JOBSON TO FILM IN SCOTLAND

IN THE latest round of Scottish Screen Lottery Awards for film production five projects have been awarded cash.
John Archer, Chief Executive of Scottish Screen, said: “At their latest meeting our lottery committee were able to get behind a great range of projects, all of which will continue the work of building a successful industry in Scotland, and all of which have the potential to make an impact far beyond our shores."
Richard Jobson the film producer and journalist, whose career has encompassed several incarnations from popstar to TV presenter will shoot his first feature film as a director in Scotland. Called ‘Sixteen Years of Alcohol’, the film written by Jobson is the story of a young man's downward spiral into drink and violence, told during three periods of his life. Awarded £200,000 from the Scottish Screen Lottery the film is being produced by Stagefilm and Jobson will direct the film.
Ken Loach's latest film, ‘Sweet Sixteen’, the third part of his Glasgow trilogy has also been awarded Lottery funds of £500,000. In ‘Sweet Sixteen’ Liam strives to create a new life in time for his Mother's release from prison. As the countdown begins Liam prepares to risk everything for his dream of a secure home. The film, scripted by Paul Laverty will be directed by Loach and produced by Rebecca O'Brien for Parallax.
Director David Mackenzie who has just finished shooting his first feature ‘The Last Great Wilderness’ has also been awarded £500,000 to make ‘Young Adam about Joe’, a rootless young drifter who finds work on a barge travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The production is by producer Gillian Berrie and Sigma Films with Jeremy Thomas and his Recorded Picture Company.
Craig Ferguson returns to Scotland to shoot his new film ‘All American Man’ which he has written and will direct for Granada Films. This project has also been awarded £500,000. In ‘All American Man’ union rep. Eddie flies to New York to win orders to save the shipyard, but there he discovers love and the real truth of the 'American Dream'.
Also in the Lottery round ‘Ferry up the Amazon’ from Armac Films received £14,000 additional funding to tell the story of an out of work West Highland ferry crew who navigate the upper reaches of the Amazon in a decommissioned vessel to bring hope to the street children there. (CD)