Scenario!
London Film School and the Institut francais Explore Writing For The Screen

Scenario! takes place from 6 to 12 October at the cine lumiere, Institut francais,17 Queeensberry Place, London, SW7 2DT.

Highlights include Stephen Fry talking about his new film Bright Young Things; Richard Jobson talking about his first feature 16 years without alcohol; Hanif Kureshi will discuss his screenwriting career; and, there will be previews and a TV Writing Event.

For more details visit www.lfs.org.uk/scenario.htm

Star Cast At Marrakech Film Festival

Oliver Stone and Jeremy Irons are the star guests at the forthcoming Marrakech Film festival.

The festival, now in its third year, runs from 3 October, 2003 to Wednesday, 8 October, 2003. The event is held under the patronage of the King of Morocco, HM Mohamed V1, and a total 0f 72 films will be screened.

Jeremy Irons will lead the jury to judge the short films category, and German filmmaker Volker Schlondorff (Death of a Salesman, The Tin Drum) will head the feature-length film jury.

Oliver Stone, Sir Ridley Scott and French actor Alain Delon will be honoured at the opening night ceremony on 3 October. Oliver Stone is currently shooting Alexander in Morocco, and Ridley Scott filmed Black Hawk Down here and parts of Gladiator.

The opening night will also feature a tribute to Daniel Toscan du Plantier, who founded the Marrakech Film Festival and died earlier this year.

For details of the festival visit: www.visitmorocco.com

ASOLOARTFILMFESTIVAL
22-28 September, 2003
Asolo – Montebelluna

GRAN PREMIO ASOLO 2003 TO MARIO MARTONE

The jury of the AsoloArtFilmFestival 2003, with the following members: Vittorio Fagone (President of the jury), Corrado Balest, Luca Massimo Barbero, Giuseppe Barbieri, Fabrizio Borin, has awarded the following prizes after viewing the 59 films in competition:

GRAND PRIZE ASOLO FOR BEST FILM IN COMPETITION to Nella Napoli di Luca Giordano by Mario Martone (Ananas, Italy, 2001).

PRIZE ASOLO FOR BEST FILM ON ART to Orba/Cian by Eduardo López López (Jaime Genovart, Argentina, 2003).

A Special Mention for the following film in the same category: Lluvia by Diego Agudo Pinilla (Emilio Lujan, Spain, 2002).

PRIZE ASOLO FOR BEST FILM ON LIVES OF ARTISTS to Martha Argerich, Evening Talks by Georges Gachot (Georges Gachot/Ideale Audence, France, 2002).

PRIZE ASOLO FOR BEST VIDEO/COMPUTER ART to Gestalt by Thorsten Fleisch (Thorsten Fleisch, Germania, 2003) ex aequo with Regard de pierre by Pierre Yves Cruaud (Pierre Yves Cruaud, France, 2002).

PRIZE ASOLO FOR BEST EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION (SCHOOLS) to Roll over Ehrenfeld by Olaf Geuer (Academy of Media Arts Cologne, Germany, 2002).

A Special Mention for the followings films: Aggigma by Giuliano Vece and Petra Biondina Volpe (KHM, Germany, 2002) and to Cocteau Cento by Dan Boord and Luis Valdovino (Luis Valdovino, Fine Arts Department, University of Colorado, USA, 2003).

In addition, the jury has signalled the praiseworthy activity done by the Istituto Statale d’Arte di Urbino “Scuola del Libro” – Section Animation Drawing (2002) which revealed itself to be actively involved in experimenting new audiovisual techniques.

PRIZE GIAN FRANCESCO MALIPIERO FOR BEST SOUND TRACK to Foreign Bodies by Isabelle Birebent (Isabelle Birebent, Germany, 2002).

SPECIAL PRIZE “FLAVIA PAULON”: The Presidency of the Asolo International Art Festival (A.I.A.F.) has instituted this year the Special Prize “Flavia Paulon” entitled to the founder of both the “Festival of Films on Art and the Lives of Artists” (1973) and of the “International Cartoon Festival” (1974) and has assigned it to Mario Verdone for extraordinary and incomparable merits accumulated during over half a century of activity in the fields of historical research, of critical interpretation, of promotion and diffusion of the cinematographic culture.

