2020 and beyond

As we move into our third decade of film-making. it’s worth reflecting on an amazing journey so far – The Inheritance (2007), The Space Between (2013), Riptide (2019) – which will screen from 2020.

We celebrate the astonishing rewards of making films, and the incredible folk who’ve supported us, watched our films in festivals, cinemas, art galleries, record stores, cafes, observatories, theatres, who’ve bought DVDS, helped fund us, and shared inspiration, imagination, solidarity & hugs at the low points as well as the triumphs. Can’t wait to screen our third feature to audiences, and make more films, and collaborate with more extraordinary people as we roam through the 2020s.

Photo by Thomas Morgan

Photos by Alison Pascoe, Louise Lacaille, Thomas M.A. Morgan, respectively.

Sound Design is complete !!

We have finished our journey into sound. On Saturday 9th November, at a dubbing suite in London, with the exceptional Dan Johnson, the sound design was finished and the final film mixed.

We’re delighted. Dan has produced a design that depicts the world of schizophrenia as experienced by our protagonists, with all its fluctuations, inspiration, vibrancy, extremes and uncertainty. The music of Mairi Campbell, Philip Pinsky and Fiona Rutherford is blended beautifully in the final mix. And there’s even a new track by our editor Callum Warrender!

Now we add this mix to the picture, finesse things technically, and finally we will have a film. Riptide is almost ready.

First screening success!

On Wednesday 1st May we had our first outing for Riptide! Although with a temp soundtrack, the film screened to a private invited audience of psychiatrists, psychologists and medical students at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, site of the final day’s shooting. We’re indebted to the support of medical workers during this project, so it was vital to hear their thoughts.

The response was wonderful and the film looked terrific on a big screen. A post-screening Q & A generated much discussion surrounding portrayals of psychiatric disorders, and the issues of myths and stigma. There was much praise for an authentic, positive story of schizophrenia, and excitement about a wide audience seeing this film.

We fully intend to tour this film to hospitals, as well as patient groups and support services, and this was a great initial step towards that. Now we have to finish it and get screening!

Sound design progress…

Burns Night found us working in London with Dan Johnson on Riptide’s sound edit at the magnificent Molinare post-production house in Soho. Amazing to hear the sound design coalescing, and a privilege to benefit from Dan’s ideas. His work is taking our film to another level. And we even found time to toast Burns with a late-night whisky!

Sound is a vital element of schizophrenia – with auditory hallucinations a key symptom of the disorder. We have to create soundscapes that do justice to the personal experiences of our characters, whilst steering clear of stigma and well-worn, incorrect tropes. We’re guided by authenticity and nuance, and the opportunities afforded by our own particular tale. It’s an incredible journey for us as film-makers.

Another few months and the design will be complete. Then we can set about launching our film into the world.

And now for Sound!

As we progress the Colour-grade (begun in Glasgow, now happening in Stratford-upon-Avon) we have now moved on to work in detail on the sound editing and final design for Riptide.

Dan Johnson, who was dubbing mixer on both The Inheritance and The Space Between, has taken charge of the sound editing & design in London. The challenge is to sensitively and imaginatively portray the experience of schizophrenia within the parametres of a piece of drama. We’re excited to hear what he comes up with!

Picture-Lock !!

We’re honoured to announce that RIPTIDE is now Picture-Locked.

A lengthy, intense process it has been but we’re delighted to have reached this stage. Massive thanks go out to editor Callum Warrender – his skills, dedication, imagination and patience are something to behold.

The Picture-Locked cut is now in the hands of our Colourist Tony Moore, as post-production moves to the next vital stage. We’ll keep you posted.

Hospital images

A selection of shots from our hospital shoot by Thomas M.A. Morgan