we have found a lot of doors closed to us.

"This industry is not known for taking risks with new talent."


Gregor Barclay and Mark Buchanan have had funding bids rejected

Mark and Gregor hope the public will now play their part.

Benefits of joining up include seeing your name in credits, tickets to the premiere and an appearance in the film.

Gregor said: "We wanted to show people that film making is something everybody can be a part of.

"For too long, it has been seen as an exclusive club, but new technology has shown that it's possible to make a film with high artistic standards, on a minimal budget.

"We want to make films this way. Why not let other people get involved too?"

Mark added: "We have such a great history of quality film making in the country and the talent is still present, it just needs to be encouraged."