BAFTA announce the launch of a new crystal mask

BAFTA UK and BAFTA North have today announced the inauguration of a new crystal mask to be awarded annually within the BAFTA North region. This prestigious award, which is intended to recognise outstanding achievement within the moving image industry, will be bestowed upon a newcomer at one of the major Northern film festivals.

The beautifully crafted mask will be unveiled at an event sponsored by Tower Films by award winning actor and comedian Johnny Vegas, in the presence of a specially invited audience of 200 celebrities, BAFTA supporters and local dignitaries on Friday 10th October 2003, 1.30pm at The World of Glass, St Helens.

Said Michael Attwell, Chairman BAFTA, “The Academy is delighted to initiate this innovative award as a way of recognising and celebrating the excellence of so much talent within the Northern regions.”

Maureen Sinclair, Director, BAFTA North said, “It is fantastic that The Academy is supporting the wealth of talent in the North by way of endorsing this prestigious award. I am extremely excited by this development and anticipate it becoming one of the most highly coveted annual awards in the region”

Steve Marsden, Chief Executive, Tower Films added, “ As a major film finance company based in the North, we are very pleased to be supporting BAFTA North in this way and look forward to our continued association in the future.”

Cliff Richard -The World Tour

There's a whole lot of shakin' goin' on this October when Cliff Richard - The World Tour comes to video courtesy of VCI. Available from 13 October, Cliff Richard's World Tour concert, complete with fly-on-the-wall documentary, is available exclusive to video and is the ultimate authorised souvenir for every Cliff fan.

Packed with previously unseen material and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, Cliff Richard - The World Tour brings you closer than ever before to the legend himself. Accompany Cliff as he talks you through the highs and lows of being on the road whilst taking you backstage to see all the preparation that goes into making his concerts.

As this special DVD / VHS shows, the world's most eligible 'Bachelor Boy' really enjoys the touring lifestyle, the hotels and the performing. From Belfast to Bangkok, Stavanger to Sydney, Cliff is followed by adoring fans wherever he goes. Prepare to be amazed at the lengths some people will go to just to see Cliff in person!

More than just a documentary, Cliff Richard - The World Tour presents real insight into the star's success. Hear how Cliff deals with the nerves at live concerts, how his performance is powered by the fan's enthusiasm and why he recently took a year off….

Followed by a spectacular, two-hour outdoor concert performance in Napier, New Zealand - It is a fantastic celebration of his greatest hits and his interpretation of all time classics. The concert is an event not to be missed featuring well-loved classics including Devil Woman, We Don't Talk Any More and The Young Ones. Watch Cliff give his all in the last performance of his tour with rock and pop classics from the golden age of music like All Shook Up and What a Wonderful World.

Cliff Richard - The World Tour is available from 13 October 2003 from VCI
VHS RRP: £14.99 Cat No: VC7010
DVD RRP: £19.99 Cat No: VCD0288
Certificate: Exempt
Length: approx. 190 minutes

FILM FANS WARNED 'DON'T FLUSH THE FISH' WITH UK LAUNCH OF FINDING NEMO

After hundreds of children 'liberated' their pet fish down the toilet, following the launch of Finding Nemo in the United States, two environmental organisations are keen to avert a similar catastrophe when the animated blockbuster opens in the UK on 3 October 2003.

"Finding Nemo is a very engaging film, and parents who already have aquariums need to explain to their children that the fish will not survive if they are flushed," says Paul Holthus, president of the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC), a non-profit marine conservation group based in Hawaii. "We also urge parents whose children are inspired by the film to start a saltwater tank, to think carefully before buying tropical marine fish for their children."

To coincide with the premier, the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, (UNEP-WCMC) in Cambridge, is launching a groundbreaking report, From Ocean to Aquarium: The Global Trade In Marine Ornamentals, which for the first time uses industry data to highlight the most threatened tropical species and makes suggestions and recommendations on their future protection.

Data for the new report has largely come from the Global Marine Aquarium Database, a joint collaborative effort between UNEP-WCMC, the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) and members of various aquarium trade associations.

Copies of the report are available from the UNEP web site at:
www.unep.org
or at:
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/resources/publications/UNEP_WCMC_bio_series/17.htm

From Ocean to Aquarium is accessible online at www.unep-wcmc.org/marine/GMAD/.

A review of Finding Nemo and more details about the Don't Flush... campaign go to Talking Pictures.

