If there’s ever been a sentence to summon up the hope, vision and passion of what Aberdeen’s future might hold it is this: “There is no reason why Aberdeen cannot have a film industry”.
It was one of the first things I read this year in a fascinating and exhilarating dive into the work of Crow House Projects, profiled last week in the P&J.
The resonating – and resounding – quote in question came from American director, Matt Hielsberg, who has been working with this burgeoning film-making outfit, which is doing its utmost to build a screen industry here in the north-east.
And he’s more than right. We have the creative talent here but unfortunately, much of that rich blood flows away to opportunities they can only find in the likes of Edinburgh, London, Europe and even the US.
Now RGU lecturers Nicci Thompson and Jamie Mcdonald are trying to stem that flow by creating the infrastructure here to produce cinema magic on our own doorstep – keeping our talent here and building what could be a vital plank in our economy.
The world of film is always something that seems to be knocking on the door of Aberdeen and the north-east.
After all, we’ve had local talent like Jon S Baird film scenes for his movie Tetris here in Aberdeen, with the Granite City standing in for grim Soviet-era Moscow (something the current council is still working towards).
The beauty of our natural setting is perfect for a silver screen industry in Aberdeen
And the glorious local scenery has seen everything from Mel Gibson’s Hamlet filmed at Dunnottar Castle to iconic Local Hero turn Pennan into a cineaste pilgrimage spot. On the small screen, we’ve had Granite Harbour filmed here and Portsoy turning up in everything from The Crown to Peaky Blinders.
So why not jump-start a TV and film-making sector right here in Aberdeen? Why not have our own home-grown production talent to go along with our wonderful scenery and settings? Imagine not just shooting films and shows here, but producing them from start to finish.
Come to that, why not have our own film studio, ready to welcome everyone from indie burgeoning talent to Hollywood masters?
I mean, Ireland managed to make a multi-million pound industry out of it – plus a Game Of Thrones tourism industry. So why not here?
One of the biggest untapped resources in the north-east is the creative and arts sector. We have so much talent in areas from dance to theatre, music to comedy, both on stage and off – and that includes film and television.
Crow House Projects recognises that and has a passion for making that dream of an Aberdeen-based film industry a reality, starting with nurturing the young talent already here, keeping it here and growing something special.
It’s a dream we should all share – and support – so if the next Steven Spielberg starts life in the north-east he or she won’t have to travel elsewhere to find their way into the spotlight.
Scott Begbie is a journalist and editor, as well as PR and comms manager for Aberdeen Inspired.
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