Christmas is Coming!

By Marc de Launay

It was a pretty tall order for writer Brian Robinson to come up with a short film script that was set only in one location, was darkly funny and yet poignant too; lucky for us that his script 'The Last Noel' did all of that and more.

This script was used for Mediabase's 16mm film training school held in late September 2002; a training scheme kindly supported by Scottish Screen Training, Axis, Lee Lighting, Mandragora Productions and the unstinting work of the staff at Mediabase in Edinburgh.

Basically we were asked to produce a short film with a limited budget, using professional heads of departments as mentors to many keen trainees. How many of the readers of Roughcuts dread that phrase 'short film with a limited budget'? But these are sometimes the most rewarding productions for everyone involved.

The trainee feedback shows that this was an extremely successful and informative training scheme which Mediabase hopes to continue. Indeed some of the trainees were recommended for professional crewing immediately following 'The Last Noel' film shoot and will be taking positions on Cineworks films and features currently in pre-production. Everyone involved (mentors, volunteers and trainees alike) worked extremely hard and hopefully will be rewarded not only in practical training, but also with the bonus of collaborating to produce a short film worthy of their efforts and abilities.

'The Last Noel' is likely to be shown at Mediabase's short film monthly showcase 'The Blue Room' at the Cameo in Edinburgh before Christmas.

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