Golden Horse Film Festival

Taiwan's answer to the Oscars, the 40th Golden Horse Film Festival is running from November to December 2003. Previous winners have included Ang Lee, director of this year's Hulk, who was born in Taiwan in 1954.

The event is great for film fans and it also offers the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of Taiwan.

For full details visit:

www.taiwan.net.tw

‘CITY OF GOD’ DIRECTOR SUPPORTS ACTION FOR BRAZIL’S CHILDREN

Leading Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles has agreed to support Action for Brazil’s Children Trust (ABC Trust) by attending a special Charity screening of his movie at the Everyman in Hampstead, London on October 8th, 2003.

Following a reception and screening of the film, Meirelles will attend a Question & Answer session, chaired by journalist Ian Hayden-Smith. The Charity’s founder Trustee Jimena Page and CEO Mark Ereira will also answer queries relating to ABC Trust’s work.

Meirelles graduated in architecture before working on TV and then
advertising films. His 02 Filmes studio has become the largest in Brazil and he has won many prizes for his work in commercials. Meirelles directed his first feature film in 1997 and released ‘City of God’ in 2002. Based on Paulo Lins’ best selling novel ‘Cidade de Deus’ the film is shocking, thrilling and often uncomfortably funny. Set in the world’s most notorious slum, it is undeniably one of the most vital and entertaining films of the last decade. The story is based on true characters and charts the story of a young boy, whose ambition is to become a photographer and escape the world
of drug dealing and crime, which has become everyday life for millions of children living on the streets of Brazil.

Meirelles’ experiences working with street children in Rio, many of whom feature in the film, led him to set up a Charity film project, Nos Do Cinema, which is now supported by ABC Trust. Commenting on this, Meirelles said: "I am very excited at the prospect of ABC Trust supporting 'Nos do Cinema'. I have been producing a TV series with the same group of kids who
figured in 'City of Gods' and have had more outstanding results. This is so much more than Charity, this is an investment in new talent and the future! We have kids who will grow into excellent actors, directors and technicians and that is what I'm interested in: quality." Mark Ereira, who will introduce Meirelles on the 8th, said: ‘We’re delighted that Fernando has agreed to help us. ‘City of God’ itself and the local film project he has subsequently set up amply demonstrate his genuine and ongoing commitment.
The philosophy behind Nos do Cinema is in total keeping with our remit, to empower kids off the street and into a meaningful future.”

Meirelles will also attend an MVC/Warner Village screening of ‘City of God’ in Birmingham on Oct 9th to mark the DVD launch. MVC have also organised an in store signing in Chiswick on Oct 10th. These events will also support ABC Trust’s work.

For details of these screenings visit the ABC Trust website.

17th Leeds International Film Festival

There will be over 200 screenings and events from 2 to 12 October at the Leeds International Film Festival. The Opening Gala features Bright Young Things and on the last day there's a Film Music Gala at Leeds Town Hall. Full details can be found at: www.leedsfilm.com

If you would like to report on this event for Talking Pictures we can supply a press pass. Preference will be given for people who have already written for our website. We cannot pay for travel, accommodation or other expenses but this is a great opportunity to join-in one of the best film festivals in the UK, network with filmmakers, and we'll put your reviews and reports on Talking Pictures. Email me as soon as possible if you would like to attend: valis23a@aol.com

MOVIES GET FIRST UK SHOWINGS IN SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONAL ARMS CAMPAIGN

SPUN and SHOTTAS have their first UK showings in October as part of DJ Saved MY Life – a series of nights from AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL and the ICA to highlight their International Arms Campaign.

The impressive movie programme includes an exclusive preview screening of the speed-freak story SPUN, the first feature film from video wunderkind JONAS AKERLUND whose controversial contributions to the art form have included The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up”, Madonna’s “Ray of Light”/ “American Life” and Robbie Williams’ “Come Undone”.

Also featured is a re-mastered version of FRITZ LANG’s ground-breaking METROPOLIS, LARS VON TRIER’s DANCER IN THE DARK, the Jamaican guns and gangster film SHOTTAS (starring Wyclef Jean, Ky Mani Marley, and Lennox Lewis) and – from Brazil - CIDADE DE DEUS (CITY OF GOD) (same subject, different nation). It’s backed by NOTICIAS DE UNA GUERRA PARTICULAR (NEWS OF A PRIVATE WAR) a documentary that tells the real story of the ghetto-dwellers that inspired CITY OF GOD, co-directed by the film’s director Katia Lund.

