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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
	CALLING HOME [8272] Add to my films For most Londoners, home is here but also somewhere at the other end of a phone line. Calling Home is a gripping portrait of long distance relationships.	Onsite only	2008 sound col
	CALUM NOAH: The Very First Sword Dance [7951] Add to my films Where, when and by whom was the highland sword dance first invented? We think it was danced by Noah's son Calum, when the Ark hit dry land. Calum Noah takes a playful look at the origins of the sword dance, telling a long-forgotten tale from the Isle of Skye.		2007 sound col
	CANDY FLOSS [7530] Add to my films The tragi-comic tale of Flossy the candy floss girl who loses her heart to Luke the Waltzer boy in the fairground. But Bert, the embittered Arcade owner is set to smash her dreams and prove that like candyfloss, love disappears as soon as you bite into it.	Onsite only	1997 sound col
	CANNONMAN [7630] Add to my films Cannonman tells the story of Dafyd, a downtrodden circus performer trying desperately to break free from the shackles of his tyrannical bearded wife.	Onsite only	2005 sound col
	CAN'T STOP BREATHING [7286] Add to my films A delicate portrait of a mother and daughter's strained existence together in the Scottish countryside. A birthday celebration is hampered by a crumbling life that is held together by a daughter's love.	Onsite only	2004 sound col
	CASTLES IN THE SKY [13923] Add to my films A dramatised account of the invention of radar. Scottish meteorologist Robert Watson Watt answers the call when the Air Ministry seeks an invention to help protect Britain. After a successful small scale field test, Watson Watt assembles a team of unproven scientists.	Onsite only	2014 sound col
	CATCHING THE TIDE [7632] Add to my films Photojournalist Colin McPherson has been recording the story of the few remaining salmon net fishermen, the methods and the elements. An illuminating film on a little recognised subject.		2005 sound col
	CHAPLIN'S GOLIATH: In Search of Scotland's Forgotten Star [7527] Add to my films The life and times of 'comic heavy' Eric Campbell, Charlie Chaplin's greatest co-star and collaborator.		1996 sound col
	CHEMICALS AND ILLUMINANTS [9127] Add to my films An experimental film in the form of a riddle by artist Gillian Steel.	Onsite only	1993 sound col
	CHERCHEZ LA FEMME [8100] Add to my films Iconic images of the Parisian woman, as explored through the eyes of Christel, a woman with a very unique perspective.		2004 sound col
	CHILD OF AIR Pilot [8048] Add to my films Trailer made to help raise finances for the psychological horror film "Child of Air". Child of Air is a haunting story of love, betrayal and the dangerous, lingering taste of guilt. Based on the book by Alan Clews.	Onsite only	2008 sound col
	CHILL, a [7975] Add to my films An odd meeting and ensuing series of events between a man and a tramp.		1991 sound col
	CHOIR, the [7287] Add to my films For as long as he can remember Lesley has wanted to be one of the hard guys. Today he starts a new school and this time he might just make it - if only he can resist the lure of joining The Choir…	Onsite only	2002 sound col
	CHOSEN PEOPLE [7875] Add to my films In 1947 the world’s leading photo journalists chose ten families at random for an American Magazine, the Ladies Journal to represent our common humanity in the wake of war. In this film, we’ve tracked down these families throughout the world to learn of their lives over the extraordinary past half century.	Onsite only	2000 sound bwcol
	CHRISTMAS WITH DAD [8266] Add to my films Christmas with Dad follows 22 year old AJ as he and his family prepare for the festive season and the arrival of an eighth child. With remarkable access and insight the film reveals a young man struggling to define his role as a father, haunted by his own childhood and facing an uncertain future.	Onsite only	2008 sound col
	CHURCHILL [13874] Add to my films In the run-up to D-Day in June 1944, an exhausted and depressed Winston Churchill battles with the overwhelming responsibility of sending the Allied Forces to retake Nazi-occupied Europe. Churchill is terrified of leaving behind a legacy of carnage, and must face up to his political opponents and his own generals in order to navigate the Allies to victory. [Synopsis from BFI record- http://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/154591817, last accessed 30/09/21]		2017 sound col
