Latest news with #SeanConneryTalentLab
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Jack's the lad as teenager debuts in GOWK - short film set in Wishaw housing estate
Emerging director Ryan Pollock's latest work will world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival A rising film maker returned to his roots by using Wishaw as the backdrop for his latest work. Ryan Pollock produced a number of well-received short films which landed him a place in a year-long programme with the Sean Connery Talent Lab for emerging filmmakers. The Netherton man was matched up with other aspiring talents and they were provided a budget of £25,000 and tasked with producing a short film to be showcased to the industry, with support and creative guidance from BBC Film. It was produced by duo Kitty McMurdo-Schad and Katriona Tweedie. The talented crew also included cinematographer Vasileios Kapnis and was edited by Fraser Ballantyne. Written and directed by Ryan, GOWK will be one of six short films which are set to world premier at the Edinburgh Film Festival in August. An invited audience was treated to preview the finished article on Thursday night at Garrion People's Housing Co-op (GHPC) in Wishaw. 'This was the second screening, we had the first screening in Edinburgh on Tuesday there,' said Ryan. 'We've had plaudits from people like Walter Murch, who did the Godfather and Apocalypse Now, who gave us a great review. "Big producers from across Britain have seen it and it's went down really well. 'That's the biggest budget I've had and it was a bigger crew and production. It's turned out well and I've definitely learned more. It is strange working on something for a year that's 15 minutes long. 'It's a true story from when my dad was a boy, so it's good having him see it here in the place it actually happened. And it's good for Wishaw to see itself on the screen.' Among the audience at the screening in Gowkthrapple was 14-year-old Jack Mavin from Pather, an S3 pupil at St Aidan's High, who plays the main character in the 15-minute-long film. The teenager looks like a natural in the role, despite being a newcomer to acting with no previous experience. 'It's exciting to see it,' Jack admitted. 'It wasn't filmed in chronological order, different parts were filmed at different times so it's good seeing it finished.' Jack spent his October week holidays from school filming in Gowkthrapple. 'It was brilliant,' he added. 'It's the first time I've done any acting but I absolutely want to do more now. 'I'm in a drama class at school but I don't do drama out of school. My mates love it and think it's dead cool.' Jack's face also features on the film's poster, he has linked up with BAFTA award-winning London-based agents Des Hamilton Casting, so an exciting future could lie ahead. 'It's an exciting opportunity but when he first told me about the film I thought he was at it,' his mum Siobhan admitted. 'Although Jack has been jumping about in a James Bond suit since he's been a wee boy.,' she laughed. Kitty McMurdo-Schad said: 'Working on this we've just had continuous yes's and we're really appreciative of everyone who's helped us along the way. 'We couldn't have done it without the help of every single person in this community. It's been such a heartwarming experience. 'It's all came together really well and the performances in the film are amazing. We've made quite a lot of shorts but this one has been a really special experience for us. 'It's a big step up in scale for all of us and has been a great opportunity. We've got so much from it personally as well as professionally.' Katriona Tweedie, added: 'It's been a long road but it's been so exciting getting to share it this week with and audience, the people involved in the film and family and friends who've supported us on the journey. "The feedback has been so positive and there's been huge compliments to Jack, the lead in the film. We're really excited for its launch at the Edinburgh Film Festival, and hopefully that's the start of its journey across the world in the festival circuit. It's a really exciting moment. 'It's been great having mentors and working with BBC Film and getting their feedback on the script and on the edit has been really valuable. Hopefully we can develop a feature next as a team.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
The National
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Sean Connery school to debut 6 films at Edinburgh Film Festival 2025
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August. Original James Bond star Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90. READ MORE: Critically acclaimed chef to open new restaurant in Glasgow His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to 'expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry'. They said their father 'made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival' and knew 'first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity'. The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20. Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for 'expanding the film-making community here in Scotland'. The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam. Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: 'We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change. 'Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August. 'The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent.' READ MORE: Collection of historic letters signed by Mary Queen of Scots sold at auction Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: 'The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision. 'What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom. 'The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model. 'We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners. 'Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them.' Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: 'I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year. 'They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific. 'The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland. 'What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen.' Stephane and Jason Connery said: 'The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy—championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts. 'It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most. 'We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent.'
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
Six short films created as part of the Sean Connery Talent Lab will be premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August. Original James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90. His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to 'expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry'. They said their father 'made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival' and knew 'first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity'. The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20. Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for 'expanding the film-making community here in Scotland'. The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam. Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: 'We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change. 'Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August. 'The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent.' Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: 'The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision. 'What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom. 'The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model. 'We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners. 'Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them.' Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: 'I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year. 'They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific. 'The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland. 'What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen.' Stephane and Jason Connery said: 'The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy—championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts. 'It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most. 'We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent.'
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August. A cinema Six short films created as part of the Sean Connery Talent Lab will be premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August. Original James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90. His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to "expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry". They said their father "made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival" and knew "first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity". The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20. Article continues below Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for "expanding the film-making community here in Scotland". The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam. Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: "We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change. "Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August. "The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent." Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: "The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision. "What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom. "The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model. "We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners. "Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them." Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: "I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year. "They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific. "The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland. "What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen." Article continues below Stephane and Jason Connery said: "The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy-championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts. "It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most. "We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent."
The Herald Scotland
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
Original James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90. We can't wait to present the World Premiere 🍿 of 6 short films at #EIFF25 created as part of the inaugural@NFTSFilmTV x #SeanConnery Talent Lab! NFTS develops some of the world's top talent, with graduates going on to win huge awards, including 15 #Oscars and 165+ #BAFTAs 🏆 — Edinburgh International Film Festival (@edfilmfest) June 18, 2025 His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to 'expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry'. They said their father 'made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival' and knew 'first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity'. The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20. Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for 'expanding the film-making community here in Scotland'. The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam. Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: 'We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change. 'Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August. 'The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent.' Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: 'The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision. Sir Sean died in 2020 (Yui Mok/PA) 'What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom. 'The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model. 'We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners. 'Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them.' Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: 'I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year. 'They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific. 'The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland. 'What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen.' Stephane and Jason Connery said: 'The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy—championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts. 'It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most. 'We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent.'