The movies play a part in a series of nights at the ICA, that have been curated by JO WHILEY, ZANE LOWE, THE DREEM TEEM, TONY WILSON and VERITY SHARP & FIONA TALKINGTON: all under the umbrella of DJ SAVED MY LIFE.

In addition to this line-up of movies, DJ SAVED MY LIFE also features talks, discussions and major musical acts including THE THRILLS, HUNDRED REASONS, BILLY BRAGG, THE MUSIC and BIG BROVAZ.

DJ SAVED MY LIFE has been conceived to raise funds and awareness for THE INTERNATIONAL ARMS CONTROLS campaign.

AMNESTY is always finding new ways to communicate fundamental human rights messages. Entertainers have played a key, and very active role in promoting AMNESTY causes over the years. DJ SAVED MY LIFE marks a continuation of a great tradition.

Those who were at the first Secret Policeman’s Ball are now a privileged elite: DJ SAVED MY LIFE is a historic event that will open up a new front for AMNESTY as it recruits the next generation of newly-radicalised support.

www.amnesty.org.uk/dj

Christmas season set to become a DVD Blockbuster

With DVD technology becoming increasingly widespread across Europe (26.4% of Western European households own at least one DVD player, and a growing catalogue of movies and music videos to choose from, more and more families are getting hooked on DVD. This Christmas DVDs are expected to top the whole family’s wish list and Santa’s sack will be bursting with blockbuster titles and a growing variety of reasonably priced DVD players.

As the industry trade association in Europe, the DVD Entertainment Group Europe has compiled the top titles for festive gifts in 2003. By the end of the year more than 1 in 3 Western European homes (38.5%) are expected to have at least one DVD player, up from a fifth of households (20.4%) that did so last year. Christmas is a key point in the sales calendar as, typically, more than a third of DVD titles are sold in the last 12 weeks of the year. As such many families will be gathering round the DVD player this Christmas to watch their children’s favourites as well as the best-loved timeless classics.

Underworld is Game
Major movie licence deal announcement

Interactive entertainment industry pioneer Play It announced today the unveiling of an amazing movie licence deal that is sure to take a significant bite out of the interactive entertainment industry's Sony PlayStation®2 market. Due to hit cinemas across the UK on September 19th 2003, 'Underworld'', starring Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman, is a dark, sophisticated action movie of blood battles between the mysterious and powerful forces of warrior vampires and werewolves. The PlayStation2 game is due to hit UK stores in the weeks surrounding the movie launch.

Mark Cale, president of Play It said: "With strong action sequences, a thrilling storyline and charismatic characters, 'Underworld'' the game, is destined to cause a bloodbath at retail as consumers fight to be the first to play. We are delighted with this prestigious licence acquisition."

Game features:

'Underworld' the game - to be released by Play It (www.justplayit.com) is a 3rd person action shooter set in a 3D rendered environment featuring: Hand to hand combat, ranged weapons, Vampire abilities and Werewolf powers to master, action packed missions and fighting above and below the gothic cityscape.

Movie release 19th September 2003 www.entertheunderworld.com

The Times bfi London Film Festival

22 October to 6 November 2003

"The only important showcase for International Cinema in Britain" Barry Norman

"The most anticipated fortnight in the London filmgoers' year" Neil Norman, Evening Standard

"It's the Joan Bakewell of cinema, the thinking fan's crumpet." James Christopher, The Times

In 2002, the Festival attracted 110,000 public admissions, together with 600 film industry delegates and 580 national and international press and media. Now entering its 47th year, The Times bfi London Film Festival promises to surpass the record-breaking success and acclaim enjoyed in previous years. With more than 300 films from over 45 countries, the Festival presents the very best of new film from the entire spectrum of world cinema.

In addition to an impressive roster of film premieres, many of which are introduced by the film's director, producer or stars, the extensive schedule of Festival activities include prestigious Opening and Closing Night Galas, industry and public forums, education events, lectures and celebrity interviews.

For online information go to:

http://www.lff.org.uk

Script Released

Prelude2Cinema is releasing the original script "The Darkest Night in Heaven" by Emmy winning writer Alex P. Michaels. The story is about a detective who places his sanity and his teenage daughter's life in jeopardy when he baby-sits a wealthy business man's whorish teenage daughter.