	CITADEL [11153] Add to my films After his wife is killed by young thugs, Tommy is left to look after their newborn daughter and struggle with agoraphobia. His paranoia increases as the gang seem to be targeting him and a local priest warns that they are coming to take his daughter. [synopsis from British Film Institute]		2013 sound col
	CLASSICAL KIDS [7561] Add to my films Classical Kids follows members of the National Children's Orchestra of Scotland through selection and rehearsal to the big night of the concert.	Onsite only	2003 sound col
	CLAY WALL, the [7966] Add to my films A stylized horror film about a young man’s desire to escape himself. Bored by provincial life he concocts a hallucinogenic ointment that causes visions of lycanthropy and tender sexual violence. The film draws on adolescent rites of passage and the history of witchcraft in rural Scotland.	Onsite only	2007 sound col
	CLINGFILM [7545] Add to my films A man and a woman, bound together in an unusual tale of compassion and friendship.		1997 sound col
	CLOSE [7570] Add to my films Close is a short film on the darker side of fatherhood; of paternal love swerving dangerously down the wrong path. The mood is disturbing, violent and blackly comic.		1994 sound bw
	CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE FURRED KIND [7558] Add to my films The lives and on-field antics of those in charge of some of Scotland's most popular football club mascots.	Onsite only	2002 sound col
	CLOSE TO THE BONE [13913] Add to my films Close to the Bone is a short psychological drama that tells the story of Ben, who faces a complex eating disorder that is damaging his relationship with his girlfriend Zoe. At breaking point, he must find a way to overcome the dark and horrific childhood memories of his abusive father, allowing him to take the first tentative steps towards moving his life forward.		2017 sound col
	CLOSER WE GET, the [13876] Add to my films Before it’s too late, a family that never really talked - starts to.		2015 sound col
	CLOUD ATLAS [13907] Add to my films CLOUD ATLAS is a drama based on the novel by David Mitchell. Multiple storylines - set during the distant past, the present and the future - intertwine as people fight for love, justice and freedom with shared values that are passed through the generations.		2013 sound col
	COINCIDE [7927] Add to my films A 10 dollar bill is blown around New York. Where will it finally settle? This piece takes a snapshot of the citizens of New York and the diversity of culture that exists within Manhattan. The story is led along by the dollar bill as it is passed between a variety of people including break dancers, a pickpocket and a prostitute.		2002 sound col
	COLD TAPE [8161] Add to my films An abstract computer generated animation with thousands of colours, textures, shapes and lines (contains stroboscopic material) [Synopsis taken from VHS sleeve notes]		2000 sound col
	COMPELLANCE [5919] Add to my films While clinging to a vertical ice face on a Scottish mountainside, a climber recalls MacLehose, a modern businessman, DIY theorist and aspiring black marketeer.		1987 sound col
	CONQUEST OF THE SOUTH POLE, the [7910] Add to my films Five unemployed young men, bored with their empty lives, decide to embark on a fantasy adventure. They start off on their journey in their own back yard in Leith, Scotland.		1989 sound col
	CONTORTED HAZEL [7969] Add to my films Marion and her 10 year old son, Stuart, look after an old National Trust property while it is closed over winter. Stuart draws his nightmares on scraps of paper that he then collects in jars. A jar is broken, the nightmare escapes and stalks both mother and son.	Onsite only	2006 sound col
	CONTRACT, the [7064] Add to my films Comedy. A man, sickened by modern sexuality, seeks solace in Leopold Von Sacher Masoch’s 19th Century novel, ‘Venus in Furs’. Obsessed with acting out his fantasy, he puts himself in the care of a female psychiatrist and begs her to abuse him in order to cure his fantasies.		1995 sound bw
	CONTROL [8194] Add to my films Trouble at the message centre leads to disaster for the entire race when a mechanical breakdown forces the man at the controls to think and act independently.		2000 sound col
	COOK'S TOUR, a [7519] Add to my films This bleak November, top Indian chef Damodharan Rangafamy leaves the heat of his Madras kitchen - for the windswept Inner Hebrides.	Onsite only	2003 sound col
	CORNER SHOP, the [7524] Add to my films A film crew spend a day documenting an episode in the life on an ageing Asian shopkeeper. As the day unfolds, something is revealed, which may hold the key as to why the corner shop is fast approaching its imminent demise.	Onsite only	2006 sound col
