Little Pictures:
Nurturing new and diverse voices in Scotland’s film industry
How does Scotland’s film and tv industry attract new and diverse talent to better reflect Scotland through stronger representation?
Glasgow-based film and TV charity GMAC saw the need for an entry-level micro-budget short film talent development programme that would provide a strong stepping-stone for talent from underrepresented groups from across Scotland and in 2020 launched Little Pictures.
Little Pictures, an annual programme, nurtures new talent to make their first funded film in fiction, documentary, animation or experimental genres. It encourages new filmmakers to develop their voice, take creative risks and will help to kick start and develop diverse film talent from across Scotland.
Listen as Kieran Howe explains the importance of Little Pictures
The first year of the programme in 2020 received over 200 applications and was able to support eight commissioned projects with 50/50+ commissions by women with the projects spanning fiction, documentary, animation and experimental film:
Ana Songel – I Miss Hugs (Animation)
Lipa Hussain - The Interpreter (Fiction)
Strath Martin – Unseen (Fiction)
Matthew Hickman - Stop the World (Fiction)
Caitlin McMullan - First Step: Swim (Experimental)
Helen Cuinn - The Queens Speech (Experimental)
Amparo Fortuny - The Way I Welcome You (Documentary)
Maria Craig - Killing Myself Laughing (Documentary)
The Little Pictures programme includes training, workshops, masterclasses, work experience placements and 1-2-1 career development sessions.
Despite the very challenging conditions 2020 presented for filmmakers, production was able to safely start on most films in the late summer, with each filmmaker matched with an experienced producer to help realise their creative vision.
“I’m living proof that it’s never too late to do whatever makes your heart sing. When I retired, I studied Film and Media and now enjoying making a short documentary thanks to the support of Little Pictures.”
- Little Pictures 2020 participant Maria Craig
“I was introduced to GMAC Film 25 years ago and thank goodness, as it was pivotal in determining my pursuit in filmmaking when back then it was seen as an unrealistic career option.
Little Pictures is such an important scheme for early entrant filmmakers to see them grow and develop their voice in storytelling and for me the most important part is seeing them realise their talent and to have self-belief to continue following their filmmaking journey and careers.
To see this happen fills me with pride.”
— Wilma Smith, Filmmakers Programme Manager, GMAC Film
Led by renowned film and tv producer Paddy Higson, the mission of GMAC Film is, as it has been for nearly 40 years, to promote equality of opportunity for all; inclusive of ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, gender, age and disability. GMAC believe that by removing barriers to participation they can contribute to the gradual and genuine increase in the equality, diversity and inclusivity of the screen and other creative sectors in Scotland.
GMAC Film aims to tackle inequality of opportunity by working with people from communities currently under-represented in the arts. They work closely with a wide range of partners to ensure that our opportunities reach the people who need them most.
GMAC Film seeks to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in projects free at the point of delivery so that low income is never a barrier to taking part, giving confidence, knowledge and ambition to those who become involved, allowing each voice to be heard.