To pick up a copy, go to
http://www.cafeshops.com/prelude2cinema.7619351

The opening scene from the book can be read at
http://www.prelude2cinema.com/Alex_Michaels_Home_Site/APM-Scripts-Sides/DNiH-scenes.htm

£6 MILLION BOOST FOR FILM AND TV MAKERS IN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

Britain’s new ‘Capital of Culture 2008’ is celebrating again after securing six million pounds to develop and strengthen the vibrant and thriving Film, TV and Media Industry in Merseyside.

Liverpool, the Hollywood of the North, has been given the massive cash injection from the Merseyside Objective One programme. North West Vision, the TV, Film and Moving image agency for England’s Northwest successfully bid for the money and will use it to develop and encourage new talent and build strong businesses in Merseyside.

Liverpool is already recognised as the most film friendly city in the UK and is currently doubling up as New York for the remake of the film ‘Alfie’ starring Jude Law. The money will ensure that the local industry is developed to reinforce and build on the already strong reputation.

North West Vision will create two hundred and seventeen jobs as a result of investing in local companies and innovative TV programmes and films. The funding will also be used to encourage strong partnerships and co-production whilst working with local industry broadcasters, new and existing companies and new talent.

Steve Morrison, Chair of North West Vision, Former Chief Executive of Granada PLC, and new owner of Chrysalis TV, said:

“TV and Film industries are built on creativity but they need the money to grow. North West Vision the studio for new talent, has now got a fantastic opportunity to invest in ground breaking new projects and provide opportunities for local people”.

The main aims of the Merseyside Film and TV programme are:

To invest in the production of major local and co-produced TV, feature films, drama, entertainment and documentary in Merseyside to grow a sustainable Film and TV industry and create jobs.

To work with the Liverpool Film Office, to develop the crew, facilities and filming infrastructure in Merseyside.

To assist local companies in the script and development stage.

To attract production companies into Merseyside to work with indigenous production companies and to use the crew and facilities of the region and realise the additional spend in the local economy.

To develop the talent through short film, and regional TV programming.

To use the return on funds to reinvest in, and continue, the project in the same way.

Sue Woodward, Creative Director of Capital of Culture, said:

"This is a valuable boost to the film industry on Merseyside and will help encourage and develop the creative talent that already exists here. We now have a real chance to strengthen what we have at the moment and help grow the film and television sector, creating jobs and putting the city firmly on the movie making map."

Funding for the initiative is also being invested by the UK Film Council (£497,000), Liverpool City Council (£290,000), Granada TV (£270,000), North West Vision (£63,000) and the private Sector (£2,550,000).

Shooting People In New York

Shooting People is for the independent filmmaking community and is coming to New York this September. New York filmmakers can sign up now (free) at:

http://ny.shootingpeople.org

Shooting People has been running in Britain for 5 years and been a massive word-of-mouth success with over 26,000 members and over 250 new members joining each and every week. They join to connect with other filmmakers, crew up, debate latest innovations, swap stuff, offer tips, form creative partnerships - all collated and sent out in a daily email.

Set up by and for filmmakers, Shooting People is for directors, producers, actors, writers, cinematographers, DV operators, animators, documentary makers, crew, editors, composers, festival organisers etc. Essentially it is for anyone who is working in independent filmmaking in New York.

Shooting People will also connect its communities in New York and Britain, allowing the members of each to read and post to the other’s email bulletins in order to open up links, co-productions, advice and other collaboration between filmmakers on both sides of the Atlantic.

SLIDE SHOW HOUSE

See where the first public film show was put on by the Lumière brothers, when the University opens its doors for London Open House on Sunday 21 September, 2003.

The film show took place on 20 February 1896 at Regent Street Polytechnic, now part of the university. Brothers Auguste and Louis Lumiere demonstrated their cinematograph, the first successful machine that could show moving photographs to an audience, which they had invented the previous year.

You will also be able to see the site of one of England's earliest public swimming baths - now an impressive social space called the Deep End, with original ironwork and tiling - as well as one of London's oldest revolving doors.

Tours of the building, which take about 50 minutes, are held at 2pm and 3.30pm. There is also an exhibition and a slide show.

