Scottish films enjoy success in first year of new scheme

New Found Films, a digital feature scheme launched by Scottish TV & Grampian TV in collaboration with Scottish Screen at the beginning of the year has reaped rich rewards for both the commissioners and the producers.

'Afterlife' and 'Blinded' are the two features developed and produced under New Found Films, which is an evolution of the New Found Land half-hour drama scheme.

Afterlife produced by Gabriel Films, stars Kevin McKidd, Lindsay Duncan, Shirley Henderson and Paula Sage. It premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August where it won the 'Audience Award'. Since then interest in the film has gathered pace and Afterlife was invited to screen at the London Film Festival. Acclaimed by critics and public alike, the film also attracted interest from America with an invitation from
the American Film Institute International Film Festival in Los Angeles which saw Afterlife premiere in the States last month. Scottish TV can exclusively reveal that following its successful screening in LA, Afterlife has been chosen to appear at the prestigious Palm Springs Film Festival in January, one of the largest festivals of its kind in America.

The second New Found Film, Blinded, starring Peter Mullan, Jodhi May, Anders Berthelsen, Samantha Bond and Phyllida Law is produced by Oscar Films. Recently completed, Blinded has successfully undergone a small number of test screenings where reaction from the audience has been extremely positive. It is expected that Blinded will enjoy festival and cinema success in 2004.

Imation To Sponsor 'MTV at the Movies'

Imation Europe B.V. has concluded an exciting new contract with MTV Networks Europe to sponsor 'MTV at The Movies'. The pan-European package is part of its strategy to broaden the reach of the Imation brand within the digital consumer market.

The sponsorship will comprise on-air sponsorship billboards attached to MTV Movie Specials, MTV Making the Movie and MTV Movie Awards programming and dedicated advertising spots across all MTV Networks. On-line integration across MTV's nine European web sites will include banner ads, reciprocal links to regional Imation websites, E-newsletters, and competitions. An integrated presence at both the MTV party at the world famous Cannes Film Festival and the MTV Film Awards in Hollywood is also included.