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National Library of Scotland

Biography of 'Scottish Screen Collection'

Publicly funded film collection

In April 1997, the Scottish Film Council, Scottish Screen Locations, Scottish Broadcast and Film Training and the Scottish Film Production Fund merged to form the non-departmental government body Scottish Screen. Creating a ‘one stop shop’ for the screen industries was important and built on the momentum of success stories such as Braveheart (1995), Rob Roy (1995) and Trainspotting (1996). Scottish Screen had an ambitious remit - concerned with cultural and educational access to screen heritage as well as the business and resourcing of film-making in Scotland.

As the parent body of the Scottish Screen Archive, Scottish Screen had an obligation to preserve films funded from the public purse, particularly relevant now distribution of Lottery funds was its responsibility. Although funding arrangements existed between its predecessor bodies and other organisations (eg. broadcasters), Scottish Screen also introduced a clause in production agreements that provided for a copy of the finished work to be deposited for archival preservation.

In 2007, the Scottish Screen Archive transferred to the National Library of Scotland, and with it, the responsibility to continue collecting film, video and born digital work. Scottish Screen transferred their former distribution collection and back catalogue to the Archive, much of which was earlier work not covered by the new arrangements. This diverse collection of modern Scottish film production now promises to grow in partnership with Creative Scotland from 2010 and far into Scotland’s digital future.

The collection contains creative and factual documentary, experimental artists film, video dance, animation, comedy, horror, drama …. They include films made by people of all ages, some featuring Scottish actors ‘before they were famous’, and there are plenty of lesser-known titles to explore, eg. THE EVANESCENT HERB GARDEN OF DEATH (1993)

Dating from the early 1980s onwards, such works have generally been made through a variety of funding and training initiatives. Scottish Screen and its predecessor bodies ran such schemes in collaboration with partners, ensuring vital broadcast and theatrical exposure for new filmmaking talent.

First Reels (1991 - 1999), in collaboration with Scottish Television, offered small financial incentives (£50 - £2000) but more importantly, hands-on experience and exposure. The scheme proved a springboard to greater things for talent such as Peter Mullan, David Tennant and Hannah Robinson, yet supported community groups (Pilton Video, Castlemilk Elderly Forum), individual animators, dancers, students and video artists. Prime Cuts (1996 - 1998) followed, encouraging innovative films on 16mm between 5 – 7 min, from documentary to experimental. Graduates of this scheme include acclaimed video dance artist, Katrina McPherson and directors Morag MacKinnon, Justin Molotnikov and Elly M. Taylor. Tartan Shorts (1993 - 1996), Tartan Smalls (2002 - 2005) and the Gaelic language Geur Ghearr (1996 - 1998) - schemes working with with BBC Scotland and Comataidh Craolaidh Gaidhlig - led to short films shown on family television sets across the country, and those same titles distributed to festivals across the world. Amongst this collection is the Oscar-winning FRANZ KAFKA'S IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1993), This Scotland (2002 - 2005) and New Found Land (2000 - 2004) are examples of schemes co-funded by STV and Grampian that produced a variety of productions with longer running times of up to 25 min and a strong emphasis on quality documentary.

Around 2002, a slight shift away from shorts to predominantly Scottish-funded features as well as international co-productions is evident. These range from the hard-hitting 16 YEARS OF ALCOHOL (2003), to the lighthearted STONE OF DESTINY (2008). SEACHD - INACCESSIBLE PINNACLE (2007) is the first feature film in the language of Scottish Gaelic to achieve mainstream cinematic distribution. (The archive holds deposit copies on 35mm as well as HD). International co-productions include SKAGERRAK (2004) and animated THE THREE MUSKETEERS (DE TRE MUSKATERER) (2006).

Aside from the funded schemes, there is much to enjoy. Music video 4 Minute Wonders (2001 - 2003) feature Scottish bands and record labels (Soma, Chemikal Underground). Bridging the Gap (since 2004) remains an intelligent, creative force in Scottish film-making. Scottish Students on Screen (started c. 1999) material ranges from GUID MAN OF BALLENGEICH (2001), made by schoolchildren in Stirlingshire, to COLD TAPE (2000), shown at Tate Britain. Interviews, stills, scripts, and other supporting documentation relating to the films are all kept.

There are just under 700 titles recorded to date. As well as basic content information, much of which has been taken from secondary sources (title, release date, synopsis, director, producer, production company, sponsor), full cast and credits are transcribed directly from viewing the source material. For the first time, the full scope, range and amount of Scottish publicly funded film in the last three decades has been brought together in one searchable set of data – with open public access worldwide.