	CORPSICLES [8238] Add to my films Alan aspires to be a human popsicle…literally. For this film is about the weird and wacky world of cryonics. Instead of burial or cremation get yourself put in a freezer, wait a few hundred years, get defrosted and off you go. Just keep your fingers crossed there’s not a power cut.	Onsite only	2008 sound col
	COSMO'S COSMIC PICTURE HOUSE [8227] Add to my films Young film makers are let loose at the Glasgow Film Theatre to create this animation of fun goings on at Cosmo's Cosmic Picture House!		2001 sound col
	COULROPHOBIA [7609] Add to my films A paranoid delusional man, with an extreme fear of clowns enlists the help of an incompetent psychologist. The outcome never looks promising.	Onsite only	2006 sound col
	COWBOYS AND INDIANS [7288] Add to my films There's no such thing as problems, only opportunities. That's the philosophy of Harry Grimshaw, the hapless manager of a working men's club on the outskirts of Glasgow. Harry's philosophy is put to the test when he arrives for work one evening and finds the club has been double-booked for a group of country and western enthusiasts and an Indian birthday celebration...		2002 sound col
	CO-WORKERS [8502] Add to my films Co-Workers examines the disastrous relationship between two conflicting characters, Bob and Mike, within their small confined working environment. What follows is a mis-matched pair engaging in wacky cartoon carnage and office pranks.		2006 sound col
	CREATURES OF LIGHT [7876] Add to my films Set in the 1850s on Scotland's Isle of Mull. About the development of a relationship after partially lame Fionn takes in Eilidh after she washes up half-frozen in a boat with her hands bound.		1992 sound col
	CREELING [13914] Add to my films An ardent fourteen-year-old girl has a crush on a local lobster fisherman in his mid twenties. They go out creeling together and she discovers the attraction is mutual, sexual tension simmers below the surface as they navigate difficult terrain and ultimately both are confronted by the full implications of their desire.		2017 sound col
	CRIME OF EPHEMERA [7984] Add to my films A moody piece of black and white filmmaking which tries to piece together the puzzle of Smolke the bookseller in Prague and a tale of alchemy, death and dreams.		1995 sound bw
	CROW MOON [7621] Add to my films A flock of roosting crows, black as night themselves, are threatened by the advancing shadows at dusk. They need light for protection so with the help of the Raven Chief they take a piece of the sun and use it to save themselves from the darkness.	Onsite only	2006 sound col
	CRUDE PROGRESS [7684] Add to my films What will life be like when the oil runs out? Part document of the past, part imagination of the future, Crude Progress charts the rise and fall of the oil industry in the Orkney Islands.	Onsite only	2004 sound col
	CRY FOR BOBO, a [7569] Add to my films Frantic knockabout tragedy as Bobo is sent to clown prison for a daring but silly crime.		2001 sound col
	CRYSTAL SHIP: Floating Down the Unconcerned River, the [7559] Add to my films A documentary about the celebrated people’s artist George Wyllie's plans to build a major artwork for the city of Glasgow across the mouth of the River Kelvin. The programme questions attitudes towards the future use and potential of the river for the people of the city.		2003 sound col
	CUILLIN RISING, a [21364] Add to my films In a remote corner of Skye, teenage lovers Sorley and Maggie awkwardly try to fall in love as they’re stalked by the haunting presence of Sorley’s father. Arrested by his presence and their feelings for each other, the couple seek to escape where a Cuillin rises from the sea. [Source - DigiCult]		2011 sound col
	CUTTING LOOSE [21018] Add to my films “I’m trusted with a pair of scissors and I’m in here for murder”. A fascinating snapshot of prison life in the build up to the annual Scottish Prison Service hairdressing competition. Winning the coveted prize is the ultimate goal, but Francis, the current champion has other aspirations on his mind. [Source - DigiCult]		2011 sound col
	DADDY'S GIRL [7289] Add to my films In this bittersweet rites of passage tale, Teenie is left outside the pub by her wayward Father and becomes prey to the whims and fancies of passing strangers.		2000 sound col
	DADDY'S GONE A-HUNTING [7531] Add to my films A modern fairytale. Eleven year old Gemma is a captive, like the animals which fill the menagerie which is her home.	Onsite only	1994 sound col