Scotland is Now

Creative development and production of four branded films, showcasing Scotland's unique landscapes and people.

We worked with BBC Storyworks on a campaign for BrandScotland. The campaign aims to showcase Scotland as a great place both to live and do business. With director Nicholas Afchain and a top crew, we produced four short films focusing on a range of different people and landscapes, reflective of 21st-century Scotland.

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Scottish Adventure: Built by community

The first film focuses on elite downhill mountain bike racer Mikayla Parton. Mikayla grew up in Fort William, Lochaber. Fort William is one of Scotland's most scenic towns, lying between the iconic mountain Ben Nevis and the banks of Loch Linnhe. Mikayla's film captures not just the adrenaline-inducing aspects of downhill riding but also the importance that the sport plays in the local community, and how special it is to ride in such an incredible landscape.

These shoot days were somewhat challenging in terms of dealing with the weather conditions typically associated with the Western Highlands in February, but fuelled by great coffee (thanks, Highland Soap Company) and team spirit, and with our gear sufficiently weather-proofed, we captured some really beautiful footage.

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Scotland's food: Inspired by the land

Our second shoot was with Pam Brunton and Rob Latimer at their restaurant, Inver, located at the northwest of the Cowal Peninsula on the shores of Loch Fyne, Argyll. Inver recently became one of the first recipients of the Green Michelin Star. Green stars are awarded to restaurants in recognition of their sustainable gastronomy and for playing a role in the conservation of resources and the protection of local biodiversity.

It was genuinely inspiring to speak to Pam and Rob and learn about their inspiration in setting up Inver. We got a real sense of their irrepressible passion for gastronomical invention in an environmentally responsible way and learned how they make the most of the rich food resources available in their local area. Pam treated us all to a delicious lunch, but we'll definitely be going back to eat at the restaurant.

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Scotland’s culture: Born from passion

Leaving Inver, we headed back to Edinburgh, where we caught up with Rachel Lu, aka LVRA, an up-and-coming singer and music producer. Rachel was born in Scotland to Chinese parents, and her music reflects her roots and intellectual curiosity. We captured Rachel in many of her old haunts across the city she grew up in, which continues to inspire her.

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Scottish Business: Striving for solutions

The fourth film focuses on DSM's plant in Dalry, North Ayrshire. DSM is a global purpose-led science-based company active in health, nutrition and bioscience. It is one of the largest employers in North Ayrshire, with a total staff of around 500 people producing several products, including Vitamin C and Vitamin B5.

DSM recently announced plans to expand the Dalry site by constructing a new plant to produce Bovaer®, DSM's unique methane-reducing feed additive for cattle. Almost a third of methane emissions come from livestock farming, and reducing methane emissions is one of the best opportunities for slowing global warming. DSM's Bovaer® additive presents a vital contribution to this effort. 

We interviewed Rob de Hooge, the Site Director, and Ashley O'Brien, a Senior Quality Assurance Officer at DSM. Both gave a sense of how exciting DSM is as a place to work, and the opportunities this new plant will continue to offer local people, and the chance to play a part in Scotland's transition to a greener economy.

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The four films are, by nature, very different. Scotland offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunity. It is an attractive destination for those looking to live and work in a dynamic and thriving country. From the bustle of city life to thriving communities in more remote areas, it was a real privilege to meet such brilliant people and to get a sense of the variety of different experiences and opportunities our small country can offer. 

Working on this project reaffirmed our love for Scotland and reminded us that it's too easy to take it all for granted when you've grown up here.

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Credits

Director: Nick Afchain

Executive Producer: Ruth Holland

Edit/Grade: Tim Fernandez

Producers: David Lee and Bartosz Liszka

DoP: Ross Addy

1st AC: Talha Imam

Sound: Bryan Mcintyre and Chris Marr

Runner: Harris Redpath