Due to rights and conditions of deposit, viewings are only offered on National Library of Scotland premises. Requests for a loan, to screen, duplicate or otherwise distribute material in the collection should be directed to Creative Scotland. Permission for such uses will only be given in consultation with rights holders.

This is a work in progress - a constantly evolving collection. The growth of the collection reflects the creativity and talent of those working the screen industries in Scotland. The collection continues to flourish, with new work produced under Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland.

Missing, believed lost?
Gaps in the collection have been identified, and it would be invaluable to find this material and preserve it in the national collection. Representation of earlier work, such as First Reels, is patchy (eg. an interview with the director of a film exists on Betacam SP tape, but the 16mm completed film is nowhere to be seen!) Some films are incomplete or in poor condition and there may still be surviving material somewhere.

Researcher: Ann Cameron

Films associated with 'COCOZZA, Enrico'

Title Release date Film reference Sound Colour Date film record added Date video added Asc Desc
	FANTOOSH [7532] Add to my films A singular old man is torn-faced and broken. In earlier photographs he’s eight feet tall and makes a very poor doormat, affable with the hordes. Now, he’s hit his anecdotage, busy fending off obituarists. His only recourse to dignity is language.	Onsite only	1996 sound bw
	FATAL DISTRACTION [7535] Add to my films Three gangster mice, poker, death and a damp rabbit. A short and funny animation from the makers of The Tree Officer.	Onsite only	2004 sound col
	FEETSTEPS [7495] Add to my films Nick Beattie is not amused. His wife is home alone and heavily pregnant plus he has missed the last train home. Things take an apparent turn for the better when a mysterious man suggests they have a drink.	Onsite only	2003 sound col
	FERRY UP THE AMAZON [7843] Add to my films A former Scottish ferry is set to be filmed on its 2,200 mile journey up the Amazon to the rescue of impoverished street children. The story of Re. Willie McPherson and his six fellow adventurers.	Onsite only	2001 sound col
	FESTIVAL [8121] Add to my films A mercilessly honest take on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the performers who take part.		2004 sound col
	FILTH [13922] Add to my films A corrupt, junkie cop with bipolar disorder attempts to manipulate his way through a promotion in order to win back his wife and daughter while also fighting his own inner demons.		2013 sound col
	FINAL MOVE [7655] Add to my films A quiet, withdrawn boy finds a new use for his role-playing war skills...	Onsite only	2003 sound col
	FINGER TRAP, the [8233] Add to my films The elderly but young-at-heart Wilson Brown becomes stuck in his Chinese finger trap toy whilst preparing an anniversary surprise for his wife.	Onsite only	2008 sound col
	FIRST DAY AT SMITHYCROFT [8405] Add to my films A short film made by secondary pupils at a Glasgow secondary school to help younger pupils with the transition from primary school.		2008 sound col
	FIRST FLUSH OF FEAR, the [8182] Add to my films This documentary, produced by the Quality Contact project with S1 pupils at Menzieshill High School, is aimed at allaying the fears of secondary school felt by P7 pupils.		2000 sound col
	FIRST IT'S DARK [7074] Add to my films When I was younger I thought there was a secret, something that only the grown ups knew, and then one dark day the secret was revealed to me and suddenly the world wasn’t safe any more.		1998 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Avie Luthra, Family Business [8543] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Avie Luthra, concerning his short film A FAMILY BUSINESS, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: David Sheerin, 3 Things For Bikers [8097] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director David Sheerin, concerning his short film 3 THINGS FOR BIKERS, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Duncan Nicoll, Bird of Paradise [8537] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Duncan Nicoll, concerning his short film BIRD OF PARADISE, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Edward Davey, King of Glory [8093] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Edward Davey, concerning his short film KING OF GLORY, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 8018]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Edward Davey, Learning To Care [8094] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Edward Davey, concerning his short film LEARNING TO CARE, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 8017]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: John Collin, Cherries [8095] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director John Collin, concerning his short film CHERRIES, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.	Onsite only	1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Lucy Enfield, X in Scotland [8531] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Lucy Enfield, concerning her short film X IN SCOTLAND, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Mark Torrance, The Animator [8135] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Mark Torrance, concerning his short film THE ANIMATOR, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 8134]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Michael Kelly, Serious Fun [8212] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Michael Kelly, concerning his short film SERIOUS FUN, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 8003]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Penny Dolan, Off Your Trolley [8211] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Penny Dolan, concerning her short film OFF YOUR TROLLEY, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Peter Mullan, Close [8210] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Peter Mullan, concerning his short film CLOSE, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 7570]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Peter Paterson, Rutherglen Day Nursery Environmental Project: That's Recycling [8533] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Peter Paterson, concerning his short film Rutherglen Day Nursery Environmental Project: That's Recycling, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Saul Metzstein, The Piper [8539] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Saul Metzstein, concerning his short film THE PIPER, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Stephen Chester, Evanescent Herb Garden of Death [8098] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Stephen Chester, concerning his short film THE EVANESCENT HERB GARDEN OF DEATH, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 7948]	Onsite only	1993 sound bwcol