This event is part of London Open House weekend on 20 and 21 September, which provides free public access to hundreds of buildings of architectural and community interest in London. See www.londonopenhouse.org.

To book a place, please contact Hilary Robinson on 020 7911 5101 (mornings only, or leave a message), email: MDAdmin@wmin.ac.uk.

If you go Talking Pictures would welcome a report on your visit, email us at valis23a@aol.com.

North West Goes Hollywood For Alfie

British heartthrob Jude Law is currently in the Northwest filming a remake of Alfie, the hit film that originally starred Michael Caine.

The team of dedicated staff at the Manchester and Liverpool Film Offices have been working extremely hard to find the Hollywood Film makers first class filming locations in the North West that could double up as New York and they have succeeded!

Fantastic teams of set designers have now transformed the back streets of Manchester and Liverpool to resemble present day New York.

Filming on the Manchester set, which is located in the Northern Quarter, starts tomorrow and the designers are running around putting the last minute touches to the set.

Alice Morrsion, Chief Executive for North West Vision, the Regional Screen Agency that runs the Film Offices, said:

“This is a great boost for the North West. The filming will not only increase the profile of the region but it will also create jobs for local people and investment in the local economy. I am proud of the extremely professional way that the Manchester and Liverpool Film Offices have worked with the local City Councils and the Film Company to co-ordinate the filming”.

The Hollywood production team are estimated to spend over £1.5million in the region during their six days of filming here, with the majority of money being spent on accommodation, transport and food.

Afterlife Goes From Edinburgh to L.A. via London

The New Found Film, Afterlife, a Gabriel Films productions supported by Scottish TV, Grampian TV and Scottish Screen received news today that it will appear at the prestigious American Film Institute International Film Festival in November.

Afterlife, which collected three awards over the last weekend, the EIFF Audience Award and two Herald Angel Awards, will also appear at the London Film Festival on Friday 31 October at the Odeon in Leicester Square.

Commenting on the film's continuing success, Sandy Ross Managing Director of Scottish TV said:

"We are delighted at the response and the attention it received at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and from that the buzz the film has created. It is a tribute to the quality of the film and the film-makers who produced it."

Double delight for Scottish TV at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2003

Scottish TV has double cause for celebration today as two of it's talent schemes, 'New Found Films and This Scotland', for film and documentary makers, picked up top awards at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.

In the first instance, The Audience Award, given to the film which has had the most impact and gained the biggest number of votes from the public, went to Afterlife the New Found Film, from first time feature director Alison Peebles. Afterlife tells the heart-warming and moving story of a young journalist on the brink of a career breakthrough who is forced to re-assess his values in the light of a family crisis. The film, funded by, Scottish
TV, Grampian TV and Scottish Screen introduced to the screen young Down's Syndrome actress Paula Sage, acting alongside the established talent of Kevin McKidd and Shirley Henderson. Sir Sean Connery attended a screening of the film and was visibly moved by the story and the remarkable performances from the cast. Kevin and Paula each received the additional honour of being presented with a Herald Angel for their performances.

Secondly, She Toon ­ the Bingo City, a 'This Scotland' documentary, has won the prestigious Grierson Prize for Documentary at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
She Toon - the Bingo City looks at Dundee, considered the bingo capital of Scotland and the women play the game. Women in Dundee were traditionally regarded as the breadwinners due to the economic situation there and this brilliant short documentary reflects the part women have played in Dundee's development.
Directed by talented young director Craig Collinson for Nobles Gate the documentary triumphed over a strong field of contenders to win the coveted prize.

Executive producer for Scottish TV & Grampian TV, Henry Eagles commented.

"This is marvellous news for both the broadcasters and Scottish Screen. My fellow Executive producer from Scottish Screen, Becky Lloyd and I were most impressed with the quality of this film and we are delighted that its originality has been recognised by the Grierson jury. It proves that fine documentary making is alive and thriving in Scotland, the country of its originator John Grierson. We are absolutely delighted."

She Toon- The Bingo City, will be transmitted as part of the This Scotland documentary strand, on Scottish TV and Grampian TV in the autumn.

Sandy Ross Managing Director of Scottish TV said:

"Naturally we are delighted that both productions teams behind these ventures have seen their efforts rewarded. These awards are a vindication of the depth and breadth of production talent that resides here in Scotland, and given the right opportunity, which these schemes present, can flourish and produce world-class films and documentaries."