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Steve Pang, Spaces [8096] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Steve Pang, concerning his short film SPACES, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 7977]	Onsite only	1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Tale of the Persistent Poacher [16638] Add to my films Producer Gavin Turnbull, and lighting/cameraman Andy McLeod, speaking about their film TALE OF THE PERSISTENT POACHER, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television First Reels scheme. This is the raw footage from the interview in the pub.	Onsite only	1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Andrew Wishart, Faith [8089] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director (?) Andrew Wishart, concerning his short film FAITH, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.	Onsite only	1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Brian English, Muirhouse Gala '93 [8538] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Brian English, concerning his short film GALA '93, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Bust [8542] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Suzanne Morrow, concerning her short film BUST, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television First Reels scheme. [Some miscellaneous traffic and street scenes around Edinburgh City Centre at end of tape]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Chris Byrne, Sensoria [8099] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Chris Byrne, concerning the short films produced as part of SENSORIA, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.	Onsite only	1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Dave Sutton, A to B to Y to Z [8536] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Dave Sutton, concerning his short film A to B to Y to Z, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Elsie Mitchell, Dangerous Game [7983] Add to my films Raw interview footage with Elsie Mitchell, concerning her short film DANGEROUS GAME, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 7982]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Gary Scott, Michaelangelo's Robocop [8091] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Gary Scott, concerning his short film MICHAELANGELO's ROBOCOP, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Gillian Steel, Chemicals and Illuminants [8090] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Gillian Steel, concerning her short film CHEMICALS AND ILLUMINANTS, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Hannah Robinson, Relax [8081] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Hannah Robinson, concerning her short film 'Relax', made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref 8046.]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Heather Banks, Profanity Speaks Louder [8534] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Heather Smith, concerning her short film PROFANITY SPEAKS LOUDER, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Inigo Garrido, The Phone [8207] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Inigo Garrido, concerning the film THE PHONE, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Jim McBride, Lunik [8082] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Jim McBride, concerning his short film LUNIK, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 7990]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Kenneth Simpson, Buzz [8092] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Kenneth Simpson, concerning his short film BUZZ, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. [see also ref. 7988]		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Kevin Cameron, Shoot the Refugees [8209] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Kevin Cameron, concerning his short film SHOOT THE REFUGEES, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Leonie MacMillan, Ship of Fools [8532] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Leonie MacMillan, concerning her short animated film SHIP OF FOOLS, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Martin Morrison, Please Stop [8084] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Martin Morrison, concerning his short film PLEASE STOP, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme. See also ref. {7799}		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Sarah Tripp, Weather Vain [8208] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Sarah Tripp, concerning her short film WEATHER VAIN, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Susan Montford, Hairpin [8083] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Susan Montford, concerning her short film HAIRPIN, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS INTERVIEW: Victor Quayle, Why Aren't You Dead Yet? [8530] Add to my films Raw interview footage with director Victor Quayle, concerning his short film WHY AREN'T YOU DEAD YET?, made under the Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television's First Reels scheme.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS OPENING TITLES / STINGS [8540] Add to my films Opening titles and stings for Scottish Film Council and Scottish Television First Reels scheme., 1993.		1993 sound col
	FIRST REELS: Colin Young, Presenter and Some Scissor Stings [8541] Add to my films Colin Young records introductory and summing up sequences for three programmes broadcast on Scottish Television, as part of the First Reels showcase of new Scottish film-making talent. [Final section of tape features 'stings' with close ups of scissors snipping]		1993 sound col
	FIXING LUKA [21355] Add to my films In a ramshackle cottage beside a forest, Lucy and Luka live with their parents. Every day, Luka drives his sister mad as he happily performs obsessive, nonsensical routines with sugar cubes and thimbles. Watching his antics, Lucy thinks her brother is broken but when she’s given the chance to fix him, will she take it? [Source - DigiCult]		2010 sound col
	FLASHER [8125] Add to my films An idyllic day in the park. A man and a woman both caught out when nature calls.... Friendships can start out in the most unlikeliest of places!		1996 sound col